5th Annual Osprey Festival
It’s hard to believe that Colonial Beach will be celebrating their 5th Annual Osprey Festival in April. It seems like just yesterday people where taking notice of the ever growing population of Osprey in the small river town that sits along the shores of the Potomac River in the Northeastern corner of the Northern Neck in Virginia.
Osprey have been growing in numbers here due to several factors. Being a bird sanctuary Virginia is helping to bring back many endangered or once endangered species of birds and helping Osprey recover from their dwindling numbers back in the 1950 to 1970 when they consumed food that was poisoned with pesticides. Aside from often killing the birds directly the pesticides also caused their eggshells to be thin reducing the number of chicks who survived to adulthood.
Helping to protect these birds of prey and provide nesting sites is one attribute that Colonial Beach residents are very proud of.
To share the success of these birds the town invites people of all walks of life, not just birdwatchers to come and celebrate the new breeding season each year by hosting a festival designed to help folks enjoy these magnificent birds and help kids learn more about Osprey, preservation and how man-made products can negatively impact nature.
On April 15, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The town of Colonial Beach will hold it’s 5th Annual Virginia Osprey Festival In Colonial Beach. The events are hosted by Downtown Colonial Beach and Colonial Beach Greenspace. Events include free activities on Town Hill and a paid guided tour of the nests.
On Friday night, the fun begins with the Colonial Beach 2nd Friday Art Walk. Many of the displays will be bird and wildlife inspired works.
Of Course Saturday is Festival day and Saturday night Colonial Beach Brewing will host The Grand Ol’ Ospry with live music. Other venues in town will also be serving up delicious food and live music as well.
Tickets are Required for presentations at the Potomac River Fisheries Commission Building and for trolley and golf cart nest tours.
The Fisheries Commission keynote speaker will be Dr. Bryan Watts, Director at the Center for Conservation Biology-College of William and Mary. Watts has over 30 years experience with wildlife including Ospreys. Watts is just one of many speakers throughout the day.
Also look out for live raptors and meet a Barred Owl in person. Of course there will be food and refreshments available along with breakfast and lunch.
Free events on Town hill include the Nesting Corner. With a host of events for kids and adults to learn, enjoy and help spark an interest in bird watching. Kids can dissect owl poo, paint birdhouses, participate in Fish Printing and other activities that teach children about nature.
There will be face painting, scavenger hunting and a tank displaying how oysters filter the water to keep our waterways clean and meet an Opossum in person, to learn how they help keep the land clean.
On Sunday, the festival is offering bird walks made possible by the Northern Neck Audubon Society and the Northern Neck Master Naturalists. These walks will take place at George Washington Birthplace Monument Park and at Westmoreland State Park.
Colonial Beach Parks and Recreation, will be holding its kite flying event, “Soar like an Osprey”!
Come on out and enjoy the weekend.
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