Near Williamsburg in James City County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Ospreys

— Greensprings Interpretive Trail —

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

1. Ospreys Marker

Inscription. Ospreys are a notable highlight of the trail. Their number dramatically decreased to 30 nests on the James River during the 1970s. Unregulated air and water pollution, including the use of pesticides like DDT in agricultural production, decimated local populations. Since then, environmental regulations have enabled Osprey populations to increase a hundredfold. Resident populations along the trail have grown from one nest in 1997 to seven nests in 2000. These nests can weight up to 1000 pounds. Adult Ospreys have yellow eyes, weight 4.5 pounds, have a 6-foot wing span, and can live up to 20 years.

Erected by James City County Parks & Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals.

Location. 37° 14.89′ N, 76° 47.444′ W. Marker is near Williamsburg, Virginia, in James City County. It can be reached from John Tyler Highway (Virginia Route 5) east of Greensprings Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the Greensprings Interpretive Trail. The address given is for Jamestown High School, which includes the northern trailhead

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

and parking area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg VA 23185, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Peninsula,

in Coastal Virginia,

and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Tidewater.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Birds at Greensprings (within shouting distance of this marker); Wetlands of the Greensprings Greenway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ephemeral Streams (about 400 feet away); The Powhatan Creek Watershed (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Bacon's Rebellion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arched Tree (approx.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 14, 2026

2. Ospreys Marker

Marker overlooks the wetlands from the footbridge. Note the illustration is of an Osprey.

0.2 miles away); The Virginia Wilderness (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Governor's Land (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Bacon's Rebellion (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 13, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.