Virginia’s coastal region offers endless amounts of beautiful scenery with both pristine stretches of waterfront and rich wooded inland areas. It is easy to see why so many individuals choose to call the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula home. Not only is the area a desirable habitat for its human residents, but it is also a perfect place of residence for many species of feathered friends. The Rivah is an optimal area for birdwatchers of all ages and skill levels. If you are looking for a new socially distanced hobby or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life for a bit, birdwatching could be a perfect diversion!
There are many fantastic locations for bird viewing, too many to cover in the scope of this article. Here are just a few that come highly recommended from the Northern Neck Audubon Society.
The Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1996 with the goal of protecting 20,000 acres along a 65-mile stretch of the lower Rappahannock River. The refuge has multiple locations, or units in Virginia including the Wilna Unit in Warsaw and the Hutchinson Unit in Tappahannock.
The Wilna Unit is located in Warsaw, just before the Downing bridge and is open year round from sunrise to sunset with each season promising a rich and diverse wildlife viewing experience. There are multiple different trails that lead guests through grassland areas and around Wilna pond. In the warmer months bird watchers will likely see a plethora of grassland and shrub birds in addition to numerous varieties of predatory birds and waterfowl.
Some examples of birds you might encounter include Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks, Prairie Warblers, Blue Grosbeaks, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, Red-Tailed Hawks, Bald Eagles, Great Horned Owls, ducks and geese.
In the colder months one may hear and see geese and swans heading for warmer weather. Guests are also likely to spot Cooper’s Hawk, Swamp Sparrows, Horned Larks, and plenty of black birds.
To reach the Wilna Unit location, Turn north on Newland Road (Route 624) from US-360. Proceed for 4.2 miles and turn left onto Strangeway Road (Route 636), proceed for 0.25 miles. Turn right onto Sandy Lane (Route 640) and continue for 1.1 miles. Turn left into the refuge.
The Hutchinson Unit is home to mostly the same types of birds and features trails leading down to Mount Landing creek. This unit is located 1.5 miles north of Tappahannock on US-17 (south-bound).
Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and to dress appropriately for the weather and other elements. Potable water is not readily available so a water bottle would be beneficial. Restrooms are available at both locations and pets are not allowed. There is no fee required for visitation. Guests are asked to be mindful and considerate of wildlife and other visitors. It is prohibited to disturb or collect plants, animals, or artifacts.
Chilton Woods State Forest in Lancaster is a unique area of forestland consisting almost entirely of loblolly pine stands with assorted hardwood species mixed in. The Chilton family maintained the 397 acre tract from 1954 until 2000 when it was conveyed to the Virginia Department of Forestry. William “Ran” Chilton utilized the land in his business as a heating oil and fuel dealer. He did not cut any timber before it was fully mature and worked quickly to reforest the land in pines. This activity created a uniquely beautiful habitat for wildlife to enjoy and visitors to explore.
The forest features 3 walking trails that weave throughout the forrest and along many small streams and creeks that drain into Lancaster Creek and Corrotoman River.
In the words of Kilmarnock native Kevin Howe, “Its rolling terrain with small streams and ravines is perfect for a leisurely nature hike through a forest. The quiet beauty of the small and large trees along with the flora and fauna is a real attraction. Bird watching is spectacular as is the beauty of the wildflowers.”
Some species that have recently been spotted in the area include Red-Headed Woodpeckers, Red-Tailed Haws, Blue Jays, Canadian Geese, Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, Barred Owls, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagles, and more. In addition to the array of wildlife, the forrest is also revered for its impressive display of seasonal wildflowers and orchids.
Chilton Woods is Located off Mary Ball Road on Field Trial Road, it is about five miles north of Lively in Lancaster County.
Dragon Run Swamp is considered to be one of the most pristine water bodies in Virginia. This body of water flows for nearly 40 miles through much of the Middle Peninsula. It is one of the northern-most cypress swamps and has been described as “a time capsule of a Chesapeake Bay tributary river from 100 years ago.”
This remote and untouched landscape is home to an abundance of wildlife and is a popular location for paddlers, hikers, and birdwatchers alike. While much of the area remains privately owned, there are a few access points with great birdwatching potential.
One highly recommended viewing spot is a parcel know as “Dragon’s Lair 1,” which is owned and operated by the Friends of Dragon Run organization. warblers and thrushes are commonly spotted along the run. Other species that have been sighted in the area include Canadian Geese, Wood Ducks, Least Sandpipers, Great Blue Heron, Osprey, Bald-Eagles, Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, and more.
Directions: From the Glenns Campus of Rappahannock Community College, return to SR 33 and turn left. Travel to the stoplight and turn left onto US 17/SR 33 North. Follow US 17/SR 33 North to Saluda and then bear left onto US 17 North. Follow this road for approximately 3.6 miles to Rt. 603 and turn left onto Rt. 603. Continue on Rt. 603 for approximately 3 miles and turn right into the dirt parking area immediately before the bridge. Friends of Dragon Run, Inc. owns slightly less than 7 acres of forestland along the banks of the stream here. This tract is marked with yellow, diamond-shaped Conservation Area signs.
Another easily accessible trail is the Mascot trail which begins at the metal guard rail on the streamside edge of the grassy parking lot where Dragon Run crosses Route 603. The trail is roughly a third of a mile long and parallels the Dragon Run and loops back around through riparian hardwoods to a small unpaved parking area.
A large portion of the swamp is also contained within Dragon Run State Forest. Vehicular traffic is allowed on main roads, and foot traffic is welcome on specified gated forest roads.
Though it takes some planning and prep work to plan a day at dragon run, it is surely worth the effort to visit the beautifully persevered and untouched environment.
Visitors are reminded to observe property rights and not to trespass upon adjacent private property. As always, guests are discouraged from disturbing the natural habitat.
So grab your binoculars and pack a lunch and get ready to get lost in nature. Make it a family trip or enjoy some quiet alone time. Birdwatching is certainly a hobby that all can enjoy. There’s no better place to get to know our winged friends then right here at the Rivah!
Resources:
Rappahannock River Valley Wildlife Refuge
Rappahannock Record article: Hiking Chilton Woods State Forest
