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