Virginia Beach pelagic (general location)

This hotspot was created for general data-entry purposes pertaining to pelagic birding trips departing from either Lynnhaven or Rudee Inlets in Virginia Beach. Under nearest point of land accounting, nearly all birds from these trips fall under Northampton County waters, and this hotspot exists as a catch-all for Northampton birds seen on Virginia pelagic trips. The primary use is for historical data entry, particularly in instances where observers only have a single trip list. For contemporary data entry, eBird recommends that users follow their pelagic protocol by entering checklists as one-hour transects and recording distance and GPS coordinates. Please avoid using this hotspot is more specific data entry is possible.

eBird Hotspot: Virginia Beach pelagic (general location)

—Matt Anthony, March 2021

North Arlington Road Fields

These agricultural fields at the corner of Arlington Road and Custis Tomb Drive have a reputation as one of the best shorebirding spots in lower Northampton County. Often planted with potatoes, these fields can be very attractive to shorebirds post-harvest, when they are open, muddy, and prone to flooding. After a period of rain, there are sometimes huge pools of standing water that form in low-lying depressions here. Some of the best birding happens in a month-and-a-half window from late July through early September, when migrating shorebirds are a near-constant presence here. Black-bellied and Semipalmated Plovers, Killdeer, Ruddy Turnstones, and Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers are the most commonly encountered species, with numbers of some reaching the dozens or hundreds. Careful scanning of peep flocks will almost always turn up a few Westerns and Pectorals, while other species such as Sanderling, and White-rumped and Stilt Sandpiper are possible. Both species of yellowlegs are often around, particularly when there is standing water. This area also seems especially attractive to “grasspipers,” with Baird’s, Buff-breasted, and Upland showing up occasionally in fall. American Golden Plovers are fairly regular, and can usually be spotted among the Black-bellieds. There is a record of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper from September 2003. Apart from shorebirds, waders occasionally drop in, particularly Glossy Ibis, and it is worth scanning ibis flocks for White-faced. Sometimes the fields will attract mixed feeding flocks of gulls, especially Laughing, and this is a good spot to watch for Franklin’s Gull. Gull-billed Terns also seem to like foraging over agricultural fields in late summer, so check for them here at the end of August.

Though primarily a fall shorebird spot, these fields are good at other times of year as well. Migrating shorebirds will drop in during the spring months as well, and rainy or foggy weather conditions can produce fallout events. During winter, if the fields are not planted in winter wheat, foraging shorebird flocks of mainly Dunlin and Black-bellied Plovers, but occasionally including other species such as Ruddy Turnstone, Long-billed or Short-billed Dowitcher, or Red Knot, will drop in. Vesper Sparrows also winter fairly regularly in lower Northampton, and these fields are one of the better spots – winter counts of Vesper here sometimes reach the double digits! Flocks of American Pipits and Horned Locks are also sometimes about in winter, and are worth checking for Lapland Longspur or Snow Bunting (if they are close enough to view). Though by no means reliable for them, these fields could also attract Dickcissels during the breeding season.

Accessibility: These fields are private, and birders should not enter the fields without permission from the landowners. The best way to view is from Custis Tomb Drive. Often the shorebirds will be quite close to the road and can be viewed with binoculars from the car. Some of the puddles that form are practically right at the road edge! However, it is always worth getting out and scanning with a scope for birds further out in the fields. Custis Tomb Drive is a low-traffic road, and it is easy to safely pull to the side. Viewing from Arlington Road is tougher, as the volume of traffic is a bit higher here. It is possible to scan from the car, but pulling off here is difficult. Wheat Lane is a private drive, but using the wide entrance as a pull-off is doable provided you don’t block the lane.

eBird Hotspot: North Arlington Road Fields

—Matt Anthony, March 2021

Bay Creek Northern Ponds

This hotspot refers to a section of the Bay Creek gated community highlighted by a large, narrow pond that often has a good assortment of ducks in winter. The pond is nearly bisected by an island, over which runs Bahama Drive. This pond is excellent for ducks throughout the winter months, often holding large groups of Mallard, Hooded Merganser, American Wigeon, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck. Other dabblers including American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, and Blue-winged Teal (in spring and fall) are more occasional visitors. These ponds are also somewhat reliable for Aythya ducks, particularly Redhead and Lesser Scaup. The wigeon here are often very numerous, and worth carefully checking for Eurasian, which has turned up here from time to time. Most winters, this pond also attracts huge goose flocks, which will either sit on the pond or forage on the grassy lawns in this mostly undeveloped subdivision. Again, careful scanning of these flocks is recommended, as Cackling, Snow, Ross’s, and Greater White-fronted have all been recorded here. Among other waterbirds, Pied-billed Grebes are very common here all through winter, while American Coot is somewhat less so and Common Gallinule only shows up rarely (though two have been present at once). Great Blue Herons are the most common year-round wader, but Great Egrets are sporadically present through the winter. In spring, it is worth checking the edges of the ponds here for Snowy and Cattle Egrets, and Little Blue Heron.

Bahama Drive is lined with tall pines as it passes over the lake, and this is the most reliable spot in the Town of Cape Charles for Brown-headed Nuthatch. Pine Warbler is also reliable here, including in winter, when it can be scarce elsewhere in town. These pines are also good for Red-breasted Nuthatch, and are worth checking even in non-irruption years.

Though the lake is the main birding feature here, it is not all that this location has to offer. Little building has occurred here thus far, so the wide-open lawns here attract mixed feeding flocks of Eastern Bluebirds, Palm Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and such. Horned Lark and American Pipit, both somewhat tough in town, have been seen here on occasion. In spring, this is prime habitat for Eastern Kingbirds, which are often the most conspicuous species here.

Walking the perimeter here is also a good birding strategy. On the north side, this tract borders Kings Creek, which is tidal and has some small patches of saltmarsh (though not enough to hold Clapper Rails or marsh sparrows). These edges backing up to the water have tangles that can be productive to work for migrants, or for lingering birds and rarities as fall wears on. There is a small, well-vegetated pond on this end, just behind Waters Edge Drive, that seems like just the kind of microhabitat to attract a Vermilion Flycatcher, or some other insectivorous rarity. Rounding the bend and following the perimeter down the east side, the vegetation becomes thicker, with more tall trees but also dense tangles of greenbriar, holly, and other scrub. In winter, feeding flocks work along here and it is possible to tease out a good assortment of species. The set-up is excellent for Orange-crowned Warbler, and Fox Sparrow is also commonly found here. The eastern edge also backs up to a wooded lake that is separated from the tidal creek by a narrow strip of land. This secluded body of water is favored by dabblers such as Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, and Gadwall, which are not always on the main ponds. Sometimes a Black-crowned Night-Heron will bump from a roost here, and with a little luck, this could be a good spot to try for Barred Owl. As the lake peters out, it becomes more of a wet, swampy bottomland that is good Rusty Blackbird habitat.

Finally, at the southern gate on Randolph Avenue, some of the houses have very active feeder set-ups that are worth a quick glance. On one occasion a White-winged Dove was seen visiting these feeders.

Accessibility: Walking or (if possible) driving Bahama Drive is the best way to view the ponds, as much of the water is not visible from outside the fence. It is possible to get a good view down part of the pond by looking east from Fig Street, and this is often sufficient to check the geese, as well as see wigeon, grebes, and other ducks. Monroe Avenue affords almost no viewing of the water, but does give a decent look at some of the lawns where the geese like to gather.

Bay Creek is a gated community, and this area is only accessible by vehicle to residents and their guests. The gates have an automatic sensor, so entry is not possible without the proper authorization. However, there are walking paths that go through the property, and these are frequented by joggers and other members of the public. Without prearranged access, birding by foot is the best option. In this case, be sure to approach the pond cautiously to avoid flushing the waterfowl before you can get a good look.

Owner/Manager: Bay Creek

eBird Hotspot: Bay Creek Northern Ponds

—Matt Anthony, March 2021

Cheriton Landfill

The Cheriton Landfill is one of the most recognized hotspots on the Eastern Shore, known for its incredible bird diversity, including winter waterfowl, a Black-crowned Night-Heron rookery, migrating songbirds, and a roster of incredible rarities including Lucy’s Warbler and Gray Heron. In days past, birders drove in the main gate, flashed their binoculars to the attendant, and were granted access to bird the landfill. These days, this site has been converted to the Northampton County Preserve, a joint venture undertaken in partnership between Northampton County and Birding Eastern Shore. The new preserve permits expanded access under modified protocols.

Currently, the Cheriton Landfill eBird hotspot continues to exist as a legacy hotspot for data entry from previous times when birders access the landfill through the main gate, and were able to bird different areas on the property. For contemporary data entry, please use the Northampton County Preserve hotspot.

Accessibility: Birders should note that the landfill is no longer accessible through the main gate, and you will be turned away if you attempt to access it this way. Parking for the new Preserve is located about a mile further north on Seaside Road. The Preserve also includes new trails, a restored Seaside Walkway, and will eventually have wildlife viewing platforms along the lake. For more information on access and how to bird here, check out our hotspot description for the Northampton County Preserve.

eBird Hotspot: Cheriton Landfill

—Matt Anthony, March 2021

Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve

For some, the Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve is an unfamiliar hotspot, but birders will instantly recognize it once they realize it is the same location that has long been known informally as the Cheriton Landfill. But if the hotspot name is unfamiliar, Ned Brinkley himself is likely someone who many Virginia birders are familiar with as a leader in the Virginia (and national) birding community for many years. This preserve was one of the areas he birded frequently over two decades of living on the Eastern Shore, and Northampton County agreed to rename it in his honor after Ned passed away suddenly in November 2020. While birders have long enjoyed semi-official access at the landfill, which over the years has gained a reputation as one of the best birding destinations on the Shore, in 2019 Northampton County partnered with Birding Eastern Shore and a group of dedicated locals to officially designate this area as a public nature preserve, restore the Seaside Walkway, and install designated trails and wildlife viewing platforms. The new Preserve is, for all intents and purposes, the same old landfill, just with slightly modified access and birding protocols.

Plans to convert this area into a park date back to the early 2000s, when operations at the landfill began to wind down to its present status as merely a transfer station. The central feature here is a large, deep lake that attracts all manor of waterbirds, including ducks, grebes, herons, and gulls. This lake is perhaps most productive in winter, when it often attracts scores of waterfowl including both dabblers and divers. Some of the more commonly encountered species are Canada Goose, Mallard, American Black Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Duck. Less common, though still semi-regular are Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, and Redhead, while Common Goldeneye, Northern Pintail, and Canvasback are rare. Often, the goose flocks here are sizable and may contain Snow Goose, Brant, or (more rarely) Cackling or Ross’s Goose. Pied-billed Grebes and American Coots are typically also numerous in winter. Though this location is now just a transfer station rather than a proper working landfill, it still attracts good numbers of gulls in winter. Often the gulls will roost on the roof of the main landfill building, where they are not visible to birders unless something flushes them. On occasion, however, these birds will alight on the lake and be easily viewable. In winter the most common species are Ring-billed, Herring, and Great Black-backed, with fewer reports of Lesser Black-backed and occasion sightings of a Herring x Lesser hybrid. Working these gull flocks is always worthwhile, however, as rarer species could easily be present. Keep in mind that the gulls will sometimes cycle back and forth between the lake and the roof, so it is worth making multiple scans as new birds come and go. The lake is productive at other times of year as well; in summer, it is an excellent spot for waders including Great and Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Heron, both night-herons, and White Ibis. There is a large Black-crowned Night-Heron colony that nests in the tight cluster of pines in the northeast corner, but scanning any of the trees ringing the lake will almost certainly turn up a dozen or more, with the occasional Yellow-crowned mixed in. The night-herons become less regular in the winter months, though a few are still around. One of the most astounding finds ever in Virginia was a Gray Heron photographed here in November 2020, only the second record for the Lower 48! Unfortunately, this bird was a one-day wonder that was never relocated despite intensive searching.

Another excellent time to check the lake and surrounding vegetation is during the fall, as it has a strong track record of attracting exciting vagrants. On the west side of the lake there is a new trail that runs along the back edge, parallel to Seaside Road. There are some stands of taller trees here, as well as dense thickets of shrubbier vegetation. Walking this trail on a good fall day can result in a nice mix of migrant vireos, warblers, and (later in the fall) sparrows. Common Gallinule is rare but regular on the lake from late September through mid-November, but there are plenty of places along the edges for these birds to be tucked away out of sight, so scan carefully. The lake sometimes attracts dispersing terns following the breeding season, particularly from early August into early September, when it is possible to find Least, Gull-billed, or even Black Tern here. It is also an excellent spot to check following the passage of a hurricane or tropical storm – there is one record of a storm deposited Bridled Tern, and the only report from the landfill of Black Skimmer, though less notable, was a group of storm-driven birds on the same day. This is also an attractive spot for large concentrations of swallows, which often remain into late October and November. By these later dates they are mostly Trees, but swallow flocks are worth scanning for lingering Barn, Northern Rough-winged, or Bank, as well as Cave. The scrubby vegetation around the lake is quite good for late passerines, and beating the bush here is a worthy exercise from late fall through the winter. Some of the most exciting finds have been in December and January, including lingering migrants like Nashville and Black-and-white Warblers, as well as true rarities such as Ash-throated Flycatcher and the state’s only Lucy’s Warbler!

While the lake is the most prominent feature, and it is certainly possible to bird here without hitting any of the other areas, the rest of the preserve is not without merit. For starters, the area right around the parking area is often worth stopping to look and listen for a few minutes. Here, there is a woodlot with more mature deciduous trees, and there are often woodland birds around. This is particularly true in winter, when there will usually be a feeding flock working both the woods and the bird feeders across the road. With several sweetgums, this spot is attractive to finches and can sometimes have Pine Siskin and Purple Finch, while Red-breasted and White-breasted Nuthatch might be on the feeders.

The main path heads straight east from the parking lot for a little over a mile, passing through an area that is currently early-successional mixed woods. Until it grows up, this area might be a good place for species such as Yellow-breasted Chat, Prairie Warbler, and Blue Grosbeak during the summer months. Beyond this the regrowth gives way to more open fields, particularly in the active parts of the landfill that are inaccessible. Eastern Meadowlarks and Grasshopper Sparrows can often be heard singing in these fields. As the path continues east, it will eventually enter a more intact tract of mixed woods, with wet bottoms and a mixture of vegetation including plenty of holly. During winter, this is a fine place to see Golden-crowned Kinglet, Fox Sparrow, and Hermit Thrush, with Rusty Blackbird an occasional possibility. In these woods, the cleared path becomes an elevated wooden boardwalk called the Seaside Walkway. Continuing to the end, the walkway terminates at a raised observation platform overlooking the tidal flats and water of Brockenberry Bay. Here, one may see a good variety of shorebirds including American Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Black-bellied Plover, and Willet; in the fall particularly, this is a good spot to post up and watch migrating Whimbrels and Marbled Godwits. At the edge of the woods, there are large stands of wax myrtle and baccharis before the vegetation transitions to marsh, and calling up a winter flock here is a good bet to pull an Orange-crowned Warbler.

Accessibility: For birders familiar with access protocols at the old Cheriton Landfill, it is important to note that these have changed significantly since the establishment of the preserve. Formerly, birders had access to the landfill during regular operating hours, and could drive in through the main gate, flash their binoculars to the attendant, and have free range to drive in as long as they didn’t interfere with operations. The main viewing for the pond was had by driving to an open vantage point on the southeast corner, and from here it was possible to walk around to the pine stand where the Black-crowned Night-Herons roost, as well as to an additional vantage point on the northeast corner.

These days, anyone attempting to enter through the main landfill gate will be redirected to the new preserve entrance about a mile up Seaside Road. Here, there is a small, unpaved parking lot with room for at most a half dozen cars, though there are plans to expand this. Birders can no longer drive right up to the pond, and viewing birds on the water now requires hoofing it from the parking lot. What we have lost in drive-up convenience, however, we have gained in expanded access. Formerly, birding here was only possible when the landfill was open, which meant restricted times and no Sunday access. Now, there is an unlocked gate at the preserve which allows birders access at all times of the day.

Currently, the trails at the preserve are maintained by mowing but are not paved. The main trail proceeds due east from the parking area, going straight for a git under a mile and a half before entering the woods, whereupon it becomes a dirt (rather than mown) path. The Seaside Walkway is an elevated wooden boardwalk that recently underwent a complete restoration and is in prime condition. The boardwalk ends in an elevated platform with interpretive signage, overlooking Brockenberry Bay. About a hundred yards in on the main trail is a spur which wraps around to the south and runs parallel to Seaside Road along the back edge of the lake. This is the best trail to walk for views of the pond. There are multiple spots along this trail where the vegetation is thin and it is possible to get to the edge of the lake with minimal bushwhacking, though beware of the prevalent greenbriar thickets in certain spots. It best to try viewing the pond from at least two or three vantage points to ensure you are seeing all the birds, and a scope is highly recommended. Two wooded observation platforms are planned to facilitate viewing birds on the water, and construction of the first of these is already underway as of March 2021. There are also plans to add additional interpretive signage, including a large kiosk near the entrance. There are no restroom facilities.

Owner/Manager: Northampton County

Additional Information: Birding Eastern Shore

eBird Hotspot: Edward S. Brinkley Nature Preserve

—Matt Anthony, March 2021

Cape Charles Harbor

Its harbor is the heart of Cape Charles, offering 1200 feet of dock space and providing an economic boon to this small bayside town, with its yacht center and Coast Guard station. When Cape Charles was founded in the late 1800s by railroad magnate William L. Scott, it had no harbor, only a freshwater pond blocked from Bay access by the beach. The harbor was created by dredging a slip about 16 feet deep and 200 feet wide, providing Bay access and transforming Cape Charles almost overnight into a shipping and rail hub. These days, the railroad is no more, but the harbor is still an important part of town life. As a deep but sheltered body of water directly accessible from the Bay, it is also an excellent birding destination.

The harbor offers the best birding in winter, when it provides a haven for waterbirds including Surf Scoters, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks, Common and Red-throated Loons, and Horned Grebes. This is particularly true on windy days, when the sheltered harbor is an attractive refuge for birds being driven in off the Bay. By mid- to late-February and into March, it is not uncommon to see Long-tailed Ducks (including handsome drakes), Horned Grebes, and other species in quite close among the marina slips. Occasionally, less-common species including White-winged and Black Scoters, Common Eider, and Eared and Red-necked Grebes have been spotted here. The birds often move around a good deal, and it is always worth several scans. The rocky jetties and breakwaters at the mouth of the harbor are typically good for Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Dunlin, and Purple Sandpiper, while American Oysercatchers remain throughout the year. Ring-billed, Herring, and Great Black-backed are the most common gulls here, though Iceland and Glaucous have been spotted at various times, and Laughing becomes quite common beginning in late February or early March and continuing throughout the summer. Lesser Black-backed Gulls are, surprisingly, quite rare here. The breakwaters off the fishing pier are covered with hundreds of cormorants and Brown Pelicans in late fall and early winter, with the later becoming fairly scarce by January and February. Brant often congregate in the shallows around the jetty and breakwaters, sometimes in large numbers. Careful scanning may turn up a Great Cormorant from time to time. Scanning further off towards the Bay, one might spot a jaeger harassing the gulls. Under the right conditions, a Razorbill or Dovekie could be driven into the harbor. Birding here is less-exciting in the summer months, though Osprey are a constant presence and swallows sometimes forage around the harbor. On days with stormy conditions or high wind, be sure to check the harbor for birds seeking shelter. Gulls and terns can be driven into the harbor, where they will seek shelter while trying to battle the winds; sometimes they will form storm roosts on the open, grassy lawn on the north side of the harbor. Depending on the time of year, these roosts could include nearly any species of gull or tern, including Gull-billed or Black, as well as Black Skimmer. Sooty Tern has been recorded in the harbor on one occasion during the passage of a tropical storm in August. There has also been a May fallout of Red-necked and Red Phalaropes.

Accessibility: The harbor faces west, but access on the south side is essentially non-existent, as nearly the entirety is taken up by a large concrete plant that is inaccessible. At the east terminus of the harbor, the Coast Guard station is also off-limits. However, there are numerous vantage points along the north side of the harbor that provide ample opportunities to view birds tucked in close to shore, and further out towards the Bay. The Cape Charles Boat Ramp is located up into the harbor, and is a good spot to view birds tucked in close to shore. A slightly better spot is The Shanty, a restaurant that sits on a bit of a promontory, with outdoor space where it is possible to scope both into harbor and out towards the Bay, as well as access to a floating dock that afford multiple vantage points. The norther edge of the harbor paralleling Mason Avenue has recently been paved and had benches installed, making it another easily accessible vantage point. At the 90-degree bend where Mason Avenue turns into Bay Avenue, there is a small pump station. Here, a sandy beach begins, and it is possible to access both this and a short rock jetty. A wooden walkway extends out over the water and includes a sheltered gazebo, as well as a long fishing pier from which it is possible to look north along the beach, west out towards the long jetty and rocky breakwaters, and east into the harbor. A scope is a must at this location.

Owner/Manager: Cape Charles Yacht Center LLC

eBird Hotspot: Cape Charles Harbor

—Matt Anthony, March 2021

Cape Charles Beach

The Town of Cape Charles abuts the Chesapeake Bay on its western edge, with a buffer of dunes and a narrow strip of public beach access running north-south for about half a mile. Rocky breakwaters punctuate the Bay at intervals, and at the very southern end of the beach there is a fishing pier and a long rock jetty. As one of the most easily-accessible spots to view the Bay, the Cape Charles Beach provides plenty of opportunities for good birding at different times of the year. Perhaps the easiest way to bird here is to simply park a scope and enjoy a stationary seawatch. During the late fall, especially October, scanning here might net a Parasitic or Pomarine Jaeger. In the winter months, scoping the Bay here is an excellent way to find a good assortment of sea ducks, including Red-breasted Mergansers, Long-tailed Ducks, all three scoters, and perhaps the occasional eider on a lucky day, as well as Horned Grebes, Common and Red-throated Loons, and Northern Gannets. Red-necked Grebe has been reported here, and it is conceivable that careful scanning could someday turn up an Eared or Western Grebe, or a Pacific Loon.  Brant are often right in the coves, offering fairly close views of these elegant geese. The breakwaters off the southern jetty are often covered with hundreds of Double-crested Cormorants and Brown Pelicans, though the latter become scarce in the dead of winter. Check the cormorants carefully, as Great Cormorants can sometimes join them. On the closer rocks, Ruddy Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers are often milling about, occasionally offering excellent views. American Oystercatchers are present year-round.

Gulls and terns will sometimes form roosts here, particularly in adverse weather when they are driven to ground at the first sheltered spot they can find. Particularly in the fall, these roosts are worth checking for rarities such as California and Franklin’s Gull (both previously recorded), or Sabine’s Gull (not yet reported). If a tropical storm or hurricane passes through, this can be a spot for storm birding (if conditions permit), and Sooty Tern has been seen in the Cape Charles harbor. Shorebirds, too, sometimes drop in here during foul weather, though there is usually not much species diversity. Gulls will continue to loaf on the beach throughout the winter; Great Black-backed, Herring, and Ring-billed predominate, while Laughers have all cleared out by the winter and Lesser Black-backeds only rarely drop in. By late April, terns begin arriving and as the summer progresses, a good assortment of species can be seen here. Least, Common, Forster’s, and Royal will all begin turning up by late April, while Sandwich and Caspian usually show up later in the summer, around the end of July or beyond. Late summer also holds out the possibility of Black Tern, which is infrequently reported, while there is an Arctic Tern record from August. Gulls are less noteworthy in summer, with Laughing predominating, but a late-June Glaucous Gull stands as an exciting occurrence.

While waterbirds are the clear highlights here, other species nonetheless merit a mention. Ospreys are abundant here in the summer months, piercing the air with their shrill calls. A pair typically nests on a platform at the north end of the beach, providing for wonderful viewing and photography. In a Snowy Owl invasion year, check the open beach here for one of these northern wanderers, as this species has been recorded in the past. Between the beach and town, there is a series of grassy dunes which can sometimes provide shelter for passerines. Savannah Sparrows are common here from late fall, and Ipswich are occasionally among them. The dune grasses and seaside goldenrod also make this a fine spot to look for Common Redpoll in the right year. Open country birds are worth considering; there are records of Snow Bunting, but this would also be a fine location for a Northern Wheatear or White Wagtail.  

Accessibility: The beach is free and open to the public at all times, with free street parking all along Bay Avenue and access points at each block. There is a wooden fishing pier that is also open to the public, and the town provides a saltwater fishing and crabbing license for all comers. There are two wooden observation platforms overlooking the beach, which can be a good spot to set up a scope on days when the beach is crowded. At the southern end, there are also restroom facilities (and the building makes a convenient blind for scanning the harbor during storms). Occasionally, hot dog or Italian ice vendors will set up here in the summer.

Owner/Manager: Town of Cape Charles

eBird Hotspot: Cape Charles Beach

—Matt Anthony, December 2020

Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve

Encompassing approximately 50 acres of forested land and a small sliver of coastline and dunes on the Chesapeake Bay, this public preserve is the crown jewel of birding locations in the Town of Cape Charles. Indeed, it is among the top birding spots in entire state (with an eBird list of 250 species, it ties Occoquan NWR as the 13th highest hotspot in Virginia), and were in anywhere but Northampton County, it would be the highlight of the local birding scene. Significantly, this preserve protects maritime dune woodlands, a habitat type identified as globally rare by the Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation. The boardwalk at the park takes visitors on a nearly half-mile walk through a mixed woodland of deciduous and coniferous trees on the sheltered back edge of the dunes. Near the entrance to the boardwalk trail, there is also a sizable pond ringed with edge vegetation. The preserve backs up to more mature woods with taller trees on the property of the Bay Creek community. The birding here is top notch in all seasons, and the preserve certainly merits inclusion on a Northampton County birding itinerary.

As a fairly intact tract of woodland, this spot is a good place to enjoy migrating passerines in both spring and fall. In the latter season, it is somewhat eclipsed by areas closer to the tip of the Delmarva peninsula, particularly Kiptopeke State Park and Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, where southbound migrants tend to concentrate before crossing the Bay. Nonetheless, the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve can still be a fine location to encounter fall migrants. However, it really shines in the spring, when migration on the Shore can be somewhat lackluster. At this time of year, the Preserve is one of the better spots around and is typically the location most frequented by local birders. Passerines of all sorts, including flycatchers, thrushes, vireos, and warblers will stop over here on their way north. Coming into the Preserve on Patrick Henry Avenue, there is a large tract of woods with decent understory as well as a dumping area for Bay Creek that borders the preserve. Often this is a good area to start, as the mature woods here are attractive to migrants. The brushy debris piles around the dumping area harbor edge species including Common Yellowthroats, Orchard Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, and a suite of sparrows. Species which prefer a bit more vegetation in the understory, including Ovenbirds, Hooded Warblers, and Wood Thrushes, are often in evidence here as well. Look to the tall trees for Summer Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and a good assortment of warblers. Occasionally, even rare spring migrants such as Bay-breasted or Cerulean are recorded here.

Before the entrance to the boardwalk trail, there is a large pond that is crisscrossed by a series of short boardwalks. Here, there is excellent edge vegetation along the water, and this area can be good for migrants as well. The relatively short vegetation here also makes it easier to view. This is a good spot for cuckoos, flycatchers, vireos, and warblers of many kinds. Often, this will be where the first Great Crested Flycatchers and Eastern Kingbirds show up in any given year. Green Herons also frequent this pond, and during migration it is not uncommon to see several vying for hunting privileges. Parts of the pond are well-vegetated with phragmites and lilies, and it could be that a migrating rail could choose to drop in here, though one has yet to be recorded. The prevalence of nice edge vegetation and a water feature also makes this a spot worth checking in late fall and winter, as it would provide a nice haven for a lingering warbler or flycatcher. Opposite the pond, next to the Fujifilm office building, there are several dead snags where one can sometimes spot a Red-headed Woodpecker.

On the boardwalk trail, the majority of the route traverses deciduous woods with a dense understory of tangled briars, poison ivy, and other shrubby plants. Depending on the seasons, skulkers like catbirds, sparrows, thrushes, and wrens frequent this vegetation. In migration, the edges in the previously-described areas are often more consistently birdy; walking the trails can be hit-or-miss, depending on the day. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of locating a feeding flock, but other times it can be very quiet. Near the beginning of the boardwalk is a creek crossing that is typically a reliable spot to encounter a migrant Northern Waterthrush. The dense tangles and wet bottomlands here are good for other species too, including less-common migrants like Canada Warbler. Year-round residents include most of the familiar woodland species such as Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, and the like. Near the end of the boardwalk, the deciduous woods give way to pines, and here you are likely to encounter Pine Warbler, Summer Tanager, and very occasionally a Brown-headed Nuthatch. Winter brings a whole new suite of species, with most of the winter woodland suite (Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Winter Wren, Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, White-throated Sparrow, etc.) in evidence. In the right year, you will find Red-breasted Nuthatches here. There are plenty of sweet gums that attract goldfinches, and this is not a bad place to hope for Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, or even something as exciting as a Common Redpoll.

The terminus of the boardwalk trail provides an elevated vista overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. In winter, this is a fine place for a seawatch, though it is an exposed vantage that can be quite unforgiving on a cold or windy day. Sea ducks are often around, particularly Buffleheads, Ruddy Ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, and all three species of scoters. Common and King Eiders, or even Harlequin Duck, can sometimes be seen here, though not with any regularity. Brown Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants are present year-round, often resting on the breakwaters in the hundreds. Carefully scanning may yield a Great Cormorant. Though viewing here is distant, American Oystercatchers, Sanderlings, and Purple Sandpipers also hand around the rocks. All of the typical gull species are commonly found here, and though one has yet to be reported, an Iceland or Glaucous could conceivably be found in the winter. Dedicated seawatching here can be quite rewarding. Razorbill has been recorded, as have Red and Red-necked Phalaropes. All three jaegers have also been spotted, and Parasitic is somewhat regular in the right seasons. Common and Red-throated Loon, as well as Horned Grebe, are also frequently present, and scanning the water could turn up a rarity such as Pacific Loon, Horned Grebe, or Red-necked Grebe (all previously reported), or perhaps Western Grebe (unreported thus far). Northern Gannets are easily spotted here, usually further out over the Bay, and Brown Booby has been reported previously, so carefully scanning sulids is worthwhile.

For those interested in nocturnal birding, Eastern Screech Owl is an abundant and easily-detected resident here. Chuck-will’s-widow is heard in May some years, but is not a reliable species here.  

Accessibility: The Preserve is open to the public and readily accessible, with a well-maintained boardwalk trail going from the parking area to the Bay overlook, as well as shorter boardwalks on the pond. There is a paved parking area that can accommodate about six to eight cars. A short stretch of the trail prior to the boardwalk is unpaved and can get very muddy, particularly after rain, so sturdy shoes may be necessary. All visitors to the Preserve are required to stay on the boardwalk at all times, and due to the sensitive dune habitats as well as presence of the federally threatened Northeastern Beach Tiger Beetle, no beach access is permitted.

Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

eBird Hotspot: Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve

—Matt Anthony, December 2020

Kiptopeke SP--Raptor Trail

This somewhat disjunct portion of Kiptopeke State Park is located on the park’s eastern edge, and can be accessed without going through the main entrance. The trailhead is located adjacent to Arlington Road; coming from the south on US 13, turn left on Arlington and this will be the first part of the park you come to. Here, birders have access to a portion of the Raptor Trail which starts at Arlington Road and proceeds straight south toward Taylor Pond. There is also a gravel service road, unmarked on the ground but labeled “Texas Avenue” on Google Maps, which parallels the trail and also leads to the pond. Both the trail and the road are birdable, but the trail is more enclosed by vegetation and provides fewer open edges and a more limited view to spot birds.

On the east, the service road backs up to a large open field separated by a narrow line of woods only about two or three trees wide. On the west side, there is a narrow strip of scrubbier vegetation composed of baccharis, hackberry, cherry, and other shrubs which separates the road and the trail. On the west side of the trail, this gives way to denser woods of mostly loblolly pines. Proceeding further south towards Taylor Pond, there is a kink in the road after which the vegetation mostly gives way to more intact woods on both sides, with more hardwoods to the east and pines to the west. Some of the most productive birding occurs on the first two-thirds of the road, where the combination of edge vegetation backing up to larger woods can be a recipe for excellent avian activity. Particularly in fall, but to a lesser extent in spring, this can be an excellent place to spot migrants including flycatchers, vireos, and an impressive suite of warblers. Early in the morning, the migrants may be moving restlessly and difficult to get on; sometimes, birds along the north edge fronting Arlington Road are flying north in a reverse movement similar to what occurs at Sunset Beach. However, the vegetation along the service road is also great for holding foraging flocks of migrants that are easier to view as the morning wears on. There are enough dense tangles to make this an attractive spot for Connecticut Warbler, a species which has been reported here at least once. In September 2020, this trail also hosted the state’s second Black-whiskered Vireo. Apart from passerines, keep an overhead in the fall for migrating raptors that concentrate at the southern tip of the Delmarva. While this area does not provide as good raptor-viewing as the wide-open area around the hawkwatch platform, there is enough open sky to see at least some of the birds moving through. Later in the fall and into winter, the thick tangles, fruiting shrubs, and pinewoods are a good recipe for lingering or overwintering passerines. Late warblers, vireos, gnatcatchers, and others could be found here, and this would not be a bad spot to hope for a rarity!

It is worth noting that the full Raptor Trail extends for 1.5 miles, doubling back to the west and eventually terminating at the main parking area near the hawk platform. This hotspot, however, is general used for the .5-mile stretch that leads from Arlington Road to Taylor Pond. For a complete trail map, click here.

Accessibility: There is a grass parking area right at the trailhead off Arlington Road. Keep in mind that, although this area can be accessed without passing the main park entrance, parking fees are still required (a fact which is clearly posted on signage here). Also remember that while walking the service road is permissible, driving on it is restricted to authorized vehicles. Both the trail and the road are unpaved, but they are well-maintained. It is roughly a half-mile walk to get to Taylor Pond. From here, the trails connect with the rest of the Kiptopeke State Park trail system. Before you reach the pond, there is also a trail to the right that will lead to the lodges.

Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreation

eBird Hotspot: Kiptopeke SP--Raptor Trail

—Matt Anthony, September 2020

Magotha Road

Though it is only slightly over a mile long, Magotha Road packs a surprising number of species (over 200 reported to eBird!) and habitat diversity into such a short expanse. Located directly off Seaside Road, north of Kiptopeke on the east side of US 13, Magotha is a prominent birding destination that usually factors into most people’s lower Eastern Shore birding circuits. The first roughly two-thirds of the road pass through mostly open agricultural fields with a smattering of houses planted with ornamental vegetation. The ag fields then give way to a brief stretch of woods before opening again onto a large saltmarsh, after which the road terminates at Cushman’s Landing, a primitive boat launch looking out across Magothy Bay. One of Magotha’s main claims to fame is that for many years it was one of the most reliable places in the state to find Eurasian Collared-Doves. These days, the doves are still present but can be hit or miss; they are more widespread in southern Northampton County, and are also easily seen at other robust populations in Virginia, so Magotha’s reputation as “the” place to see this species has declined.

Doves aside, however, Magotha justly has a sterling reputation as a phenomenal birding site for many reasons apart from a particular specialty species. Some of the best birding to be had here occurs in the fall and winter, when the extensive open fields and telephone wires lining the road provide a good recipe for rarities. The fields here can be good for Horned Larks and American Pipits, and with a 1971 record of Northern Wheatear, clearly the potential is there for open country rarities. In fall migration, it is not unusual to encounter an American Kestrel every few hundred feet, perched prominently on the wires. Mixed feeding flocks of Eastern Bluebirds, Pine and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Chipping Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, and the like often work the edges of the road, alternately posting up on wires and dropping to forage in the grass. Check these flocks for lingering Palm Warblers, uncommon migrants such as Vesper Sparrow, or rarer species. Always carefully check any birds perched on the wires; this is a good way to spot the Collared-Doves, but rarities like White-winged Dove and Gray Kingbird also favor these prominent posts. It may be that Virginia’s first conclusively identified Tropical Kingbird is discovered in this fashion. The open ag fields here also attract large flocks of swallows. In late summer, when swallows begin staging before migration, check for Bank or Cliff. If any large flocks are present in late fall, especially during November, they should be checked carefully for Cave Swallow. At all times of year, Wild Turkeys can sometimes be seen in the fields, and formerly this was a location for both Ring-necked and Green Pheasant, which are now extirpated in Virginia, though released birds have occasionally been spotted here in recent years. Where the fields transition to woods, there is plenty of brushy edge habitat that can be excellent for sparrows in fall and winter. Look for Lark Sparrow beginning in late August and early September, Lincoln’s in October (and possibly overwintering), and White-crowned and Fox later in the winter. The summer months are perhaps the least productive here, but can still turn up open country and edge breeders such as Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Scanning the open sky here can sometimes turn up a Mississippi Kite in late spring or late summer, and Swallow-tailed Kite is also possible (particularly in August).

The final third of Magotha Road presents an altogether different kind of birding from the ag fields that dominate the first portion. The brief strip of woods is dominated by pines, making it a fine place for Brown-headed Nuthatch and Pine Warbler, as well as Golden-crowned Kinglet in winter. There are also numerous dead trees where the saltmarsh has encroached into the woods, providing perfect habitat for Red-headed Woodpeckers in winter. As the woods give way to the saltmarshes, there is a transitional zone with small, scrubbier vegetation including Wax Myrtle and Baccharis. Beginning in the fall and continuing during the winter, this area is usually loaded with Myrtle Warblers. Carefully checking the hundreds of Myrtles always holds the possibility of finding an Audubon’s, or perhaps something rarer. Lingering Palm Warblers are usually around, and Orange-crowned Warbler is also a fairly expected species here. The saltmarshes are very productive, particularly in the winter months. Both Marsh and Sedge Wren are easily found here in winter, and even the skulky Sedges can often be coaxed into giving good views. Saltmarsh, Nelson’s, and Seaside Sparrows are all present here, but they can be very elusive and uncooperative. The best time to search for them is when the tide is high and sparrows are forced in closer to the road. Besides these marsh sparrows, Swamp and Savannah are also very prevalent during the winter. The marshes also harbor a fair variety of rails; Clappers are present and often conspicuously vocalizing year-round, while Virginia are more often detected in winter. Sora has occasionally been reported. Biologists from the Center for Conservation Biology, who band Ammodramus sparrows here, have occasionally flushed Yellow Rails while banding, and this elusive prize should be on birders’ radars. At the end of the road, Cushman’s Landing provides a wide view of Magothy Bay where it is possible to see a variety of winter waterfowl, loons, and grebes. The species composition changes dramatically during the summer months. At this time of year, the marshes are home to a variety of waders: the most commonly encountered species are Great Blue Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, and White Ibis. Little Blue and Tricolored Herons and Glossy Ibis are encountered less frequently, but still somewhat regularly. In spring or fall, the marshes could host a migrant American Bittern, though detectability would certainly present a challenge unless the bird was vocalizing. Forster’s Terns are also a common sight in summer, and may nest in the marshes. Looking out over Magothy Bay, expect to see Laughing Gulls, Common and Royal Terns, and Brown Pelicans. During spring and fall shorebird seasons, the marshes can have a fair variety of species, but viewing them is often difficult unless something causes the birds to flush.

eBird Hotspot: Magotha Road

—Matt Anthony, August 2020

Cape Charles (town)

As the largest incorporated town in Northampton County, in terms of both population and land area, Cape Charles is a welcoming destination to any visitors – including the many birders who make the trek out to what is perhaps the best birding county in the state. Cape Charles is located on a small peninsula on the western side of Northampton County with direct access to the Chesapeake Bay. It is only a few miles off US 13, and about 15 minutes’ drive time from the southern tip of the Delmarva Peninsula. In sparsely settled Northampton, it is a convenient collection of shops, restaurants, art galleries, a brewery, cidery, and distillery, as well as public beach access and other amenities. The town has undergone major revitalization since the 1990s, further increasing its prominence as a tourist destination. Fortunately for birders, boom time means that many of the businesses in town also remain open during the off-season, including in the fall and winter months that present some of the prime birding opportunities.

Cape Charles is perhaps less well-known as a birding destination in and of itself, and more as a stopover for birders visiting proximate sites including Kiptopeke State Park, Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Magothy Bay Natural Area Preserve, Willis Wharf, and others. However, the town itself is not without excellent birding opportunities, particularly along the Bay. Eight eBird hotspots are included within the town limits, and while most of them refer to more specific locations, there is also a general hotspot for the town which can be used by birders who prefer not to break up their lists, or who do casual birding in town. The general town hotspot is typically used for birding around the historic downtown area, although the town boundaries proper encompass more area. Currently, the Town of Cape Charles covers 2,817 acres, though it is worth noting that 2,191 of these were added in 1992 when the Town annexed land to the south including the Bay Creek golf community. This area, located south of Mason Avenue and reached by driving over “The Hump” on Old Cape Charles Road, accounts for the majority of the town (including the Cape Charles Natural Area Preserve), but is so geographically discrete that it is not typically included on the general town eBird hotspot.

The main part of town presents a typical small vacation town feel. Neatly gridded streets are lined with rows of houses and vacation rentals, some of them historic and others more modern or recently restored. The wide variety of styles – sprawling Victorians often stand next to small shotgun houses, with everything in between represented – contributes to the town’s quaint character, and this is accentuated by the nice assortment of shops and businesses lining Mason Avenue (in effect, the “main street”). The streets are lined with trees, and many of the houses have very beautifully landscaped yards, which makes for a bucolic setting as well as a nice place to see birds. Walking the streets in town will, at all times of year, yield familiar suburban species including mockingbirds, robins, finches, cardinals, wrens, starlings, House Sparrows, and their compatriots. These are augmented during breeding season by the raucous chatter and aerial antics of both Purple Martins and Chimney Swifts, both of which begin returning by late March or early April. Many residents have martin houses, and it is possible to get some excellent views of these delightful birds! The prevalence of both feeders and ornamental plants also makes the town a haven for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds during the summer, while rarer species including Rufous, Allen’s, and Black-chinned have been attracted in fall and winter. Walking the streets in migration may also net some passerines, including warblers. Though sometimes neglected for more productive spots during rarity season, there is no reason to think the town couldn’t harbor a Townsend’s or Black-throated Gray Warbler some winter, or perhaps Virginia’s first Painted Redstart will be spotted here!

Apart from the general suburban birding to be had in town, a few specific areas merit a mention. On the western side of town there is a harbor, as well as public beach access and a wooden fishing pier. This waterfront area provides some of the better birding in town. During winter, scoping here is a good bet to see loons, Horned Grebes, all three scoters, Long-tailed Ducks, gannets, and gulls. Common Eider has been spotted here numerous times, occasionally even out of season. Off the fishing pier, there are rock jetties which often have Ruddy Turnstones and Purple Sandpipers, while the breakwaters further offshore typically have dozens of cormorants, including the occasional Great. Brown Pelicans are a common sight here, occasionally in winter, but far more numerously at other times of year. Migrating shorebirds such as Semipalmated Plover, Sanderling, and Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers sometimes forage on the beach, and American Oystercatchers are conspicuous during the summer. Spring brings return Laughing Gulls, as well as Common, Royal, and Least Terns. Later in the summer, look for Sandwich, Caspian, and perhaps an occasional Gull-billed. At any time of year, severe storms can drive birds into the harbor or force them to take shelter at the first available roost site. Storm roosts can sometimes form on the beach, on the vacant lot adjacent to the harbor, or nearby on the open ground by the large lake at Washington Avenue. This is a good way to find a Black Tern, and a Sooty Tern was recorded in the harbor during Tropical Storm Isaias (2020). Opposite Mason Avenue to the south, there is a former railyard that has now become a large, grassy field and which sometimes attracts open country species, including Upland Sandpiper on occasion.

The aforementioned pond along Washington Avenue is another worthwhile birding spot, as are the ponds along Bahama Drive. All of these locations are fenced in as part of a gated resort community, but while they are not open to vehicle traffic, they are accessible on foot. The Washington Avenue pond, which has its own hotspot, is also easily birdable from behind the fence. In winter, these ponds can be good for a variety of ducks including Ring-necked, both scaup, Redhead, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, and more. In late spring and late summer, waders sometimes forage along the edges, most commonly Snowy and Great Egrets, but Little Blue Heron and Cattle Egret are also possible. There are also sometimes large goose flocks in winter, both on the lake and foraging in the adjacent open lots, and these have had Snow, Greater White-fronted, and Cackling Geese.

Proceeding north on Fig Street takes you to the Kings Creek Resort area, which includes a marina and sheltered cove, as well as vocational rentals and a restaurant. The area around the marina is another place to see gulls, terns, pelicans, herons and egrets, and waterfowl. On Fig Street prior to the marina, there is a tidal cove that sometimes has decent exposed mudflats. In the right season, these may have shorebirds including yellowlegs, Semipalmated Plovers, and an assortment of peeps.

A final spot to mention is the Cape Charles Central Park, unsurprisingly located in the center of town. It occupies roughly two blocks of mostly open space, ringed by a paved walking path. Mostly recreational, this park is favored by dog walkers, joggers, sports players, and other recreationists. It is mostly open lawn, with scattered shade trees and more substantial foliage, including a trellis covered in Confederate jasmine, at the east end. The view of the open sky is useful to scan for swallows, swifts, flyover gulls and terns from the nearby Bay, and migrating raptors in fall. On an August day, it wouldn’t be a bad place to spot a Mississippi or Swallow-tailed Kite. Shallow depressions along the north and south edges of the park often fill with water after a heavy rain, and can attract shorebirds including Solitary Sandpiper, both yellowlegs, or sometimes peeps. Passerine migrants are possible here, but the sparse foliage makes it a less-desirable site. There is a large flock of House Sparrows that frequents the jasmine trellises, and in May 2020 they were joined by a singing male Dickcissel who lingered for over a week.

Town Website: Cape Charles

eBird Hotspot: Cape Charles (town)

—Matt Anthony, August 2020

Washington Avenue Pond

On the north side of town, this fairly large lake lies roughly parallel to Washington Avenue and is a must-hit spot when birding Cape Charles due to its easy accessibility and the efficiency of checking it – often, a quick scan is all that is necessary. The pond is most frequently birded in the winter months, when it may attract a fairly diverse assortment of waterfowl, including both divers and dabblers. On a typical winter day, this spot is almost sure to host Ring-necked and Ruddy Ducks, Hooded Merganser, Mallard, Bufflehead, and American Wigeon. Other ducks that are occasionally present include scaup, Redhead, and American Black Duck, but nearly any regularly occurring species could drop in here. The ducks are almost always joined by a few Pied-billed Grebes. Winter sometimes also sees large goose flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, spending time here; Snow, Cackling, and Greater White-fronted have all been recorded here in recent years, so the goose flock is always worth a scan when present. Waders occasionally hunt the edges of the pond; Great Blue Herons are present year-round, as are Great Egrets (though more sporadically in winter). Gulls sometimes forage here, and while Ring-billed and Herring are the main denizens, Bonaparte’s sometimes course over the water in winter, while the spring and summer months bring the raucous calls of Laughing Gulls. This is also one of a few locations in town where gulls and terns will form large storm roosts under adverse weather conditions. Often, large flocks will come to ground on the grassy banks of the pond, and under the right conditions almost any regularly-occurring species can present, even less-common ones including Lesser Black-backed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, and Black Skimmer. Under any conditions where storms are depositing seabirds, these roosts are worth checking for Sooty or Bridled Tern, Sabine’s Gull, or other rarities. In late fall and into winter, the grass embankments around the pond are also one of several spots in town frequented by large blackbirds flocks. Brown-headed Cowbirds sometimes form nearly monotypic flocks, but it is also not unusual to encounter truly mixed flocks. These are always worth working for a Yellow-headed Blackbird (reported previously in Cape Charles) or a Shiny or Bronzed Cowbird.

Though there are fewer birds of note here in the spring and summer months, this spot is not without activity during those times. In the spring Snowy Egrets will drop in, and more uncommon species such as Cattle Egret, Little Blue Heron, or Glossy Ibis are possible. In some places along the edges, stands of phragmites provide potential cover for a migrating American Bittern to drop in. Forster’s Terns also frequent the pond in spring, and Blue-winged Teal can sometimes be found tucked along the edges. Red-winged Blackbirds are common and conspicuous breeders, with the males often perching on the wrought iron fence ringing the pond to flare their crimson epaulets as they sing. Eastern Kingbirds also nest in the tall trees that line the lake, with their aggressive nest defense providing a welcome spectacle for birders. Swallows frequently hunt insects over the pond; Tree and Barn Swallows, as well as Purple Martins, are the most common species, but when swallows are staging in the fall it is worth checking for large flocks that may hold a Bank, Cliff, or perhaps even an exciting rarity! At all times of the year, this spot is occupied by resident suburban species including Mourning Dove, Northern Mockingbird, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal, Song Sparrow, House Finch, and House Sparrow.

Accessibility: The lake sits at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Fig Street, and can be easily viewed from either road. For most of its length it runs parallel to Washington Avenue, which is perhaps the best viewing point, but from Fig it is possible to look down the entire length of the water from its eastern edge. The lake is technically part of a gated housing community and as such, it is behind a fence. Though this prevents direct access, the fence does not present an obstacle to viewing birds on the lake.

eBird Hotspot: Washington Avenue Pond

—Matt Anthony

Cape Charles Central Park

As its name indicates, Cape Charles Central Park is located in the center of historic Cape Charles. This small town park is largely given over to a neatly maintained lawn with benches, picnic tables, a fountain, and a large gazebo at the eastern end that often serves as an event or performance space. Circumnavigating the park is a quarter-mile paved walking trail that is favored by joggers and dog-walkers. Foliage here is fairly sparse, consisting mostly of scattered shade trees and landscaped beds planted with flowers and ornamentals. At the east end there is also a trellis covered in Confederate Jasmine which provides refuge for a large flock of House Sparrows that frequents the park. In the spring of 2020, this group was joined for several days by a singing male Dickcissel, so resist the temptation to gloss over the sparrows! Birding in the park is somewhat limited, but not without its highlights. The wide open space makes it a great location for skywatching; in summer, Chimney Swifts and Purple Martin (there are several colonies nearby) course overhead, while Ospreys, terns, and gulls occasionally drift over from the Chesapeake Bay only a few blocks to the west. This may also be a suitable location to watch for migrating raptors in the fall. Though there are much more productive spots for migrant passerines in close proximity, the dotting of trees in the park may still hold some birds and can be worth checking. During shorebird migration, check this park after a heavy rain, as there are ditches along the north and south edges that typically flood and attract Solitary Sandpipers, yellowlegs, and potentially other species. Resident species here include most of the expected suburban species, such as American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Wren, Mourning Dove, and House Finch.

Accessibility: This park is public and open to anyone during daylight hours. It is equipped with amenities that included many benches, a few picnic tables, a large gazebo, and public restrooms. There is a paved walking trail that completes a circuit around the park and also connects to the Cape Charles Community Trail which traverses the rest of town.

Owner/Manager: Town of Cape Charles

eBird Hotspot: Cape Charles Central Park

—Matt Anthony

Ballards Pond Park

This tiny park is located a bit west of Willis Wharf on Ballard Drive. There really isn’t much to it; the park itself is very small, consisting mostly of a grassy lawn, ringed with trees, that butts up to Ballards Pond. Unfortunately viewing the pond is mostly blocked by the trees, though there are two gaps where you can get a partial view. In general, it is best to approach the gaps cautiously as any waterfowl on the pond will sometimes flush out of view. There are occasionally ducks here in winter, particularly Hooded Merganser, though other species are possible. Green Herons are usually around in the summer. Black-crowned Night-Herons sometimes roost in the trees ringing the pond, but they are not always visible from the park. During the rest of the year, expect mostly typical suburban species, though the trees might hold some migrants in spring or fall.

Accessibility: The park is publicly accessible. There is no parking lot, but it is fine to park on the side of the road.

Owner/Manager: Willis Wharf Village Trust

eBird Hotspot: Ballards Pond Park

—Matt Anthony

Willis Wharf

Willis Wharf is a small, unincorporated village in northern Northampton County, a few miles east of Exmore and only a stone’s throw from the Accomack line. The saltmarshes and tidal flats draw an impressive mix of shorebirds, including the charismatic Willets, Whimbrels, and Marbled Godwits that have made this spot famous among birders. From late fall through the winter, the flats host several hundred Marbled Godwits, as well as Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin, American Oystercatchers, and Ruddy Turnstones. The number of birds is truly impressive, and they are a sight to behold when they take to the air. Hundreds of Willets are present year-round, treating birds to their dapper black-and-white wing patterns and garrulous call. Whimbrels are present for a shorter window, turning up in late March and lingering through the end of May, then passing through again between late June and the end of September.

Though these shorebirds are the main draw at Willis Wharf, it has much more to offer. The saltmarshes are filled with Clapper Rails, serenading birders with their grunting calls and occasionally offering a quick glimpse. Saltmarsh, Seaside, and Nelson’s Sparrows have all been reported very infrequently in the late fall, though perhaps they would be spotted more regularly if the marshes were more accessible. When large congregations of shorebirds are amassed, keep an eye to the sky for a Peregrine Falcon hunting them. During the summer months, breeders including Laughing Gulls, Black Skimmers, and Common, Royal, and Gull-billed Terns may be seen coursing over the marshes and flats, while waders including Great and Snowy Egrets, and Little Blue and Tricolored Herons may be hunting the shallows.

Apart from shorebirds, winter also brings ducks and other waterbirds. Checking the water on both side of Willis Wharf Road by the marina will likely give you looks at Common Loon, Pied-billed and Horned Grebes, Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers, and Bufflehead. If you’re lucky, you may see a more uncommon species such as a goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, or scoter. There are typically gulls hanging around the marina, so take a moment to scan these. Though waterbirds certainly steal the show, resist the temptation to neglect passerine birding, especially during fall and winter. The vegetation around town is perfect for harboring overwintering passerines such as Blue-headed Vireo or a warbler. Some of the houses have feeders that attract winter feeding flocks, and anything could join up with these groups. Even the large groups of House Sparrows that hang out by the docks are worth checking to see if a Dickcissel has joined up with them.

Accessibility: To get to Willis Wharf, go east from Exmore on Rt. 603 (Willis Wharf Road) until you come to the bend in the road opposite the post office. At this point, you will see the mudflats and marshes unfolding before you, so you’ll know you’re in the right place. Birders sometimes park at the post office and walk over to the water to scope, but this is generally discouraged and should be avoided. For better access and viewing, continue on 603 until the marina and turn into the gravel parking lot. You will see a wooden observation platform ahead. Park near the platform and scope the marshes and flats from there. It is also worth walking back across 603 to peek into the water on the other side of the road. If you have the time, it is also worthwhile to back towards the post office and check some of the edges around town for passerines. This area is generally low-traffic, and walking on the side of the road is fine so long as you take care to so safely.

Birding at Willis Wharf is heavily lighting and tide dependent. In order to see any shorebirds, you must go at a time when the tide is low enough to expose the mudflats; if you go during high tide, you are almost certain not to see any shorebirds. When the tide is fully out, the exposed flats are quite extensive and the birds may be further away. If you time your visit right, you can catch the birds on an outgoing or incoming tide for closer views, but always make sure to bring a scope. When you scope from the wooden platform, most of the birds will be to the northwest, while from the post office you are looking almost directly east, so keep this in mind when considering time-of-day and lighting. Parking in the gravel lot by the wooden platform is free and open to the public, but apart from this, most other areas in the village are private property.

eBird Hotspot: Willis Wharf

—Matt Anthony

CBBT--North Scenic Overlook

The overlook is essentially limited to stationary birding, but it provides an excellent spot to view the Bay. It is almost always worth at least a quick scan when traveling across the CBBT. From late November through April, scanning from the overlook will almost certainly yield a good variety of wintering waterbirds, including loons, grebes, scoters, Red-breasted Mergansers, gannets, and gulls. Scanning the pilings is a good way to spot Brown Pelicans, and Double-crested Cormorants; in winter, check the latter careful for Great Cormorant. In the spring and summer months, this assortment is exchanged for gregarious congregations of Laughing Gulls, Black Skimmers, and several species of terns. While scoping the Bay is almost always productive, looking for congregations of gulls or terns is more tide- and weather-dependent. During very high tides, the beach will be entirely underwater. However, when the beach is exposed, this can be a good roosting spot for gulls. In harsh weather conditions, gulls and terns may form storm roosts. Fishermans Island lies to the south, and scoping across the inlet will sometimes give distant views of American Oystercatchers and a variety of herons and egrets. In fall, the location at the tip of the shore funnels migrating birds, and the overlook can be a good place to see concentrations of raptors and passerines. During October and November, this is often a good spot to take in the spectacle of hundreds or even thousands of Tree Swallows and search them for lingerers and rarities of other species.

Accessibility: Located along US-13 at the very tip of the eastern shore, just before crossing to Fishermans Island, the CBBT scenic overlook is the perfect place to begin or end an eastern shore birding excursion. It is located on the west side of the divided highway, but there is a turning lane so that it is accessible for northbound vehicles as well. The overlook has ample parking, and offers a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay. There are built in viewing machines in the parking lot, but birders will be better served by bringing a scope. The overlook does not have any beach access, and the portion of Wise Point south of the parking area is clearly posted as off-limits. Birders should also note that the overlook is located south of the CBBT toll plaza, and it is not accessible without paying a toll. The toll rates vary depending on the season, and can be found on the CBBT website.

Owner/Manager & Official Website: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission

eBird Hotspot: CBBT--North Scenic Overlook

—Matt Anthony