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