Occupying just an acre of land, the Tabb Monument is Virginia’s smallest state park. The monument, erected in 1936, commemorates Father John Bannister Tabb, an Episcopal priest and poet who was born in Amelia County. At the monument you will find a manicured lawn with scattered large trees, ringed by a more extensive woodland. Opposite the park across the road is a large field that backs up to a tract of woodland. The birding here is fairly pedestrian, and most of the species encountered are typical woodland and edge birds. In migration, the trees here may be attractive to warblers, vireos, and other passerines on the right day. Listening across the road may allow you to hear open country species including Eastern Meadowlark, Indigo Bunting, and Blue Grosbeak. Red-headed Woodpecker has also been reported here. The trees around the monument are sparse enough that you have a good view of open sky in some spots, making this a place to scan for soaring Mississippi Kites during the summer months (though none have been reported yet). Although the birding here may not be exceptional, there is always the fun challenge of trying to add a new species or two to the hotspot list for Virginia’s tiniest state park!
Accessibility: The monument is located north of Amelia Court House off Grub Hill Church Road (VA 609). There is a small gravel parking lot that can accommodate several cars, but apart from this there are no trails, restrooms, or other amenities.
Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation
eBird Hotspot: Tabb Monument
—Matt Anthony