Goochland County

Located equidistant between Charlottesville and Richmond, Goochland is 29 linear miles of central Piedmont habitat that spans the realm of possibilities. The western two-thirds of the county is primarily rural, while the eastern third has become predominantly suburban neighborhoods with interspersed horse and other small farms. Over the history of the county, gold and other minerals were mined in Goochland, and several of the old quarries still exist to this day. 

Goochland is bordered by Louisa and Hanover Counties to the north and the James River on the south.  Many large plantation estates exist along the southern boundary and at one time, Goochland had the highest per capita income of any county in the United States, just ahead of Marin County, California. Goochland has no incorporated towns, but the Courthouse area and the Centerville area (Manakin-Sabot) have restaurants and other amenities to support residents and visitors alike. The County is also making inroads into developing local wineries, breweries and cideries, some of which also make great places to see birds. Lickinghole Brewery manages a huge tract of property for wildlife and the number of Northern Bobwhite is impressive. In addition, the county has made significant efforts to develop parks over the past 10 years and some of these are great places to see birds and other wildlife. At least two have nature trails where you can “get off the beaten path” and enjoy the outdoors in a more peaceful setting. Tucker Park, near the US 522 bridge over the James, offers great opportunities for grassland species, shorebirds that wander up the James, and a large number of swallows (including nest Cliff).

Goochland offers about a dozen eBird hotspots that comprise a variety of habitats and bird species. The county is criss-crossed with streams draining toward the James, and this creates a series of lakes and slow-moving wooded swamps which provide ample opportunities to see and hear Acadian Flycatchers, Louisiana Waterthrushes, and occasionally Prothonotary Warblers and Red-headed Woodpeckers. In addition, there are some remarkably well-managed grasslands that provide excellent opportunities for Grasshopper Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlarks and Prairie Warblers.  Northern Bobwhites are often heard at sites in the western part of the county. Interspersed are some large forested tracts as well, and this provides for very healthy Wood Thrush and Eastern Whip-poor-will populations. 

Some of the best places in the western part of the county to see these species are Leake’s Mill Park (especially along the nature trail), the West View Boat Ramp, and Tucker Park. These areas have a variety of habitats from the riparian banks of the James River, to managed grasslands, to some wooded areas, which combined provide for a wide range of species. If you prefer to stay closer to civilization, the eastern part of the county is almost as good with great spots like West Creek Lakes, Kinloch Lake, and the Capital One Campus with its long series of very easily navigable walking paths. West Creek Lakes has attracted large numbers of Buffleheads, American Wigeons, Hooded Mergansers, Gadwalls, Blue-winged Teal and a variety of other waterfowl, as well as some waders. One caution with these sites: Kinloch and the Capital One Campus can sometimes be a little hard to navigate due to security and local landowner concerns. 

If you are adventurous, take the roads less travelled and drive along the backroads of Goochland.  There are some amazing places you can pull off and view outstanding beaver ponds and wooded swamps, as well as beautifully managed pastures and early successional fields that harbor quite a few surprises.  The middle of the Piedmont is usually not considered the premiere birding spot in Virginia, but Goochland has much more to offer than meets the eye!!

—Jeff Trollinger

Hotspots