Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, established in 1994, that strives to welcome and include everyone in our programs.
Our mission is “Protecting wildlife through field research, education and habitat conservation.”
We conduct and support studies of birds and butterflies and we contribute our findings to databases that share the information with our partners, other researchers, decision-makers and the public. We also share information on our website, Blog, Facebook and monthly eNewsletter.
We have five teams: Songbirds, Raptors, Butterflies, Waterbirds and Education. We also provide small grants to graduate students. Our Board is all-volunteer and we hire seasonal biologists and have a dedicated corps of volunteers and donors.
To learn more, please explore our website and sign up for our eNewsletter.
Click on the logo to subscribe to the CVWO monthly newsletter.
From CVWO President, Brian Taber,
As you'll see in the excellent reports here, it was another great year of data-gathering and public education in the name of conservation. Our Board has been busy evaluating many creative ideas. New is our foray into Morning Flight counts, an approach that is growing with momentum. Fascinating is the technology that allows a Monarch to carry a solar panel...what???!!!
The Team Reports show the dedication of our volunteers and seasonal biologists. and our Conservation Grants highlight terrific non-profit partners. In early 2026, we will be part of an effort, along with Virginia Commonwealth University, to try to solve a mystery with nesting Prothonotary Warbler production at Northwest River in Chesapeake. In spring 2026, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our College Creek Hawkwatch, and then in fall 2026, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kiptopeke Hawkwatch, all made possible by dedicated volunteers and seasonal staff.
Please enjoy our free monthly eNewsletters to keep informed of happenings! We look forward to new partnership opportunities, and we sincerely thank our amazing and generous donors! We couldn't do this without you.
You can reach Brian at this email
Click on the image to read and download the digital version of the annual report.
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.
The Observatory awards grants annually to graduate students studying birds at William and Mary and Old Dominion University, in honor of Bill Akers, Joy Archer, Ruth Beck and Bob Ake.
The Observatory has documented more than 101 species of butterflies and skippers in coastal Virginia, where little butterfly work has been previously conducted.
Since 1995, CVWO has conducted raptor research during fall migration at Kiptopeke State Park located on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
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.
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.
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.
Find out CVWO's latest announcements, newsletter archives and upcoming events!
Check out our scholarship programs and how you can make a tax-deductible donation
Shop our Cafe Press store and find clothing and gifts to share your CVWO spirit!
Download the CVWO Bird Coloring book for free!
Check out Anna Strunkels artwork honoring CVWO's Prothonotary Warbler research projects! You can purchase this beautiful design on many Cafe Press items, including tote bags, mugs, and t-shirts below.
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.
"Brian writes engagingly of his birding life over the years with essays on his experiences in Arizona, Costa Rica and many other places and times and of course, Virginia. Has two cover color paintings by Anna Stunkel, 19 black and white sketches by Julie Zickefoose and a Foreword by Pete Dunne. " Harry Armistead
"I'm proud and glad to be a part of it!" Julie Zickefoose
Thank you for supporting CVWO's wildlife research!
Many species of birds and butterflies across Virginia and North America are in decline due to habitat loss, pollution and other factors. Our paid seasonal biologists and our dedicated volunteers work to solve those conservation problems by gathering data and providing public education. Your donations support that important effort.
Your welcome donations are tax-deductible, and supporters receive our e-newsletters and our annual report.
Support our nonprofit work securely by credit or debit card using Paypal. No paypal account is required. Simply click the Donate button below, enter the amount when prompted, and click "Continue" at the bottom of the page.
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