We've had a very successful season on our 2015 Blackwater NWR Osprey Cam. We recently held the annual Osprey Chick-Naming Contest, and Paula Henry of Gambrills, Maryland was our winner with the names "Flight and Feather." The chicks are now flying, and you can see them practicing their takeoff and landing skills on our Osprey Cam page.

As fall approaches, Blackwater NWR will begin its monthly bird walks at the Refuge. The free bird walks are led by expert birders and start at the Visitor Center. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar to find out when future bird walks are scheduled. The fall months are often the most exciting at Blackwater Refuge with large numbers of eagles and waterfowl visible as the season progresses.

The Friends of Blackwater are offering scholarships to students who are pursuing careers in fish and wildlife management, environmental education and science, and related fields. Scholarships are available to students whose home residences are in Maryland and will be entering their junior or senior year or a graduate program at the end of their present college term. Visit the Friends of Blackwater Scholarship page to learn more and to download an application.