This location has the distinction of having the largest species total (200 as of Feb 2023) of any hotspot in Albemarle County. The main attraction is the Lickinghole Creek Basin, a good-sized, shallow lake. Impressive though the species list may be, this is a hit-or-miss location, and waterfowl are much less reliable than one would think for a body of water of this size. Canada Geese, Mallards, Green-winged Teal, and Wood Duck are regular (the latter largely absent in winter), but others mainly occur with freeze or storm events. Common Mergansers have recently been seen on the lake several times and may take up residence. The large spit of mud at the west end of the lake is the most reliable place in Albemarle to find Wilson’s Snipe, and other shorebirds can be seen here in migration. Wading birds, Belted Kingfishers, and swallows also find the large, shallow body of water attractive. A pair of Bald Eagles nest in a large white pine across the lake from a small wooden blind. Despite the extensive edge and wooded habitat, this location does not seem to attract large numbers of neotropical migrants the way so many others in Albemarle do. Nevertheless, the easy access to water and location close to the heart of Crozet have long made it a popular destination with Albemarle birders, and that coverage has paid off with records such as Ross’s Goose, Long-tailed Duck, Sandhill Crane, Willet, Black and Forster’s Terns, Snowy Egret, Tricolored Heron, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Evening Grosbeak, American Tree Sparrow, and Connecticut Warbler. The basin can be viewed from a trail system which can be accessed from multiple points in the Western Ridge neighborhood. The closest to the lake is located at 38.0618, -78.6685 (see map). Another access point is at the end of Fairwinds Lane (see map).
eBird Hotspot: Lickinghole Creek
—Drew Chaney, February 2023