Observatory Mountain, known locally as “O-Hill,” is a small mountain on the University of Virginia Campus and home to the Leander McCormick Observatory. The 884-foot rise is actually called Mount Jefferson, and it is one of the most visible landmarks in the City of Charlottesville. A minute drive on McCormick Road leads right up to the top of the mountain. There is a small parking area on the right side of the road just before the gate. A system of trails circles the mountain; while lightly travelled, they are still popular with local hikers, joggers and mountain bikers. The observatory, situated in a large clearing at the top of the mountain, is a fantastic place to look for migrant songbirds, particularly in spring. Parking in the lot on the north side of McCormick Road at the lot at the top of the hill is advisable, though one can walk up from the pull-offs on the drive up. It’s possible to walk all the way around the clearing, though do mind the private residence on the southwest side of the observatory.
The best birding at Observatory Mountain is undoubtedly from mid-April till the end of May, during peak neotropical songbird migration. A well-timed visit coordinated with favorable winds the night before can yield incredible diversity and good numbers of migrants moving through the clearing in the early morning hours. It’s often worthwhile to arrive before dawn to listen for flight calls, and to get early birds dropping in for the day. On the right day, flocks of dozens and even hundreds of warblers and other migrants descend on the hill. At times, the dawn chorus is nearly deafening, and individual songs can be difficult to discern. Not every day is so productive, but slow mornings during spring migration are rare. On a good day, it seems hardly necessary to walk more than a hundred yards around the Observatory. Flocks tend to move through the clearing in waves during the early morning hours, and gradually trickle downslope as the morning progresses. The birds often forage high in the deciduous trees, but don’t neglect the low vegetation in the clearing and down the powerline cut. The large cherry tree on the east side of the observatory generally has ample tent caterpillars and should be thoroughly checked for cuckoos. Black-billed Cuckoos are quite regular at this site, and up to three have been counted in this tree at once. Later in the morning after things have moved down the hill a little, try walking the road down the mountain and hiking the trails. This can also be a good way to get thrushes and other ground-dwelling species in the woods.
Thirty-two wood warbler species have been reported here, and it’s not entirely unreasonable to expect all of them in one spring season. Uncommon species such as Nashville, Cerulean, Blue-winged and even Golden-winged Warblers can be found with consistency. All expected vireos, thrushes, orioles, tanagers, and buntings are found with regularity. Fall is often quieter, though rarer migrants such as Olive-sided and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher have occurred here in recent years. Always remember to keep an eye on the sky, as flyover finches, swallows, and others are frequent. Oddball flyovers such as American Bittern, Dickcissel and even Anhinga have occurred, so be sure to keep an open mind outside of warblers!
Owner/Manager: University of Virginia (Leander McCormick Observatory)
eBird Hotspot: Observatory Mountain
—Baxter Beamer, March 2021