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