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