Since an overwash a few years ago completely cut the point off from the mainland, it’s possible to kayak a complete circle around the point (now an island). This is a good way to check both the marshes on the south side and the beach to the north. It is also worthwhile to get out of your boat and do some exploring on foot. Although the habitat at the tip of the point and near the channel separating the point from the mainland looks good for shorebirds, only modest numbers of the expected species have been turned up so far. However, there have been no visits by birders at the peak migration times, so it’s possible, even likely, that a much wider variety of shorebirds (Piping Plover, Red Knot, Marbled Godwit, Willet, American Oystercatcher, etc.) may be found with a well-timed visit. If visiting during the warmer months, try to get out to the beach as early as possible, as it may well become crowded later in the day. The small bit of woods on the island could also host some interesting passerines during migration. The marshes to the south of the sandy hook are full of Clapper Rails and Marsh Wrens, and both Seaside and Nelson’s Sparrows have also been found here. With better coverage other rails, bitterns or Saltmarsh Sparrows could be found. The artificial oyster beds to the north of the point are also worth exploring. There is usually a massive roost of gulls, terns, pelicans and cormorants here. Depending on the season interesting species such as Sandwich Tern and Lesser Black-backed Gull have been found. Although it would be difficult to get out here during the colder months, white-winged gulls and Great Cormorant seem like distinct possibilities for the intrepid birder.
Accessibility: North Point is a large sandy hook at the mouth of the Rappahannock River that is only accessible by boat. Be forewarned that it is a very popular stop for boaters in the summer. The closest public kayak launch is the Windmill Point Canoe and Kayak Launch. From the launch, it is approximately a two and a half mile kayak trip one way, making for at least a 5-mile round trip. Note that attempting to cross under the Windmill Point Road bridge, if coming from the kayak launch, during high tide may be tricky or impossible.
eBird Hotspot: North Point
—James Fox
