AUDUBON BIRD WALK, HUGHLETT POINT SATURDAY, OCT 29
On Saturday, October 29, the Northern Neck Audubon Society will conduct a bird
walk at 9:00 a.m. at Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve led by Frank Schaff
and Jeff Wright.
This preserve, located in Northumberland County on the Northern Neck, contains
several excellent examples of tidal and non-tidal wetlands, as well as
exemplary undeveloped beaches, dunes, and upland forests. Hughlett Point, an
important wintering area for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, provides
habitat for bald eagles, osprey and northern harriers. This is a Hybrid Walk
as, in addition to looking for birds, we will also try to identify some of the
key plants and trees along the trails and the beach and perhaps get to see or
hear some of the reptiles that live on the preserve. We will walk both the
interior and the beach trails as well as spend some time at the observation
platforms and walkways that help make the Preserve a great place to see
wildlife.
The Preserve is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail system. Over
184 species of birds have been reported at the preserve including warblers,
plovers, tricolored herons, egrets and terns. One of the best times for seeing
a variety of birds is in the Fall when, in addition to the migrating warblers,
we may see some of the early arriving swans, geese, and ducks that frequent
Hughlett Point in the Fall and Winter. Data collected and submitted through the
e-Bird system helps VA DGIF, other state agencies, and conservation groups map
the distribution and status of Virginia's bird community in order to better
inform our natural resource and conservation decisions.
Directions: From Kilmarnock, take Rt. 200 North. Go approximately 5 miles and
turn right (east) on Shiloh School Road (Rt. 606). At the end of the road,
turn right onto Balls Neck Road (Rt. 605). Go about a mile and a half and
Hughlett Point will be on your left. From Burgess, take Rt. 200 south. Go
approximately 8 miles and turn left (east) on Shiloh School Road (Rt. 606). At
the end of the road, turn right onto Balls Neck Road (Rt. 605). Go about a
mile and a half and Hughlett Point will be on your left.
Please call Frank Schaff at 804-462-0084 to let him know you are coming in case
the walk is cancelled. There will be several pairs of loaner binoculars
available. Visit northernneckaudubon.org for information on upcoming programs
and events.
