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