Monacan Park

Monacan Park is located on the scenic James River and named after the local Native American people that inhabited this area. Despite there being a long, wide, quiet stretch of river here, water birds are only occasionally seen. Pied-billed Grebes are regular in Winter, Spring, and Autumn and infrequently seen in Summer. A few ducks including Northern Pintail, Wood Duck, and Ring-necked Duck have been spotted. Bald Eagles are often spotted perched in trees along the riverbank, soaring overhead, or cruising the river. This a good spot for Belted Kingfisher year-round and Double-crested Cormorants are seen on occasion. Common Ravens, which nest on nearby cliffs, are often heard and seen around the park. Barred Owls nest nearby and are sometimes seen or heard here, as are Eastern Screech-Owl and Great Horned Owl.

The large Sycamore and Sweetgum trees between the parking lot and river provide nesting sites for Warbling Vireo, Yellow-throated Warbler, both Orchard and Baltimore Oriole, and Eastern Kingbird. Prothonotary Warblers nested here historically and may still be encountered in Spring. Six species of woodpecker, including Red-headed, can be seen at any season and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are often present in Winter. Tree, Northern Rough-winged, and Barn Swallow are all fairly common in Spring through late Summer.

Accessibility: The park offers a boat ramp and small dock for boat access to the river, a covered picnic pavilion and picnic area, a play area for children, and restroom facilities. It is located in the Elon area of the county. Open daily all year from 1 hour after sunrise to 1 hour after sunset.

Owner/Manager: County of Amherst

eBird Hotspot: Monacan Park

—Mike Boatwright, March 2021

Otter Creek Lake

Otter Creek Lake (aka Otter Lake) is a 7-acre lake located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Amherst County. This is a popular tourist area, so expect traffic and moderate amounts of people Spring through Autumn — especially on weekends. 

This lake does not attract a large amount of waterfowl. However, at least ten species of ducks have been seen including Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal. Great Blue Heron and Green Heron are often seen. Little Blue Heron and White Ibis have made rare visits here. Spotted and Solitary Sandpiper are regular in Spring. Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs have been seen on a few occasions. Belted Kingfishers are often present year-round. Tree, Barn, Northern Rough-winged, and Cliff Swallow are frequently seen feeding over the lake.

The Otter Lake Loop Trail takes off from either end of the parking lot. This approximately 1-mile long loop trail is rated as “Easy to Moderate” with a few short strenuous climbs. This trail passes through mixed hardwood-coniferous forest as well as a small wetland. Birds encountered along the trail depend on season. In Spring and early Summer, you may find Acadian Flycatcher, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Worm-eating Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak.  Spring and Autumn migrants may include Tennessee, Hooded, Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, and Cerulean Warbler as well as Ovenbird and American Redstart. 

Rare or uncommon birds that have been found here include White Ibis, Little Blue Heron, and Least Flycatcher

Accessibility: The only facilities available at this lake are a handicap access fishing pier and parking. Anglers are prohibited from using live bait or boats. Restrooms and picnic tables are located at the nearby James River Visitors Center- a short drive south on the parkway.

The lake can be accessed by turning north on the Blue Ridge Parkway from Rt. 501 in Big Island, Virginia. The lake will be on your right just after crossing the James River or from Rt. 130 by turning south on the parkway and continuing for about one mile to the lake.

Owner/Manager: National Park Service

eBird Hotspot: Otter Creek Lake

—Mike Boatwright, March 2021

Stonehouse Lake Park

Stonehouse Lake is a 41-acre impoundment in northwest Amherst County. This is one of three public reservoirs—along with Mill Creek and Thrashers—owned by the County of Amherst.  This lake offers good birding opportunities, though generally less productive than the other two lakes. Around 115 bird species have been recorded here. Only a portion of the lake can be seen from the parking lot and dam. There are no trails in the park.  The access road passes through a mixed hardwood-coniferous forest which provides an opportunity to find passerines—especially during Spring and Autumn migration. Adult and immature Bald Eagles are frequently seen in the area. There is an active Bald Eagle nest, on private property, across the road from the entrance gate.

Rarities that have been found here include Ross’s and Greater White-fronted Geese, Red-necked Grebe, and Roseate Spoonbill.

Accessibility: The lake is open daily year-round from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. Boats propelled by oar or electric motors are welcome but outboard motor use is prohibited. Facilities include picnic tables with shelter, grills, restroom, a play area, boat ramp, and parking areas.

To access this park, turn northeast on Rt. 610 from Rt. 60 (approximately 10 miles west of Amherst), then turn left on Rt. 625, and the lake access road will be the first road on the left.

Owner/Manager: County of Amherst

eBird Hotspot: Stonehouse Lake Park

—Mike Boatwright, March 2021

Thrashers Lake Park

Thrasher Lake is a 36-acre impoundment with a wooded shoreline located in northwest Amherst County. This is one of three public reservoirs, along with Mill Creek and Stonehouse, owned by the County of Amherst. Thrashers Lake Park offers a scenic view of the mountains while providing opportunities for birding, fishing, and family outings in a quiet setting. 

With 143 species recorded, Thrashers Lake Park is second only to Mill Creek Lake Park in terms of species. Twenty-five species of waterfowl as well as ten species of gulls and terns have been recorded on the lake. Autumn through Spring is the best time to visit. This lake can be particularly productive following the passage of storms.  The entrance road and area around the parking lot often produce many birds. Depending on season, these may include a dozen or more species of sparrows, warblers, flycatchers, and woodpeckers—including Red-headed. There are no trails in the park. The best way to observe water birds here is to walk up on the earthen dam. A scope is helpful since many birds may be concentrated towards the other end of the lake. During migration, shorebirds and waders are sometimes found near the water’s edge at the base of the dam and on exposed flats at the far end of the lake.

Rarities that have been found here include Ross’s, Greater White-fronted, and Cackling Geese, Long-tailed Duck, Surf Scoter, Red-necked Grebe, Semipalmated Plover, White Ibis, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Golden Eagle.

Accessibility: The lake is open daily year-round from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. Boats propelled by oar or electric motors are welcome but outboard motor use is prohibited. Facilities include picnic tables, restroom, play area, boat ramp, and associated parking.   

To access this park, from US 60 turn northeast on Rt. 610 (approximately 10 miles west of Amherst), then turn left on Rt. 617, and the lake access road will be the first road on the left.

Owner/Manager: County of Amherst

eBird Hotspot: Thrashers Lake Park

—Mike Boatwright, March 2021

Mill Creek Lake Park

Mill Creek Lake is a 189-acre impoundment with a wooded shoreline, located in northwest Amherst County. This is the largest of the three public watershed reservoirs owned by the County of Amherst. Mill Creek Lake Park provides opportunities for birding, fishing, and family outings. There is a short trail going to a point to the right of the boat ramp but otherwise birding is from the parking area. A scope is helpful as birds are often distant from the parking area.

This park can be one of the most productive birding spots in Amherst County year-round. The area boasts an astounding 184 bird species. Thirty species of waterfowl as well as ten species of gulls and terns have been recorded on the lake. Autumn through Spring is the best time to visit. In Summer, you are likely to see more fisherman, boaters, and picnickers than birds. However, this area is worth a visit anytime. Many birds—including rarities—have been found following the passage of storms. During the passage of Hurricane Isabel in September 2003, a Black Skimmer was found resting in the parking lot and Common, Royal, as well as a probable Roseate Tern were seen flying over the lake. This is a reliable spot for bumping into Black, Caspian, and Forster’s Terns in mid-Spring and late-Summer. Bald Eagles are frequently seen year-round and Golden Eagle has been spotted here as well. A slow drive along Rt 610 when approaching Mill Creek Lake can yield good birds including White-crowned Sparrow in Winter.

Rarities that have been found here include Ross’s, Greater White-fronted, and Cackling Geese, Long-tailed Duck, Surf and White-winged Scoter, Red-necked and Eared Grebe, Red and Red-necked Phalarope, Royal Tern, Black Skimmer, American White Pelican, White Ibis, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Tricolored Heron.

Accessibility: The lake is open daily year-round from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. Boats propelled by oar or electric motors are welcome but outboard motor use is prohibited. Facilities include picnic tables and grills, restrooms, play area, boat ramp, and parking.

Mill Creek Lake Park can be accessed from US 60 by turning onto Lowesville Road (Rt. 778) 9 miles west of Amherst then turning right onto Turkey Mountain Road (Rt 610) and bearing left at the first intersection.

Owner/Manager: County of Amherst

eBird Hotspot: Mill Creek Lake Park

—Mike Boatwright, March 2021

Woodys Lake

Woodys Lake is a small private lake located behind Walmart in Madison Heights. Although the lake is private, birds can be observed from the edge of the Walmart parking lot. Woodys Lake is worth checking any time of year but late Autumn through late Spring are the most productive. Canada Geese and Mallards are generally always present. Occasionally, these are joined by other waterfowl including Ross’s Goose, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Lesser Scaup. Ross’s Goose has been found here twice - January 2011 and January 2017.  Around the muddy edges of the lake, waders and shorebirds are sometimes found - especially following storms. Both Solitary and Spotted Sandpiper are regular visitors in Autumn and Spring. Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows nest here.  Purple Martins are often noted flying overhead in Summer. Green Herons nest nearby and are often seen feeding along the shore from Spring through Summer.

Rare and unusual birds that have been found here include Ross’s Goose, American and Least Bittern, Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Black-billed Cuckoo, and Lincoln’s Sparrow. 

Accessibility: Private. Birding is done from the edge only. Parking available in Walmart Parking Lot.

eBird Hotspot: Woodys Lake

—Mike Boatwright, March 2021