Charles City County

One of the original boroughs of Virginia upon its founding in 1619, Charles City County is striking for its sparse population (only a little over 7000 people call it home) and rural landscapes a short distance from the urban center of Richmond. Though often associated with nearby areas on the Lower Peninsula, Charles City is in fact located on a discrete peninsula defined by two major rivers, the James to the south and Chickahominy to the north. The area is steeped in history, and was once home to two future presidents, William Henry Harrison and John Tyler. Although Tyler was born in 1790, he amazingly has two grandchildren still living as of July 2018, including grandson Harrison Tyler, who still lives at the family estate at Sherwood Forest Plantation. Other stately plantation homes dot the length of the county, most still privately held but in some cases open to tour groups. However, these plantations stand as sobering reminders to how slavery once dominated the county’s economic and social structures. In spite of this, Charles City County must also be recognized as the site of a thriving free Black community, now known as Ruthville, which dates back to the pre-Civil War years. There are no incorporated towns, and the county seat is located in the unincorporated community of Charles City.

Charles City's location along two major rivers, as well as its largely rural landscape, makes it a very good location for birding. The most well-known hotspot is Shirley Plantation, a semi-public historic plantation with sprawling grounds that have wood edges, agricultural fields, and several large ponds that can hold an impressive variety of waders, shorebirds, or waterfowl at the appropriate season. However, it is always important for birders to remember that although Shirley has at times been accessible and accommodating to birders, it is still private land and those birding there should be respectful of restrictions on access. Harrison Lake Fish Hatchery is another excellent birding spot, with plenty of interior woodland habitat that can be good for migrant passerines, as well as winter woodland species such as both kinglets, Hermit Thrush, and Brown Creeper. It has a large lake that is sometimes good for waterfowl or grebes in winter, but the real highlight is a series of smaller wet cells which, depending on the water levels, can be good for either waterfowl or shorebirds. On the eastern end of the county, Riverside Turf Farm is a good spot for shorebirds, particularly "grasspipers" such as Upland and Buff-breasted Sandpipers and American Golden-Plover. The turf farm is private, and birders wishing to visit should take care to only view from public roads. Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park offers the best views of the James, and can be a good spot to scope for waterfowl, loons, and grebes in winter, or terns in spring and summer. Beyond these hotspots, Charles City also offers vast swaths of agricultural land, and birders cruising the roads should be on the lookout for field birds such as Eastern Meadowlark, Horned Lark, and American Pipit, as well as scanning wires for potential rarities.

Charles City can lay claim to what may be one of the most extraordinary suites of rarities ever present in one location at one time in Virginia, when the state’s first White-tailed Kite was seen at the same spot as a Scissor-tailed and Fork-tailed Flycatcher on 5 June 1988. Astoundingly, an unidentified ani, considered a probable Groove-billed, was found at the same spot only two days later! Two Roseate Spoonbills in 2017 stayed for several weeks and were enjoyed by many birders, but also stand as an unfortunate reminder about the importance of respecting private land, as poor behavior by birders led to diminished access at Shirley. In December 2020, the state’s long-awaited first Pink-footed Goose was found just outside Shirley Plantation, though unfortunately it was not relocated on subsequent days despite much searching. Other notable records include Sooty Tern, all three phalaropes, LeConte’s Sparrow, Eared Grebe, Painted Bunting, Lark Sparrow, Sandhill Crane, and Greater White-fronted Goose.

Hotspots

Stakeout Hotspots

The following hotspots should only be used to input historical records pertaining to a specific staked out rarity, as indicated in the hotspots names.

• stakeout Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tomahund Plantation (1988)

Amenities

Although Charles City county is located in close proximity to both Richmond and Williamsburg, the county itself is largely undeveloped. The most prominent attractions are the many historic plantation houses that line the James River. While these houses all remain privately owned, many of them are open to visitors, and some even offer overnight accommodations. The county tourism site lists several of the plantation homes that are available for overnight stays.

Dining options in Charles City are also fairly sparse. The Blue Heron Restaurant is located right on the Chickahominy River, serving up seafood and steaks with a nice view that may even allow for some birding. Cul's Courthouse Grill is located in a former general store next to the county courthouse, and is a good lunch spot for sandwiches and burgers. Further west from the courthouse, the recently opened Indian Fields Tavern specializes in locally sourced food and craft beer, with plans to eventually open a brewery on premises.

Christmas Bird Counts

The Hopewell CBC, which has been conducted since 1954, includes part of Charles City County. The count circle also includes the entire City of Hopewell, portions of Henrico, Chesterfield, and Prince George Counties, and a small portion of the City of Colonial Heights.