Luray-Hawksbill Greenway

The Luray Hawksbill Greenway protects a sliver of habitat along the Hawksbill River in the middle of Luray.  Migrant passerines can often be found in spring and fall, particularly along the loop at the north end of the greenway and near the bridge across the creek near the railroad tracks.  The main attraction of the Greenway for birders, however is the colony of Black-crowned Night-herons found along the Hawksbill Creek in Luray. Most numerous in spring and summer, they are more often seen along the south part of the greenway from the railroad bridge on, but are also seen around Mechanic Street on occasion.  A few can be found even through the winter months, at this time of year they are usually found at the very southern end of the greenway at Linden Avenue or slightly past the end of the greenway along Stonyman Road.

Accessibility: The Luray Hawksbill Greenway is a two mile paved hiking/bike trail that runs along Hawksbill creek through downtown Luray.  The main parking areas are located at the north and south ends of the Greenway, on either side of US 211 and off Linden Avenue respectively.  There is also parking at Ruffner Plaza in the middle of the greenway in downtown.

Related Hotspots: Luray Hawksbill Greenway--South End

eBird Hotspot: Luray-Hawksbill Greenway

—James Fox

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Longs Road

This road passes through farmland for the most part with two small farm ponds that attract the occasional wader such as Great Blue Heron and Great Egret.  In the fall of 2019 a new irrigation system caused a large puddle to form in one of the fields which attracted a good number of shorebirds including Red-necked Phalarope and Baird’s Sandpiper.  It is unclear at this point if this was a one time event or if it may be repeated in future years. The road is also a good place to look for sparrows and other passerines associated with more open habitats.

Accessibility: This fairly short road has little traffic and is safe to pull over and bird in most spots.  Keep in mind that all the land along this road is privately owned so do not leave the road.

eBird Hotspot: Longs Road

—James Fox

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Old Forge Road Pond

Depending on water levels, this cattle pond is often productive for dabbling ducks and shorebirds.  When the water is low species such as American Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper and Red-necked Phalarope have been recorded.  Both Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal have been found here during migration as well. During the summer the pond usually hosts families of Canada Geese and Wood Ducks.

Accessibility: This pond is located on private property but is easily viewable from Old Forge Road.  There is ample room to safely pull off the road near the gate at the curve in the road.

eBird Hotspot: Old Forge Road pond

—James Fox

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Newport Reservoir

The Newport Reservoir can be a good location to look for waterfowl during the winter.  Large numbers of Canada Geese are often found here and eventually a rarer goose might turn up.  A few other species of waterfowl have been seen as well and more are likely to be found with more coverage.  This hotspot has not been birded much outside of the winter but a similar variety of species as elsewhere along the Shenandoah would be expected.

Accessibility: There is a road for accessing the dam off 340 just south of Newport.  It looks like a private driveway but if you turn in just south of the house with the dog kennel in the yard and turn to the left instead of following the driveway to the house you will end up at a small parking area for the dam.  It is owned by Allegheny Power but is open for public fishing access. Trails do go all the way down to the river below the dam but are quite steep. The reservoir above the dam can be scoped by walking a short ways past the gate down the paved road to the hydro electric station.

Owner/Manager: Allegheny Power

eBird Hotspot: Newport Reservoir

—James Fox

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Luray Caverns

The Luray Caverns are the most visited caverns in the eastern US and well worth visiting in their own right.  From a birding perspective the main attraction at Luray Caverns is the pond next to the parking lot. This pond has a resident flock of domestic Mallards and Geese that are joined by many wild Mallards and a Snow Goose of uncertain origin.  The Snow Goose seems to be capable of flying but is resident at the pond year round. In the winter these birds sometimes attract other wild waterfowl to drop in on the pond. At various times Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Redhead, Greater Scaup, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot have all been recorded.  The grounds of the Page Valley Museum across the street may also produce some passerines. Admission is required here but is included with admission to the caverns.

Accessibility: The Luray Caverns are privately owned and operated, hours vary by season see the website for details.  While admission is required to see the caverns there is no charge to park in the parking lot and check the pond, which is the primary attraction for birders.

Owner/Manager: Luray Caverns

eBird Hotspot: Luray Caverns

—James Fox

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Inskeep Boat Ramp

The Inskeep Boat ramp is one of the main launching sites for Shenandoah River Outfitters as the starting point for many of their river trips.  Kayaking the river downstream from her is a good way to find Yellow-throated and Prothonotary Warblers, Bald Eagle, Osprey, and breeding Common Merganser in the spring and summer.  The boat ramp is also a good vantage point to scan the river for waterfowl during the winter. During cold winters the stretch of river upstream from the bridge is one of the last spots to freeze so ducks can be concentrated there, uncommon species such as Northern Pintail and Redhead have been recorded at these times.  The old low water bridge still remains beneath the new much higher bridge and provided water levels are not too high walking out on the bridge provides the best viewing of birds on the river.

Accessibility: This public boat ramp maintained by VDGIF is open dawn to dusk.

Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

eBird Hotspot: Inskeep Boat Ramp

—James Fox

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Alma Boat Ramp

The Alma Boat ramp is a fairly under-birded hotspot, but the short trails in the woods along the river seem to be fairly productive for passerines at most times of year.  The river is too shallow here to attract much in the way of waterfowl, even in the winter a few Common Mergansers or American Black Ducks are about the best you can expect.  Kayaking this stretch of river would also likely produce some interesting birds.

Accessibility: This public boat ramp maintained by VDGIF is open dawn to dusk.

eBird Hotspot: Alma Boat Ramp

Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

—James Fox

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