Central Park

Neither as large nor as birdy as its northern namesake, Central Park is a pretty typical developed park offering the expected suite of suburban and edge species. The pond is fairly small and shallow, and typically does not attract waterfowl other than resident Mallards and Canada Geese. In winter, the normal city-dwellers are augmented by wintering species such as Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-rumped Warbler, and White-throated Sparrow. Birding the park is straightforward; the walking path takes you around the entire pond. The vegetation is mostly scattered tall trees with few scrubby patches, and the park does not border any more substantial wooded areas. Birding this park can be accomplished quickly, as the path only takes a few minutes to walk and bird activity is usually low. Nonetheless, while it is unlikely to be attractive as a birding destination, its proximity to Town Center makes it an ideal spot to quickly check while out and about. As of January 2020, only 15 species have been eBirded from this park, so if you find yourself in the neighborhood, take on the challenge of adding a few more to the total!

Accessibility: This charming little park is located right in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Town Center, making it a quick and easy birding stop in between shopping, dining, or taking in a movie. The park is located at the intersection of Columbus Street and Market Street, and while there isn’t any dedicated parking, there is a free parking garage directly across the street. There are also four garages and ample street parking in Town Center, all of them free, though many spaces have a 2-hour limit, so mind the signage. The park itself is circumnavigated by a paved walking path, and is equipped with plenty of benches and shady trees.

eBird Hotspot: Central Park

—Matt Anthony

Stumpy Lake Natural Area

Owner/Manager & Official Website: City of Virginia Beach | Official Map

eBird Hotspot: Stumpy Lake Natural Area | Recent Visits | Illustrated Checklist | Media (Photo/Audio/Video)

Sub-Hotspots: Stumpy Lake Pier (can be used, if preferred, when eBirding only from the fishing pier at the southeast corner of the lake) | Media (Photo/Audio/Video)

Quick Notes: An excellent location to observe winter waterfowl up close, and spring passerine migration; not a location known for sparrows or shorebirds.

Birding This Hotspot (Where, When & How)

Introduction & Geography

While it is perhaps best known at the state level for reliably hosting Anhingas from spring through fall, Stumpy Lake Natural Area has a great deal more to offer both local and out-of-area birders alike. A mix of habitats over a small area make this city-run park an excellent location to view a wide variety of species on any given day throughout the calendar year. The natural area is comprised of two distinctly disconnected areas. The first is the newly constructed fishing pier and elevated walkway at the southeast corner of Stumpy Lake, accessible from Elbow Road just south of the Indiana River Road junction. A small parking area is available here, and this portion of the natural area affords excellent views of the lower (and widest) portion of the lake, including the spillway. The second, much larger area, is located at the north end of the lake, adjacent to the public Stumpy Lake Golf Course. Access to this portion of the natural area is along a narrow causeway which heads west from Indian River Road at its intersection with Chesterbrook Drive. This larger tract of land contains several sub-areas that are discussed in the text below. These include the entrance causeway which leads from Indian River Road to the natural area parking lot, the adjacent freshwater marsh/lake habitats, the kayak launch, the natural area parking lot itself and the adjacent stand of pine trees separating the natural area from the golf course, and the mixed deciduous/pine forest which contains a pair of loop trails oriented as a ‘figure-8’ (the first being 0.65 mile around, the second being 1.0 miles).

Year-round Opportunities

Before delving into which species can be seen during certain timeframes throughout the year, it is worth noting which species are known to spend the entirety of the year at the park (so the following sections can focus more on seasonal highlights). To that end, Canada Geese, Wood Ducks and Mallards are the three permanent resident waterfowl species, which can be seen along the entrance causeway, the kayak launch, or along the lower portions of the forest loop trails. Mourning Doves, and less frequently, Rock Pigeons, are observed around the parking lot or in-flight heading away from the golf course adjacent to the natural area. The lake itself provides habitat for Ring-billed & Herring Gull, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue Heron, and Great Egret. In fact, the expansive bald cypress trees scattered around the causeway area provide the largest nightly roost in Virginia Beach for Double-crested Cormorants, which can be counted by the hundreds on any given morning or evening as they depart or arrive. Bald Eagle, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk can all be observed flying overhead throughout the year. The mixed deciduous/pine forest provides excellent habitat for Great Horned Owls. Barred Owls are often heard (even during daylight) along the loop trails as they call from the bottomland forest to the north.

A wide array of resident passerines can be seen on any given day, many simply from the entrance causeway and parking lot, including: Blue Jay, American and Fish Crows, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted and Brown-headed Nuthatches, Carolina Wren, American Robin, Northern Mockingbird, American Goldfinch, Chipping Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Pine Warbler, and Northern Cardinal. The forest loop trails also provide excellent viewing year-round for many Woodpeckers including Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy, and Pileated, as well as Northern Flicker. Of these, Hairy Woodpecker is the toughest species to find, but is somewhat reliable at this location, especially when compared to other areas of Virginia Beach where Downy & Red-bellied seem to be the dominant species and Hairy often goes unaccounted for. Any of the aforementioned species can be observed January through December, and they certainly help boost the tally of species observed on any given day. However, every day can vary at Stumpy Lake Natural Area, and it is worth breaking this discussion down to the seasons to help birders prepare for a potential visit. Knowing which species to expect at a given time of year, and in which portion of the park can provide a considerable ‘leg up’ to visitors, so it is my hope that the following be consulted prior to any visit. This information is depicted in terms of a calendar year, since many birders (though, not birds) tend to function along this set order, beginning with what to expect in January and finishing with December.

Mid- to late-Winter (Jan-Feb) Opportunities

Throughout the mid- to late-winter season, Stumpy Lake is one of the few locations in Virginia where wintering Blue-headed Vireo have been reliably observed. While the species is not limited to the park, (it can be found throughout similar habitat in southeast Virginia, First Landing State Park for example), the short loop trails through the forested area north of the parking lot typically provides the most efficient means of observing this species. This same habitat has also been semi-reliable over the years for finding wintering Black-and-white Warblers, a species which is not likely to be seen elsewhere this time of year in Virginia (save for perhaps deep within the Great Dismal Swamp). Virginia Beach lies at the northerly extent of known wintering for each of these species. Wintering forest-dwelling species like the irruptive Red-breasted Nuthatches and Pine Siskins, as well as annually-expected Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned and Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow & White-throated Sparrow can all be encountered while walking the two short loop trails through the forest.

Walking along the gravel shoulder of the entrance causeway this time of year provides excellent viewing opportunities for a variety of wintering waterfowl. Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Ruddy Ducks are all species to be expected. Many of these will be found on the marshier, north side of the causeway where underwater vegetation is plentiful. However, scanning south of the causeway will often yield larger groups of species that don’t mind the deeper waters, like Hooded Mergansers and Ring-necked Ducks. Typically, the more coastal species like scoters and mergansers are not observed here, but every so often one does show up. In addition to the true waterfowl, other waterbirds present this time of year include Pied-billed Grebe and American Coot. Though you are likely to encounter Great Blue Heron and Great Egret year-round, other waders this time of year would be considered exceptional. While Snowy Egrets do annually winter in Virginia Beach, they typically stay only north of I-264 around the Lynnhaven watershed, and Little Blue Heron and Tricolored Herons tend to show up closer to the coast as non-annual winter visitors.

Spring (Mar-May) Opportunities

Springtime at the park perks with excitement primarily in the form of passerine migration, and as a result, this is by far the most popular season for birders to visit. Due in part to the popularity of spring migration at the park, much is known about the timing of individual species, so this section is simply the most in-depth because of this knowledge. March is a transitional month where waterfowl numbers begin to decline, forcing birders to turn their efforts away from the lake and towards the forests, as passerines begin their ascent to prominence. Typically in mid-March, the first arrival of springtime passerines—the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher—has returned and the forest loop trails and entrance causeway are almost always the first locations in Virginia Beach where this highly vocal summering species will be found. A common nester in the cypress trees along the causeway, the Gnatcatchers draw many observers, and after the long winter season, they are truly the signal to local birders that spring passerine migration has begun. By late March, both Louisiana Waterthrush and Yellow-throated Warbler can be present at the park. With an abundance of fresh water (a precious commodity in Virginia Beach), the park is one of the more reliable locations for each of these species. Louisiana Waterthrush tends to favor fast flowing streams of clear water, with steep banks and exposed tree roots which provide nesting habitat, but, given that type of habitat simply does not exist anywhere in Virginia Beach, the freshwater marshes that abut the forested area provide the next best alternative for migrating individuals. The transition of mixed pine/oak forest into freshwater marsh and lake also provides preferred habitat for Yellow-throated Warblers, and this is the only location in Virginia Beach to have provided a breeding confirmation during the second Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas.

In early April, forest-dwelling Ovenbirds have typically returned and can be heard singing along the loop trails, while Prothonotary Warblers should be looked (and listened) for along these trails and along the entrance causeway. Both species are annual breeders at the park, and this is the most popular place in the city for birders to view and photograph the latter species due to their habit of popping up close to the causeway, affording fantastic views. Beginning in early- to mid-April, it’s time to start scanning the skies for Anhingas soaring high above the lake on thermals—though they are also often observed perched in the cypress trees north and south of the entrance causeway or on lower perches just above the water with wings fanned out to dry in the sun. Great Crested Flycatchers, Eastern Kingbirds and Ruby-throated Hummingbird are all expected arrivals this time of year as well. Mid-April typically brings in more summering passerines, including Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, and Indigo Buntings. All of these species can be heard singing throughout the forest, and often times are observed simply from the parking lot or along the entrance causeway. By the final third of April, spring passerine migration is in full swing. While summer residents like Acadian Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo are typically showing up, it is the rarer, transient species that become of primary interest for local birders heading into May.

Year to year, migration timing can vary for a given species. Overall, early May is typically when the best diversity of transients can be observed at the park. The parking lot (and adjacent tree lines that catch the first rays of sunlight at dawn), the entrance causeway, and the forested trails all provide excellent opportunity this time of year. Uncommon migrants like American Redstart, Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Veery, Scarlet Tanager, Northern Waterthrush, Magnolia Warbler, and Swainson’s Thrush are all likely to be found in low numbers. Rarer migrants like Yellow-throated Vireo, Kentucky Warbler, and Cape May Warbler have also been observed this time of year, typically on mornings following large-scale migration movements brought on by strong west-southwesterly winds which steer these typically inland-migrants towards the park.

Summer (Jun-Jul) Opportunities

After the excitement of spring migration winds down in late May, June and July tend to be slower months for birding the park. Most species have quieted down considerably since each is likely to be nesting already, and trying to avoid unwanted attention by would-be predators. However, a birder walking along the forest loop trails is still likely to enjoy some singing Wood Thrushes, Red-eyed Vireos, Summer Tanagers, Ovenbirds, Prothonotary Warblers, and Acadian Flycatchers. Though, it is worth mentioning that the freshwater marshes provide excellent breeding grounds for more than birds, and during the heat of summer, biting flies and mosquitoes can be quite ravenous along these trails, so be sure to come prepared. The entrance causeway will afford opportunities to view Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, as well as other common breeders like Northern Cardinals, but the species to truly watch for here is Anhinga. A likely breeder around the lake, summer is as good a time as any to watch for these species, where they’ll often perch in the nearby cypress trees, or on logs to fan out & dry off their wings. Not to be confused with the large numbers of Double-crested Comorants that summer here, the Anhingas will show a more snake-like neck, a very long, narrow bill, and males show vivid white patches on the back of the wings.

Fall & early Winter (Aug-Nov & Dec) Opportunities

The fall migration season tends to be more protracted than the spring migration season. This is due, in part, to different age classes and sexes of species departing towards their wintering destinations at different intervals. The passage of cold fronts, bringing northwest winds behind them, typically assists these southbound species with the necessary tailwinds to sustain long-distance, overnight flight. So, the timing of the weather also has a wide-reaching effect on the overall timing of species arrival. That said, the best days of fall migration can yield excitement near the level of spring, however, on an average day typically there will be less to see since during fall, migrants tends to favor coastal scrub and denser vegetation than in springtime. The open, mixed deciduous/pine forests of the park cannot quite compete with other locations in the city like Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Little Island Park, so less is simply known about fall migration here due to less focused effort by birders. Another major difference between spring & fall migration here is that most species have stopped vocalizing altogether, which makes the forested loop trails a considerable challenge for finding birds among the canopy. For those who do opt to visit the park during fall migration, this simply puts extra emphasis on birding the parking lot and edges of the forest where birds will be more visible, as well the entrance causeway and kayak launch areas. The first several hours of daylight are key during fall, before migrants settle down for a day of rest before likely heading southbound again as the sunlight wanes.

While passerines aren’t the true focus here in fall, after several months without waterfowl being present (aside from the resident Canada Geese, Wood Ducks and Mallards that is), September and October bring excitement in the form of their return. By November, good numbers of individuals and diversity of species can again be found along the entrance causeway on the lake. Forest dwelling passerines have also begun to arrive in September, and the same species mentioned in the Jan/Dec portion of this writeup (Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned & Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, Fox Sparrow & White-throated Sparrow) are all likely to be observed again. The birds it seems, have truly come full circle as the calendar year runs out.

Noteworthy Observations

While there have been some highly interesting records to come out of Stumpy Lake over the years, one recent occurrence stands out among the rest. From 4 Dec 2017 through 1 Jan 2018, an immature Black-legged Kittiwake (a “tarrock”) was found (ph. Jonathan Snyder) near the fishing pier area and subsequently observed in flight at various locations around the lake. Highly unusual away from the open ocean, this is one of very few on-shore records for the species in Virginia. This individual exhibited an unusual growth below its lower mandible, and this is presumed to be the reason for its occurrence around this inland, freshwater body of water. However, due to blizzard conditions on 3-4 Jan 2018, it is unknown what the ultimate fate of this individual was, since no observations occurred beyond this point.

As noted above, there have been near-annual observations recorded for Anhinga at the park, and on 18 May 2019 the species (though long suspected) was confirmed as a breeder for the second Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas (ph. Betty Sue Cohen), marking only the second county in the state as a whole, to produce a confirmation to the project.

—Rob Bielawski, Virginia Beach

**BACK BAY NWR

Throughout the year, the only constant at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is that early morning birding tends to be the most productive. Due to the park's proximity to the resort area of Virginia Beach, large crowds often show up as the day moves on, and the birds tend to get more difficult to find. During January, February and March, only the trails nearest to the Visitor Contact Station (VCS) and the beach are open to the public, which further densifies where visitors will tend to congregate. In January & February, seawatching from the beach typically yields large volumes of Red-breasted Mergansers, Black and Surf Scoters, Northern Gannets, Brown Pelicans, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, and both Common & Red-throated Loons. Wintering passerines can be found on the trail sides, and in the fields that abut the parking areas near the VCS. While the most plentiful of these species are typically Yellow-rumped Warblers and Swamp, Song & Savannah Sparrows, occasionally Lincoln's & Clay-colored Sparrows can be found, and the park is one of the more reliable places where Orange-crowned Warblers can be viewed. Ruby-crowned & Golden-crowned Kinglets are also fairly common at the park during this time, and the occasional Common Yellowthroat can also be found. On the bay itself, large groupings of wintering waterfowl can often be observed in the early morning taking shelter on the calm waters just off from the kayak launch area. Tundra Swans, Snow Geese and Canada Geese are the most likely species to be seen both on & above the bay, but mixed duck flocks dominated by Gadwall, Mallards, Northern Shovelers and American Wigeons are typically present as well. Rarer species like Eurasian Wigeon, Canvasback, Redhead, and Common Goldeneye can also occasionally be seen mixing in the larger waterfowl flocks.

Accessibility: A single entry gate is located at the north end of the park, specifically at 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. From 1 Nov through 31 Mar, admission to the park is free, and there will be no one manning the entry booth. During this timeframe, the East & West Dikes are closed to all members of the public with the intent of protecting wintering waterfowl that have taken up seasonal residency on the A, B & C Pools. The trails nearest the visitor contact station (including Bay, Bayside, Kuralt, Seaside, Dune Trails & Loop Road) and the beach from the Seaside Trail south to the border of False Cape State Park are open. During the 1 Apr through 31 Oct timeframe, there is an entry fee ($5 for vehicles, call 757-301-7329 to verify). During this time, either the East or West Dike will be open, and all the others are as well. In a typical season, the West Dike is the first to open on 1 Apr, staying open typically into July, then switching to the East Dike being opened through the remainder of the season and the West Dike closing until 1 Apr. As populations of waterfowl present tend to have an effect on which dike opens in April, please remember to check with the park in advance to verify which dike is open.

Owner/Manager: US Fish & Wildlife Service

eBird Primary Hotspot: Back Bay NWR

Related Hotspots: A Pool, B Pool, Beach, Boardwalk, C Pool, Dune Trail, East Dike, Seaside Trail, West Dike.

—Rob Bielawski