Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail
Site Information
- Site Contact: J.B. Crenshaw; (434) 696-2343
- Site Access: Free, open daily
Facilities
eBird:
Report Bird Observations [New]
Site PRM06: Victoria Railroad Park
Description
The Town of Victoria hopes to turn the large fields across from their fire department into a park. Although work on this project has yet to begin, the area still offers some excellent opportunities for exploration. These large fields are quite marshy in places and a patient visitor may find a common yellowthroat or a swamp sparrow without much difficulty. Of course, common residents such as northern mockingbirds and blue jays frequent the area, but it is these dense thickets that call out to be explored. During migration, all sorts of good birds could turn up, depending on weather conditions. In the winter, sparrows should be found in great numbers, with white-throated, white-crowned, song and field all likely to reveal themselves. While out in the open, be sure to check for hawks soaring amongst the numerous turkey vultures and chimney swifts. Also look and listen for common nighthawks in the summer months, as they fly catch over the town in the early evening. Of course, in springtime the fields are filled with blooming wildflowers and their attendant butterflies. Check for massive monarchs and gaudy eastern tiger and black swallowtails amongst the confusing cloud of sulphurs, duskywings and skippers.
Directions
From Hidden Pond Farm, continue east on SR 40 for another 9.2 miles to the intersection of SR 40 and SR 49. Turn left onto SR 40/49 and head east 3.2 miles into Victoria. Turn right following SR 40 for 0.1 miles to 6th Street in Victoria. Turn right (west) on 6th Street and follow it around the curve onto Firehouse Road. The park is on the right.
Loop Map
