BIRD WALK AT HUGHLETT POINT IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

On Monday, June 14th the Northern Neck Audubon society (NNAS) will conduct a bird walk at Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve in Northumberland County. This diverse preserve lies on a peninsula jutting into the Chesapeake Bay and offers a wonderful opportunity for viewing birds and wildlife as it includes coastal forest, shrub, salt marsh, and sandy beach habitats. On a recent walk in the area, a NNAS birder identified 31 species, including a pectoral sandpiper, least sandpipers, semipalmated sandpipers, semipalmated plovers, ospreys and brown headed nuthatches.

If time permits, the group may continue on to Dameron Marsh which has a platform overlooking the preserve's extensive salt marshes and the Chesapeake Bay.

Carpools will leave Grace Episcopal Church at 7:15 a.m. Those driving directly should arrive at Hughlett Point Preserve at 7:30 a.m. From Burgess, take Rt. 200 south. Go approximately 8 miles and turn left (east) on Shiloh School Road (Rt. 606); From Kilmarnock, take Rt. 200 north. Go approximately 5 miles and turn right (east) on Shiloh School Road. At the end of Shiloh School Road, turn right onto Balls Neck Road (Rt. 605). Go approximately a mile and a half. The entrance to Hughlett Point and the parking lot will be on your left.

Binoculars and water resistant shoes are recommended. Several pairs of loaner binoculars will be available. For additional information, contact Rick Skelton at 804-580-9066.