Coyner Springs Park

Throughout the year, this park can produce good birding in habitats that are rare within the Waynesboro City limits. This is the largest (occasionally overgrown) field publicly accessible in the city, however, the constant presence of off-leash dogs often puts a damper on field birding success. That said, the dense bushes along the periphery and the few islands of scrub and small trees sprinkled throughout the field can be great for sparrows (Fox, Savannah, Field) in the winter and warblers during migration. The fields to the right (northeast) of the entry drive are the most reliable location in the city for displaying American Woodcocks during February and March. If you follow the road as it loops to the right and down a hill to a large pavilion, there is a wooded marshy area. This holds some of the most reliable habitat in Waynesboro for Swamp and Field Sparrows, and holds potential for Barred Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Red-headed Woodpecker. For the intrepid, this relatively expansive floodplain holds interesting scrubby habitat, however, be prepared to bushwhack and get feet wet since there aren't any maintained trails in this area. The Wildlife Center of Virginia occasionally releases rehabilitated birds here, as it did with a female Peregrine Falcon in 2013.

Other: A well-maintained Frisbee golf course is located in the woods and along the edge of the fields. This park is also well-known for its excellent kite flying conditions.

Accessibility: Open from sunrise to sunset, this park has ample parking and large fields for running dogs off-leash.

Owner/Manager: Waynesboro Parks & Recreation

eBird Hotspot: Coyner Springs Park

—Nick Newberry

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