Island Osprey, Jamestown Island, Virginia

This osprey surveys his domain from the middle of the James River, just off Jamestown Island, the site of the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

Gaggle On The River, Williamsburg, Virginia

The holiday weekend saw many visitors to the beaches and waterways around Williamsburg. This gaggle of geese shared this part of the James River with several speeding boats.

Ebb And Flow, Jamestown Island, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

The ebb and flow of the tide in the James River makes this spot beautiful and unpredictable. The "Island Drive" on Jamestown Island provides a three or five mile drive, ride, walk or run through the woods and over the marshes. The site in the photo is "Black Point" at which you can leave the paved road and walk to the river's edge. Depending on the tide, you will have a large or small beach to navigate. This is about the midway of the tides. Eagles, osprey, deer, turkey and other residents are often seen on the drive.

Archer's Hope Sunset, Colonial Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

 

This spot on the Colonial Parkway, known as Archer's Hope, is a beautiful spot for sunsets, a great beach spot, and a good spot to sit and watch the water. Unfortunately, this tree was destroyed in a storm. It is still a beautiful spot.

James River Sunset, Williamsburg, Virginia

The sunset over the James River created a colorful farewell to the day.

Geese Over The James, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

The Williamsburg area sits in the midst of migratory paths for many birds. These geese were part of a gaggle using the James River for a flight path.

Chestnut On The James, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

On a windy, winter day, the waves on the James River battered the shore under what we believe to be a chestnut tree.

Cormorants Sunbathing, Williamsburg, Virginia

Cormorants bask in the sun on the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry mooring. Passengers see the diving and fishing as they leisurely cross the James River

Paddle Boarding The James, Williamsburg, Virginia

Paddle Boarding the James River is the newest use for the local waterways we've seen. It looks like a great way to enjoy a day on the water without dock fees.

Magic Beaches, Williamsburg, Virginia

The long, narrow beaches on both the York and James Rivers magically appear and disappear with the tide. This photo was taken about midway between high and low tide.

Cypress Trees On The James River, Williamsburg, Virginia

 

The James River is home to many bald cypress trees, like this, that grow in the water near the banks. As the tide changes, more or less of the tree's "knees" show.

Sunset On The James, Williamsburg, Virginia

Sunset over the James River creates a beautiful palette of color.

Riding Tandem On The Parkway, Williamsburg, Virginia

This is an odd time of year for outdoor activities in Williamsburg. Winters here are generally mild but the temperature from day to day can easily vary twenty degrees and even a mild day can suddenly feel brisk within minutes of the sun setting. So, when you catch a day in the 60's, a tandem bike ride down the Colonial Parkway with a break along the James River is one of many perfect choices.   

Flocking The James, Williamsburg, Virginia

A flock of cormorants use the ferry dock as a solar heater along the James River.

Easy Flight, Williamsburg, Virginia

This goose floated just above the James River in search of his flock.

Cormorant Hangout, Williamsburg, Virginia

These cormorants sat on giant pylon to warm themselves in the sun waiting for the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry to load the last car so they can wave goodbye.

River Reflections, Williamsburg, Virginia

The river was almost mirror like on this cool, crisp day with only pockets of movement on the surface.

Waiting for the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry, Williamsburg, Virginia

As you can see, we weren't the only ones waiting for the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry to cross the James River.

Sunset Over the James River from Jamestown Island, Virginia

The sun sets over the James River as seen from the island where Historic Jamestown is located. This is the site where, in 1607, the first permanent English settlement was established. It was the capital of Virginia until 1699. John Smith and Pocahontas are probably the most well-known historic figures from Jamestown. It is also provides beautiful views of the river.

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Jamestown Island Sunset, Williamsburg, Virginia

Historic Jamestown Island, Williamsburg is one of the most beautiful spots to watch sunsets.  We have many wonderful sunset pictures from the island.  The island is the site of the first permanent English settlement in 1607.  Among those settlers was Captain John Smith - and yes, this is the land where Pocahontas lived and met John Smith. Also in this picture you can see the dark outline of the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry that runs day and night transporting people from Williamsburg to beautiful Surry, Virginia.  The drive-on ferry is a free 20 minute ride, and on a good weather day, the veiw is wonderful.   

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