Great Dismal Swamp NWR and CBBT

[Haninah Levine]

Hi all,

My family is contemplating taking a camping trip to southern Virginia over the April school break to visit Great Dismal Swamp NWR. Any advice on visiting/birding the refuge in early spring would be greatly appreciated.

Also, does anyone know what the current status of birding the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is? Does it still require a special permit and a police escort, or has any part been reopened to the general public?

Thanks,

Haninah

[Michel Cavigelli]

I'm hoping folks answer to full list as i am interested in responses. Thanks!

Michel Cavigelli, PG Co.

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[David Gibson]

Haninah, I live close to the refuge and have lead trips there. I also always scout before leading the trips, so I've been there a bunch of times. For my money, the best place to bird there in the spring, beginning around the end of the first week of April, is Jericho Ditch Lane and also Jericho Ditch. Warblers, including Prothonotary, Yellow-throated, and Louisiana Waterthrush have already arrived. Swainson's don't arrive until mid-month. For what it's worth, I've often compared the Jericho Ditch Lane to a nave in a cathedral and the ditches at the end (north and south) as north and south transepts. That speaks to my passion for those spots. Washington Ditch is also a great place (the road leading to it and the trail to Lake Drummond especially). Another is The Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive. Stop often along that drive, and spend time toward the end. And brush up on bird songs and calls before the visit. Knowing how to bird by ear is so important on the refuge.

Dave Gibson

https://birdpartner.com/

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[David Gibson]

All, Regarding the CBBT, Island One (fishing pier, restaurant, and great place to bird), is closed for the foreseeable future. The last 2 islands (3 and 4) as you approach the Eastern Shore of VA may still be open for individual and group birding (application, fee, police escort, etc.). For more information about birding those islands, call 757 331-2960 and ask for Chief Spencer or his secretary. Don't do that today as it's a holiday. Also, re: the Great Dismal Swamp, another great place to bird there in the spring is the Canal Trail in Chesapeake. But get there early as it's a walking and biking trail, too. The other places I mentioned (Jericho Ditch Lane, etc.) are in Suffolk. At the Canal Trail, you can park at the trailhead, but I usually park in an area just off the trail at the end of Cornland Rd. (to avoid the crowds).

Dave Gibson

https://birdpartner.com/

[Michel Cavigelli]

Thanks, Dave!

Michel

https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/mdbirding/CAAYKd5BWsBfZ76Nf3bG_0sV9ya%2B9REw%3DcShXpPyoZBwQvOU2CQ%40mail.gmail.com

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[David Gibson]

You bet, Michel. I've now heard from 2 reliable sources that there's no access for now to the CBBT islands. Here in effect is what they both told me: "The limited access we had completely ended with the construction. I do not know if there are plans for opening any access back up after the construction is completed. Rudee Tours does run some wildlife watching boat trips that sometimes go out to the CBBT islands." If I were any of you, I'd still call the CBBT offices. I'd also contact Rudee Tours.

Dave Gibson

https://birdpartner.com/

[David Gibson]

All, One final word about the CBBT and something to consider if you plan to bird in SE VA. Here's something that was just passed along to me: The CBBT is closed but there is some great birding/wildlife at Kiptopeke State Park which is very close to the CBBT. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/kiptopeke

Dave Gibson

https://birdpartner.com/

[Marcia Watson]

And if you’re going to Kiptopeke, you may as well plan on stopping in at the Eastern Shore of Virginia NWR, at the north end of the CBBT. https://www.fws.gov/refuge/eastern_shore_of_virginia/

Marcia 

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Marcia Watson

Bowie, MD

On Feb 16, 2021, at 10:44 AM, David Gibson <20c...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[Gail Mackiernan]

Which used to be one if the best places to see Woodcock, I mean multiples during the day. Dunno if it still is...

Gail Mackiernan

Colesville

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[Marcia Watson]

I think the woodcock are still at the NWR, along with snipe. And new over the last ten years: LOTS of White Ibis. Huge numbers in summer but some still around in winter. Great for raptors, too.

 

Marcia

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Marcia Watson

Bowie, MD

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