College Landing Park has the year-round potential for good birding and provides the only access to tidal water in the City of Williamsburg. During winter months a scope is helpful for scanning upstream areas for waterfowl, such as Green-winged Teal. Winter evenings spent on the boardwalk often provide the opportunity to see hundreds of waterfowl flying from areas upstream to roosting locations elsewhere. Along with the obvious areas to bird, a careful crossing of the street to the marsh on the other side of the road can occasionally provide views of Wood Duck and other species that prefer marshes (maybe a Least Bittern someday). Spring and Fall migration often bring many migrant passerines to this riparian park and in winter the scrub around the edges of the water can house Kinglets or the odd Catbird. Additionally, during the spring Terns and large flocks of Swallows can often be seen here, both difficult groups to find anywhere else in the City. In the summer of 2016 a pair of Cliff Swallows was seen nesting under the 199 bridge, however they have not been seen in subsequent years despite careful searching. Unfortunately, despite diligent searching, the low tide mud flats have yet to produce any peeps although both Yellowlegs species and Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers have been seen here.
Note: All immediate areas fall within the City of Williamsburg, however everything downstream of the 199 bridge is in James City County.
Accessibility: This small park is accessible via a central parking area that can accommodate approximately 15 vehicles. From there, there is a handicap accessible boardwalk that leads a couple hundred feet into the brackish, tidal marsh. Entrance to the park is free of charge and is allowed from dawn to dusk. For those interested in birding by canoe or kayak, there is a small boat ramp (beware the extreme low tides here which can make it difficult to launch any craft that sits more than a couple inches below the water).
Owner/Manager: City of Williamsburg
eBird Hotspot: College Landing Park
—Matt Anthony and Nick Newberry