Colonial Beach, Virginia, located on the beautiful Potomac River, will host its 5th annual Virginia Osprey Festival in Colonial Beach on April 15, 2023 as they celebrate the return of ospreys from their wintering grounds in South America.  The festival will offer educational presentations for young and old alike.  Featured speakers include:   Bryan Watts, Director, The Center for Conservation Biology, William and Mary Topic – Osprey and the Chesapeake, Mike Callahan, Chief Ornithologist, Caledon State Park topic – Ospreys and Other Raptors , Greg Kearns, Senior Park Naturalist, Patuxent River Park, Maryland Topic  – Ospreys on the Patuxent River, Kathryn Brintnall, President, The International Osprey Foundation, Emily Franc, Vice president of Development/Philanthropy, Potomac Riverkeepers Network Topic – Healthy Water=Healthy Osprey, Healthy Fish   and Healthy Humans.

Price:All Events on Town Hill are Free. Tickets are required for trolley and golf cart tours and presentations at the Fisheries building. Early Bird Tickets available online – Single $10 Full Nest $15; Day of Festival – Single $15 Full Nest $20 Children 12 years and younger are free but must be accompanied by an adult.Time:9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Among our 30 plus exhibitors we are proud to host Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Potomac Riverkeepers, Stratford Hall, Kate Garchinsky, IIlustrator of Belle’s Journey, she will host a book signing, Navy Environmental Team from Dahlgren Naval Base, Dominion Energy, George Washington Monument National Park, and Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge.  There is an opportunity to meet Vega, a Turkey Vulture and a Great Horned Owl!  Karen Brace will be there with on of her adorable Virginia Opossums.  Lisa Barlow will be bringing along her Tortoise!  There will also be 20 plus craft vendors with a variety of food trucks.  Be sure to visit the “Nestlings Corner” where there will be fun and educational activities for children of all ages.  Whether you choose a trolley ride or a golf cart tour, guides will show you many of the 50 plus nests that make up the “Osprey Garden” in Colonial Beach.

Visitors can also hike, bike, or travel by car to take a closer look at ospreys during this mating and nest building season.  Golf cart rentals will also be available with nest maps provided.  There will be bird walks and a wide variety of exhibitors and vendors.  Although the festival is a one-day event, visitors are encouraged to spend the weekend.  The weekend kicks off on Friday, April 14, with a downtown art walk featuring wildlife subjects and live music in the historic district of Colonial Beach.  After the festival on Saturday, enjoy the Grand Ole O’spry Concert hosted by Colonial Beach Brewing.   On Sunday, the Nothern Neck Audubon Society and the Northern Neck Master Naturalists will be leading bird walks at James Monroe’s Birthplace and Westmoreland State Park, you can sign up online or during the festival at the Master Naturalists’ tent.  The Parks and Rec Department is also hosting a kite flying event on Sunday morning on the beach, “Soar like an Osprey”.   Make arrangements early to stay in one of the charming hotels or cottages available in this hidden traveler’s treasure.  We hope to see you there!  For updates on the festival visit:  virginiaospreyfestival.org.