Captain's Quarters Recreation Center

This small park, tucked away in the shadow of I-64, primarily serves the Willoughby Spit area of Norfolk with a rec center, playground equipment, and waterfront access on Willoughby Bay. Though primarily favored by anglers, this park is not without interest for birders as well. The main attraction is the view of Willoughby Bay, though this is somewhat obstructed by the I-64 bridge. In the summer months expect to see Laughing Gulls and several terns, particularly Common and Royal, flying overhead or fishing in the bay. At the base of the bridge there are some sandy banks where it may occasionally be possible to glimpse a heron or egret, or perhaps some shorebirds. Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls are present year-round, and winter brings greater numbers of Ring-billed Gulls (though a few linger throughout the year), as well as the chance for a Lesser-black Backed Gull or perhaps even an Iceland or Glaucous. Scanning the waters of Willoughby Bay in winter is likely to turn up loons, grebes, and an assortment of ducks including Canvasback, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, and scaup. Apart from the waterfront birding, there are also some large oaks surrounding the rec center that could be attractive to migrants, so leave a moment or two to check these for mixed feeding flocks in spring and fall.

Owner/Manager: City of Norfolk

eBird Hotspot: Captain’s Quarters Recreation Center

—Matt Anthony, August 2020

Bay Oaks Park

To those who are not versed in its backstory, Bay Oaks Park in Norfolk may seem like a relatively unassuming city park. Located just a few hundred feet from the waterfront on Shore Drive, the most striking thing about this park is its more than 80 gnarled oak trees, some of which are thought to be over a hundred years old. The park occupies roughly a city block, and offers relatively few amenities apart from a series of gravel walking paths, a few small pavilions, and some playground equipment. It seems that birders, too, visit only seldom, with only four eBird lists submitted as of August 2020. However, all of this belies the fascinating story of how the park came to be, a complex, decade-long tale of community activism and political intrigue.

The saga of Bay Oaks Park began in the 1990s when the City purchased this land as part of a redevelopment project. Formerly, this area was occupied by a hodgepodge of mobile homes and small houses, which the City cleared as part of an effort to develop the land into higher-income housing. However, residents despaired of the impending destruction of the unique trees and pointed to the need for more parkland in this section of the City. As a result, local activists formed the Bay Oaks Park Committee in the early 2000s. Committee members mobilized public support for the park, attending council meetings, collecting over 5000 signatures on a petition, and eventually bringing their case to the state Supreme Court. Ultimately the battle over the park became such a prominent issue that it became partially responsible for the unseating of an 18-year incumbent councilman who was one of the main opponents. Since 2014, the City has spent millions of dollars developing this area into a “passive park,” creating trails and installing restroom facilities and other equipment. The park opened in 2018, and became more widely known following an official dedication ceremony the following year.

As one of the newer parks in Norfolk, Bay Oaks remains to be properly explored by birders. It is an intriguing location, with its many mature oaks offering an unusual dense cluster of large trees in a heavily-developed part of the city. The scant visits thus far by eBirders really haven’t scratched the surface, mostly reporting expected suburban species including pigeons and doves, mockingbirds, starlings, House Finches, cardinals, and House Sparrows. From this writer’s perspective, Bay Oaks Park seems like a very intriguing location to visit in spring or fall migration. Its combination of mature, well-foliated oaks trees, coastal location, and urban green space are all promising indicators that on the right morning, the trees here could be alive with passerine migrants. Perhaps this could even be a spot that someday turns up a rare vagrant in late fall or winter! Alongside familiar suburban species, its proximity to the waterfront means that Bay Oaks Park is a reasonable spot to expect flyover gulls, terns, cormorants, and other waterbirds, though this hardly distinguishes it in Norfolk, which has plenty of other areas that afford better viewing for these species. A 2019 article in The Virginia-Pilot recounting the park’s creation and dedication mentioned that the oaks provide nesting sites for “white herons.” The habitat here seems appropriate for not only nesting egrets, but also Yellow-crowned Night-Herons, a species which has been reported once despite the paucity of eBirding here.

Accessibility: Bay Oaks Park is conveniently located right along Shore Drive (US 60), situated about a block back from the waterfront. As befitting a passive park, the amenities here are fairly modest, but conducive to activities such as dog-walking, jogging, children’s playing, and of course, birding. The park is crisscrossed by a series of well-maintained gravel paths, and there are also a handful of picnic tables and small pavilions throughout. Trashcans are provided, and there are also restroom facilities. In the center of the park there is a set of playground equipment. Free public parking in a cobblestone lot is found on the west edge of the park along 3rd Bay Street.

Owner/Manager: City of Norfolk

eBird Hotspot: Bay Oaks Park

—Matt Anthony

Lake Wright

Conveniently located in the shadow of I-64, abutting the Norfolk Premium Outlets, Lake Wright is an excellent location to bird at almost any time of the year. Though it is almost within spitting distance of the Virginia Beach line, the lake and surrounding area is firmly within the City of Norfolk. The lake is ringed by a walking trail that makes it easily birdable, and provides access to a nice mix of habitats. Naturally, the highlight here is water birding at the lake itself, as well as several of the smaller drainage ponds associated with the outlets. The lake is quite large, and can be a productive spot for waterbirds. In the winter, look for a waterfowl; though relatively few species have been logged to eBird thus far, the lake certainly seems like appropriate habitat for both divers and dabblers. Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, and other species should be possible here. Wood Ducks are resident, and may be encountered just about any time of year. Lake Wright is not far from the coast, and as such, gulls and terns occasionally forage here in the appropriate seasons. Ring-billed Gulls predominate in winter, while Laughing Gulls and occasional Royal Terns can be spotted in spring and summer. Waders are also a possibility, and Black-crowned Night-Herons in particular have been reported semi-regularly from the wooded lake edges. Anhingas have also been recorded here semi-regularly in recent years. There are multiple wintering reports, as well as spring and summer sightings, which suggests that this species, though rare, may be encountered at almost any time. In late summer and early fall, the lake may serve as a staging area for swallows, and just about any species is possible as a migrant.

Though waterbirds are the obvious draw, do not neglect the passerine potential here. The lake is surrounded by woods, which can be quite productive in both spring and fall migration. In summer, breeders such as Red-eyed Vireo, Great Crested Flycatcher, Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, White-eyed Vireo, and more add their songs to the normal chorus of resident suburban species. The lakeside location also makes this a worthwhile location to check for lingering migrants or rarities in late fall and winter. There is at least one record of a November Nashville Warbler, as well as reports of Orange-crowned Warbler, and further coverage might turn up additional species of note. During the winter months, this spot is likely to abound with Yellow-rumped Warblers, as is typical of coastal locations. The surrounding woodlands will also support the typical winter woodland suite, including Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, both kinglets, White-throated Sparrow, and Dark-eyed Junco.

On the northeastern edge, the outlets back up to a defunct golf course. This raises a slight county line issue, as the former golf course is largely within Virginia Beach. Enough of it is within the City of Norfolk, however, that it is possible for county birders to augment their Norfolk list here. As of 2020, some parts of the golf courses are in the early stages of succession and support species like Indigo Bunting and Blue Grosbeak that can otherwise be somewhat local and tough in Norfolk. The former golf course also plays host to a gaggle of Canada Geese, and has several stands of pines that may harbor Brown-headed Nuthatches.

Though Lake Wright is the main body of water (and lends its name to the hotspot), there are also several smaller drainage ponds dotting the area around the outlets. It is common practice to include birds from these ponds on lists at the Lake Wright hotspot. Often the drainage ponds are not especially productive, but they do have exposed edges that are sometimes attractive to migrating shorebirds. Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers are the species most commonly found, but it is worth checking the edges for other species when shorebirds are moving.

Accessibility: Lake Wright is adjacent to the Norfolk Premium Outlets, and as such is easily accessible from the ample free parking at the outlets. The lake is ringed by a paved trail, which can be accessed from just about anywhere on the eastern side of the outlets. There is also a small pier and gazebo on the west side of the lake that provides a sheltered viewing spot. The proximity of the outlets makes this a convenient birding spot to combine with a shopping trip, and the outlets also have facilities including restrooms and a food court with a variety of dining options.

eBird Hotspot: Lake Wright

—Matt Anthony

11th View Street Public Beach Access

The beach access at 11th View Street offers the easiest parking for the far western portion of Willoughby Beach. With the added benefit of relatively little crowding even on nice summer days this can be a great access point for a walk on the beach or a thorough scan of the mouth of the James River with relatively little human disturbance. One advantage of this access is the elevated wooden walkway that terminates at the dune/beach transition. This walkway is an excellent spot to set up a scope and scan the beach and open water. Visible to the northwest is the south island of the HRBT and adjoining Fort Wool/Riprap Island. With its vibrant breeding population of many colonial nesting species (Royal, Gull-billed, Sandwich, and Common Terns, Black Skimmer, Snowy Egret, Laughing and Herring Gulls, American Oystercatcher, and a few other species) leaving to feed in nearby waters during the summer months, patient observation and some luck can yield almost all of these species, some of which are tough in Norfolk.

Offshore waters have the potential to host anything from scoters to grebes to Northern Gannets and several species of gulls. Strong easterlies may even give up summer Wilson’s Storm-Petrels or something even more mouth watering like a Black-legged Kittiwake or Sooty Shearwater.

Perhaps the most prominent feature visible from the beach is the line of rock breakwaters just offshore. These structures are readily used by a variety of species for roosting and feeding, including Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Spotted Sandpiper and several tern species during the appropriate season.

Onshore, the beaches play host to many species typical of the habitat, such as gulls, terns and some shorebirds, particularly early in the morning before beachgoers and dogs arrive. On two occasions Seaside Sparrows have been seen from the beach near this access point. One was photographed foraging in the breakwaters and the other seen feeding in the wrack line and hiding in the dunes.

In the backyard of a house about a hundred yards west of the beach access are several Purple Martin nesting gourd complexes, which host approximately 75 adults.

eBird Hotspot: 11th View Street Public Beach Access

—Nick Newberry

Forest Lawn Cemetery

Nestled between I-64, Oastes Creek, and residential neighborhoods, Forest Lawn Cemetery is a calm, publicly-accessible oasis in northern Norfolk. This hotspot has a wide variety of habitats that show potential to attract a broad assortment of species from waders and hawks to shorebirds and passerines. Interesting species can likely be found here year round. The abundant evergreen vegetation and proximity to water suggest the possibility for unusual overwintering passerines and the water itself may present opportunities for dabbling ducks, which can be challenging to track down elsewhere in the City of Norfolk. In springtime, the mixture of old live oaks, pines, ornamental trees, and mixed hardwoods in this 70+ species arboretum creates excellent opportunities to find various passerines and, given the general built-up nature of the surrounding area, this cemetery may serve as something of a migrant trap. The summer months are under-surveyed, but those reports that do exist paint a picture similar to most other semi-wooded parks in the area, which host species like Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, and Brown Thrasher. Fall promises to be productive for warblers, sparrows, and other passerines. With the open sky and varied habitats, this may not be the worst spot for an October Big Sit.

A few species have been recorded here that have proven tough at other publicly accessible locations in Norfolk. Pileated and Red-headed Woodpeckers have just enough habitat to subsist here, although neither is a gimmee, and while Hairy Woodpecker also comes to mind as a possibility, there is may not be enough continuous woodland habitat for that species, but the jury is still out . Swamp Sparrow can be found during the right time of year in the marshes to the east and north. Savannah Sparrow may be found during migration along any of the roadways. There are several scrubby edges that may be productive for other sparrows during migration and maybe someday Norfolk’s first eBird record of Vesper Sparrow will be recorded here.

Oastes Creek, accessed by an overgrown trail in the northeast corner offers opportunities to see waders, waterfowl, shorebirds, and marshbirds. A Tricolored Heron found here in early April is a good indicator that other waders may also occur here. At low tide mudflats become exposed that are viewable from both this trail and a similarly overgrown trail about 300 yards to the west. This is one of very few areas in Norfolk where tidal mudflats can be viewed from public land. Thus far, Semipalmated Plover, Killdeer, and Least, Semipalmated, Spotted, and Solitary Sandpiper have been recorded here. Beware of poison ivy growing along both trails and throughout the cemetery.

Accessibility: Forest Lawn Cemetery is owned and managed by the City of Norfolk and is free and open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. There is a public restroom onsite. Please be courteous while visiting, as you would at any other cemetery. Use common sense and avoid things like stepping on graves and being noisy while funeral proceedings or visits are taking place. You may park anywhere along the network of roads, but make sure to pull all the way over to the side so that cars and landscaping vehicles can pass by. This cemetery is frequented by local residents and it is common to see walkers and joggers around.

Official Website: Forest Lawn Cemetery

eBird Hotspot: Forest Lawn Cemetery

—Nick Newberry

Ocean View Beach Park

While it has not been fully realized as such, this park provides a phenomenal vantage point for sea watching. The promenade here is raised almost 10 feet above the elevation of the beach which provides a nice sturdy position for viewing birds in the waters of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. In the winter, gulls and waterfowl of all kinds are the stars of the show here. To the delight of many, during the winter of 2020 a first winter Iceland Gull put on a reliably good show here as it foraged and roosted with other gulls on the beach and in nearby waters. Interestingly, the prior winter also produced a first winter Iceland Gull (3/19/2019).

This location is virtually unbirded from late spring through early fall. While large numbers of beachgoers is likely to blame for this, early morning or late afternoon visits here on days with unfavorable beach weather may yield an interesting diversity of terns or migrating shorebirds given enough effort.

Because this beach is east/northeast facing, lighting is best in the afternoons and evenings.

Accessibility: Free parking for this public beach access is located across from the main entrance for the Ocean View Shopping Center. There is parking for approximately 50 cars, including handicap spaces. This park includes a wide, paved promenade that runs parallel to the ocean and should be accessible to those with limited mobility. There is a public restroom here, as well.

eBird Hotspot: Ocean View Beach Park

—Nick Newberry