Port Royal Landing is a publicly accessing boat launch and fishing pier that sits at the end of King Street, a location that has had a public pier since as far back as the 1700s. This point provides an excellent vantage of the Rappahannock River right about where it widens from a mere trickle to a more substantial river. As such, this can be a particularly productive spot to scope the river. In winter, this a good spot to see diving ducks including large rafts of Ruddy Ducks and Aythya, sometimes including Canvasback and both scaup. Groups of Common Merganser are also often along the river here. While some of these ducks are right off the fishing pier, often the large rafts can be quite distant, and a scope is a huge plus at this spot. Occasionally the river will draw huge flocks of gulls totaling into the hundreds or more. In winter, these are mostly Ring-billed Gulls, but diligent scanning could net a Herring or better. In spring, especially April and early May, this might also be a good spot to look for groups of Bonaparte’s Gulls following the river north. While the Rappahannock does not quite have the might of the Susquehanna or Potomac, perhaps it experiences smaller-scale movements of Bonaparte’s that could bring rarer hooded gulls. In summer, the main draw here is the Cliff and Barn Swallows that nest under the Rt. 301 bridge. At the end of summer, check the river for swallows staging before heading south, and you may luck into a good species diversity, perhaps including a Bank Swallow or two. Bald Eagles are present along the river at all times of the year, while Osprey begin arriving in March and stay through the summer. Apart from waterbirds, this spot offers little else, but there is enough vegetation around the parking area to attract a feeding flock in winter. As at any riparian location, it is always worth a few extra minutes to work a winter flock here on the off-chance of finding an overwintering warbler, or other rarity.
Accessibility: This facility is operated by the Town of Port Royal, and is open to the public from dawn to dusk. There is a wooden fishing pier, as well as launch facilities for non-motorized boats. Parking is somewhat limited, but there is a paved lot with room for about six vehicles, and the lot is rarely full. There is also a designated handicapped parking area. Other facilities are scant; there are waste receptacles, but no bathrooms.
Owner/Manager: Town of Port Royal
eBird Hotspot: Port Royal Landing
—Matt Anthony, March 2021