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Return of the RVA Osprey Cam

Don’t let this news fly over your head. Get an inside look at the dramatic, awe-inspiring + occasionally silly lives of our local ospreys.

An brown and white patterned Osprey flies, wings spread, in a clear, blue sky.

Although sometimes referred to as “river hawks,” ospreys are neither hawk nor eagle, despite similar predatory features like hooked bills and long talons. | Photo by Bill Draper

Your next fav reality show

Richmonders, schedule your viewing parties now — the RVA Osprey Cam is back. Friends of the James River Park announced the return of this bird-starring livestream last week after taking a season off due to technical issues and high river water.

“It’s like watching a live feed from someone’s living room,” says Toolen Meyer, Environmental Educator with James River Park System. “You can watch them coming and going, feeding the kids dinner, housekeeping, creating new life, etc. — they’re also the only Richmonders who haven’t experienced rent increases.”

These ospreys fly back from their southern vacay to settle on the James every spring. Improved camera tech and night-vision lenses ensure that folks will get all the best footage of this niche local reality series, and you may even catch a few other wildlife cameos along the way.

Should we call Andy Cohen to host an end-of-season recap episode? Should we stream it at The Byrd?

A white camera device with a black, domed lens is attached to a pole. Behind the camera is the James River.

The RVA Osprey Cam first went online in 2017 and sits on an abandoned bridge pilling in the James. | Photo by Friends of the James River Park

The team has mentioned that there may be some initial buffering as the camera adjusts. Don’t throw your electronics across the room. The livestream is slated to run smoothly within the week, and you will get your glimpse at the daily lives of this charismatic wildlife species. Get ready to grab some popcorn + tune in.

More live cams

We’re so excited about the return of the RVA Osprey Cam, but if you ever want to switch up the program, check out these other local and regional wildlife livestreams.

Live James River View | via Friends of the James River Park.

Richmond Falcon Cam | via Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Shenandoah National Park Webcams | via Shenandoah National Park.

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