Ruby-crowned Kinglet
January 26, 2023 ©Drew Chaney
Brewster’s Warbler
September 6, 2020 ©Drew Chaney
Ivy Creek is one of Albemarle’s natural areas most popular with hikers and birders, with good reason. This 219-acre preserve offers much in the way of history, both human and natural. ICNA, as it is commonly abbreviated, is located on the historic site of River View Farm, home of the Carr/Greer family, a prominent family in the Black community of Hydraulic Mills that existed here prior to the damming of the South Fork Rivanna River. Much more information about the Carr/Greer family can be found at the website as well as on educational signage on the property. The Ivy Creek Foundation manages the property and has a large map and informational kiosk at the entrance, and also maintains the barn and an educational center for use in various programs. For the birder, ICNA’s mix of woodlands, fields, and edge habitat is a boon for migrating passerines. The paved trail, south field, and area around the feeders and barn, as well as the Peninsula Trail, are all very productive in both migrations. The Peninsula Trail also offers views of Ivy Creek and the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, where Canada Geese, Mallards, Wood Ducks, and occasionally other waterfowl can be found. Eastern Screech-Owls can also sometimes be found occupying the Wood Duck boxes on this trail. Notable species recorded here include Swallow-tailed Kite (5/2/2003), Tricolored Heron, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Marsh Wren, Evening Grosbeak, Clay-colored Sparrow (4/22/2002), Golden-winged, Mourning and Connecticut Warblers (this seems to be one of the better locations for the latter, though this is likely in part due to coverage).
eBird Hotspot: Ivy Creek Natural Area
—Drew Chaney, February 2023