The Town of Claremont maintains a small strip of public beach at Sloop Point. Bounded by private land on either side, this narrow beach is primarily of interest to birders as a vantage point for viewing the James River. In winter, scoping the river is a good way to find waterfowl including large rafts of scaup (both species), other Aythya ducks, Red-breasted Mergansers, and occasionally sea ducks such as Long-tailed Duck or any of the three scoters. Common and, less frequently, Red-throated Loons can be spotted on the river, as well as Pied-billed and Horned Grebes. Bald Eagles patrol the James year-round, while Ospreys are a conspicuous presence beginning in March and continuing through the breeding season. Depending on the season, gulls on the river include Ring-billed, Herring, Great Black-backed, Laughing, and Bonaparte’s. There is little birding to be had at this site apart from views of the river. The beach is not substantial enough to attract shorebirds, and while it is possible to detect singing woodland birds to the south, there are much better places for woods birding in Surry. For county listers, this spot often has House Sparrows, which are uncommon and quite local in Surry.
Accessibility: The beach has a parking area off Villa Road that can accommodate about three or four cars. Property on either side is private, and clearly marked. There is a sandy bank where birders can set up scopes to view the James, and there is also a single picnic table.
Owner/Manager: Town of Claremont
eBird Hotspot: Claremont Town Beach
—Matt Anthony, March 2021