This small, downtown Hampton park is situated beneath the I 64 overpass at E. Pembroke Avenue, adjacent to the spot where both roads cross the Hampton River. The park itself is fairly typical of a small, urban park: much paved space and manicured lawns, a few benches and shade trees, and relatively limited bird habitat. The surrounding residential areas attract many of the familiar visitors to suburban yards, including Carolina Wrens, Northern Cardinals, European Starling, House Finches, and House Sparrows. The small cluster of trees in the southwest corner may attract occasional migrant passerines if conditions are right, but this park lacks enough vegetation to be a true migrant trap. By far the commanding feature here is the view of the Hampton River, which is best attained from the boat launch beneath the I 64 bridge. Looking south, most of the view is blocked by the two bridges, but there is a clear view up the river to the north. Thus far, the park has been little-visited by birders, so it remains to be seen whether it holds much birding potential. Laughing and Herring Gulls, as well as Royal Terns, have been reported here; presumably other species of gulls and terns could be expected in the proper seasons. As with some many of the waterways in Hampton, this is also a spot where Yellow-crowned Night-Heron can be encountered. On the whole, the park is a fine spot for a visit but has little (at least birding-wise) to distinguish it from similar city parks.
If the park is fairly pedestrian for birding, it makes up for this with a neat peculiarity. The concrete walkpaths at River Street Park are unique in that they are historical and scientific learning tools. Each concrete slab is designated with a year and a short description of an event that occurred in Hampton Roads. Walking through time, you will come across two compasses. The first - closest to the water - will tell you how compasses work. The second will explain what true north means and how it is always changing. The compass is dated 2008 so that you can check if true North has changed since then!
Owner/Manager: City of Hampton
eBird Hotspot: River Street Park
—Matt Anthony & Erin Anthony, August 2020
