Welcome
We are proud to present our 25th Anniversary logo by Megan Massa, 2019 Bird of the Year artist for the American Birding Association, ABA. The stunning artwork celebrates CVWO's 25 years of wildlife research.
Read the press release about our new artwork and meet Megan Massa in CVWO's newsroom.
SHOP our Cafe Press store for clothing and wares featuring the artwork here.
DIscover cvwo
News Room and Event Calendar
Find out CVWO's latest announcements, newsletter archives and upcoming events!
Support Our Nonprofit Work
Check out our scholarship programs and how you can make a tax-deductible donation
Shop for CVWO Gifts and Wear
Shop our Cafe Press store and find clothing and gifts to share your CVWO spirit!
cvwo wildlife research projects
Annual Kiptopeke Challenge
Join the birding craze! Where else can you enjoy the beautiful outdoors, witness the majesty of migrating birds, and support an important conservation organization all at the same time.
Raptor Research
Since 1977, CVWO has conducted raptor research during fall migration at Kiptopeke State Park located on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Butterfly Research
The Observatory has documented more than 70 species of butterflies and skippers at the tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, where little butterfly work has been previously conducted.
Waterbird Research
The Observatory conducts its own surveys and also helps with those of other organizations to document the movements of waterbirds in coastal Virginia. From climate change to development to commercial fishing to pollution to habitat loss, coastal areas are under pressure.
Songbird Research
The Observatory participates in the study of Prothonotary Warblers, as part of the Virginia Prothonotary Network, monitoring nest boxes in spring and summer by canoe at various sites. This is a species of special concern. See the General Blog for updates about this work.
Education
A major part of the Observatory's mission is environmental education. Seasonal research staff, an Environmental Educator and volunteers provide on-site presentations about our programs and about migration in the Chesapeake Bay area of coastal Virginia.
CVWO Celebrates Our 25th Anniversary
Riding the Wind, by CVWO's president, Brian Taber, is a celebration of birds, birding and conservation. The book - released in honor of CVWO's 25th anniversary this year - features essays, some previously published in magazines. Twenty illustrations by award-winning artist Julie Zickefoose accompany the birding stories inside and the cover art is by CVWO Hawkwatcher, Anna Stunkel. The book is a fundraiser for CVWO.
You can purchase a copy of Riding the Wind with the PayPal link below, or visit local Williamsburg bird stores, Wild Birds Unlimited and Backyard Birder, for signed copies of the book.
Donate Now
We are dedicated to improving the lives of those in our community. Your contribution today helps us make a difference.
