Still Meadow Fields, post burn
April 2022 ©Drew Chaney
This is a large area of fields and riparian edges along the Rivanna River, located north of the Still Meadow development. The river here is a fairly reliable location for Common Mergansers, and there are many brushy areas ideal for sparrows. The trail system wraps around a large mowed field and runs along the edge of a sod farm on the west edge. The sod farm has looked promising for shorebirds, but so far has only attracted Killdeer and Wilson’s Snipe. Swallows flock to this field in migration, with every species being recorded. Formerly, this field was used for hay and was a reliable location to see Bobolinks. There is also a trail that runs around the north edge of the sod farm field which connects to the farm entrance at the end of Dover Court, which allows for viewing of more of the river and sod field, as well as some swampy woods. A pond located between River Inn Lane and Dover Court can be viewed from both this trail and a spur trail off the River Inn Lane entrance, at the bottom of the hill, and the dam can be traversed easily at normal water levels. This pond has hosted a few species of ducks, and is worth checking for wading birds in the summer. A yard backing up to this pond is home to a small active colony of Purple Martins. The trail along the river is one of the best spots to look for migrating Empidonax flycatchers (more info here), with multiple records of Alder as well as Willow and Least. American Woodcocks also have been observed displaying from the large field. Lastly, a railroad trestle at the east end has been home to nesting Common Ravens for many years. Regionally uncommon or interesting species recorded at this location include Common Goldeneye, Willow and Alder Flycatcher, Bank Swallow, and Mourning Warbler. A remarkable count of 38 Vesper Sparrows was observed on 3/31/2022 (checklist here) after the fields accidentally burned, suggesting that prescribed fire would only serve to increase the quality of this location for sparrows!
The trails can be accessed from a point opposite the Still Meadow Clubhouse at the intersection of River Inn Lane and Pheasant Crossing, by walking down the sod farm driveway at the end of Dover Court, or by walking the Rivanna Trail from Belvedere northwest past the railroad trestle. The first access point is certainly the most convenient, although there are “for residents only” signs posted. I (the author) have parked on the street and accessed these trails from here countless times without any issue, so you are unlikely to be bothered.
eBird Hotspot: Still Meadow Trail
—Drew Chaney, February 2023