Welcome to Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
Protecting Wildlife through Field Research, Education and Habitat Conservation for 25 Years
Welcome to Coastal Virginia Wildlife Observatory
Protecting Wildlife through Field Research, Education and Habitat Conservation for 25 Years
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.
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News Room and Event Calendar
News Room and Event Calendar
News Room and Event Calendar
Find out CVWO's latest announcements, newsletter archives and upcoming events!
Support Our Nonprofit Work
News Room and Event Calendar
News Room and Event Calendar
Check out our scholarship programs and how you can make a tax-deductible donation
Shop for CVWO Gifts and Wear
News Room and Event Calendar
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
Annual Kiptopeke Challenge
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
Annual Kiptopeke Challenge
Annual Kiptopeke Challenge
Since 1977, CVWO has conducted raptor research during fall migration at Kiptopeke State Park located on Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Butterfly Research
Annual Kiptopeke Challenge
Butterfly Research
The Observatory has documented more than 101 species of butterflies and skippers at the tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, where little butterfly work has been previously conducted.
Waterbird Research
Waterbird Research
Butterfly 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
Waterbird Research
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
Waterbird Research
Songbird Research
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.
"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
Donate Now
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.
