This is still a month and a half away, but if you’re a birder, it should be on your calendar. On April 28 from 7-10 a.m., good friend Capt. Mike Ostrander and local birder Arun Bose are offering a special birding tour of the tidal James River from where the Appomattox River enters the James and on up toward Jones Neck.

Bald eagles are regulars on the tidal James.

As Ostrander writes: “Experience the thrill of spring migration from the James River. See a magnificent osprey dive down into the river with a mighty splash, interupting the spawning run of a three-pound hickory shad. Or spot a green heron patiently fishing from a rock or log.” And do it all from the JRA, the James River Association’s 40-foot pontoon boat.

Not convinced yet? Here’s another sweetener: “Participants are guaranteed a unique birding opportunity with the addition of a second special guest on board.  Ralph White, recently retired James River Park Manager, will ride along and share some of his observations from the river, only miles from where he spent the last 32 years changing the way the City of Richmond looked out upon the incomparable James.”

The three-hour tour costs $55. Click here to learn more. To purchase your tickets click here.