SUNDAY, September 16 - PLEASURE HOUSE POINT PRESERVE 3957 Marlin Bay Road, Virginia Beach - Meet 8:00 AM
Our first field trip of the season will be at the beautiful Pleasure House Point Preserve. With sandy trails accessing salt marshes and ideal viewing areas of the tidal Lynnhaven River, we should be able to enjoy a great birding day during shorebird migration. The trip will begin during low tide which should be perfect timing to see Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Oyster Catchers, Dunlin and other peeps. Often seen in the waterways are other favorite birds such as Skimmers, Terns, Pelicans and Grebes, and we always hope to see any member of the Godwit family. In general, we would also expect to see Double-crested Cormorants, Great Blue Herons and Great and Snowy Egrets, maybe even a Bittern. Birds found in the thickets and wooded areas would include Eastern Towhees, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and Brown Thrashers.
We will meet outside at the Brock Center. Marlin Bay Road intersects with Shore Drive at a stop light and a sign points the way to the preserve. Unrestricted parking is available all along Marlin Bay Road. Park near its intersection with Mystic Cove Road, at the head of a walking trail leading through the pines to the Brock Center. Restrooms and picnic tables are also available at the center.
SATURDAY, October 27 - NEWPORT NEWS CITY PARK 13564 Jefferson Ave., Newport News - Meet 8:00 AM
The extensive forests and wetland habitats make Newport News Park a magnet for birds. Migrants might still be in the area, as well as, wintering birds (Yellow-rumped Warbers!) arriving for the season. Extensive walking trails with foot bridges over wetlands give birders easy access to see a wide variety species. After scouting along the lake shore and the Arboretum area, where a Great Horned Owl has been known to hang out, we’ll head for the Swamp Bridge Trail and the forested ravines beyond. Bring snacks and water for the trail.
Meet in the parking lot for Picnic Area #1, near the Ranger Station.Take Exit 250B off I-64. Go N on Jefferson Ave, Rte 143, to the park entrance.
SUNDAY, November 18 - CHIPPOKES PLANTATION STATE PARK and SUNKEN MEADOWS 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry - Meet 8:00 AM
Please join us for a fall walk at one of the oldest working farms in the country. This beautiful tract of land is also a great location for birding and is generally never disappointing for its wide array of woodland and upland birds, waterfowl, and raptors, including many Bald Eagles. The James River Trail north of the mansion skirts forest and field and ends at a bluff overlooking a fossil-strewn beach. Later, from the Park Headquarters area, we’ll scan the river before departing for Sunken Meadows, a prime spot for waterfowl, raptors and Wild Turkey.
Meet in the parking lot behind the Chippokes Mansion. To reach Chippokes, take Route 10 beyond Smithfield toward Surry. Shortly after Bacon’s Castle, take Rt. 634 to the right and follow the signs to Chippokes. Pay a modest fee at the entrance. It generally takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Chippokes from the Norfolk area. Bring snacks, something warm to drink, and friends.
Field Trip Inclement Weather Policy
Since the Cape Henry Audubon Society outings have no scheduled rain dates, we try to conduct all of our field trips…rain or shine. For most weather conditions, this has worked well and will continue to be our goal. However, if on the night before a field trip, severe weather i.e. torrential rain, heavy snow, dangerous wind, flooding, etc. is forecast, and you have doubts about the trip being held, call 484-7398. If the field trip chair doesn’t answer, a recorded announcement will inform you of any changes or cancellations.