The Walmart Ponds came to the attention of Virginia birders due to the large concentration of gulls which loaf on the ponds, and gulling remains the main attraction at this location. Most of the gulls come from the nearby Tri City Regional Landfill, which means that individuals are frequently cycling in and out of the location. At times, there are almost no gulls on the ponds, but even in these scenarios it is worth hanging around as the birds will sometimes start to filter in. Many of the gulls also like to roost on the roof of the Walmart building, where they are not visible unless flushed. The large concentrations of gulls at this site make it a great spot to search for rarer species, such as Iceland and Glaucous Gull, both of which have been found semi-regularly. There is always the promise of even rarer species, and the most notable thus far is a very surprising Black-headed Gull which visited the ponds several times in 2017. Since late 2019, conditions at this site have changed drastically due to the landfill being closed in October 2019 following repeated environmental violations. As a result, the number and diversity of gulls has dropped dramatically. Consequently, the number of eBird reports at this location has dropped dramatically in 2020. This is not just a reflection of COVID-19 restrictions, as visitation is typically highest in January to March, prior to imposition of restrictions. The habitat around the pond has changed as well, with the banks becoming more overgrown.
Apart from gulls, the ponds occasionally host waterfowl, though often they do not have great numbers or species diversity. Northern Shovelers seem to be on these ponds fairly reliably, but other species are hit or miss. In spite of this, a number of uncommon or rare waterfowl have been recorded, including Common Goldeneye, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, and Brant.
While winter gulling is the main draw, these ponds are worth a quick stop for anyone birding Colonial Heights in spring or summer, when they can be a good spot for swallows. Apart from gulls and waterfowl, one of the more surprising records from this location is a Cattle Egret in late November 2017.
Accessibility: This series of ponds is located in the heart of a heavily developed shopping plaza, so there is ample opportunity for birders to park and view them. As the name suggests, the main pond is adjacent to the Walmart, and parking there is the easiest place to view most of the birds. There is a second pond to the southwest which can be viewed from South Avenue and E. Roslyn Road. For a different vantage point, birders can also park at American Family Fitness. There is also another, more wooded pond behind the fitness center which is mostly obscured, but can be partially viewed.
eBird Hotspot: Walmart Ponds (Colonial Heights)
—Matt Anthony, January 2019; additional edits by Wendy Ealding, August 2020