Meandering for about a quarter of a mile along the Mattaponi riverfront through a mix of riparian woods and marsh, the West Point River Walk provides a pleasant, scenic walk the blends natural and human history. The trail winds through an area near the former site of Cinquotek, a village under the leadership Opechancanough, brother of Powhatan. This is believed to be the site where John Smith was taken captive in 1607. The trail itself runs south from Glass Island Road, passing under the Lord Delaware Bridge (VA 33) and continuing west before terminating at a kayak launch near Lee Street. For much of its length it is paved, though for the western third it becomes a raised wooden boardwalk. There are two observation platforms, one of which gives a view of the full expanse of the Mattaponi River, while the other is located on a smaller fork of it.
The trail is favored by walkers, joggers, and cyclists, but it has much to offer from a birding perspective. Typical suburban species are in evidence here, and even a quick walk down the trail will likely build a list with 15 or 20 common species. The proximity to the river sweetens the deal considerably, however, and this can be a good place to look for a variety of waterbirds. In winter, scanning the Mattaponi may turn up loons, grebes, ducks, and gulls. By March, breeding species including Laughing Gulls, Green Herons, and Ospreys will begin to return. Terns are also in evidence in spring and summer, with reports of Royal, Caspian, and Forster’s from this location. Watch for swallows in summer, including the Cliff Swallows that are usually present around the bridge. At all times of year, Red-winged Blackbirds will sing or call from the adjacent marshes. The riparian vegetation here also presents an attractive location for migrating or overwintering passerines. Relatively little effort has been expended here during migration, but it seems a worthy spot. In winter, expect to find mixed feeding flocks with birds like Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, etc. Though not reported from here, this seems like a fine location to find a more uncommon species such as an Orange-crowned Warbler, or perhaps even an overwintering passerine or a true rarity.
Owner/Manager: Town of West Point
eBird Hotspot: West Point River Walk Trail
—Matt Anthony, August 2020
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