SATURDAY, October 27 - NEWPORT NEWS CITY PARK 13564 Jefferson Ave., Newport News - Meet 8:00 AM
The extensive forests and wetland habitats make Newport News Park a magnet for birds. Migrants might still be in the area, as well as, wintering birds (Yellow-rumped Warbers!) arriving for the season. Extensive walking trails with foot bridges over wetlands give birders easy access to see a wide variety species. After scouting along the lake shore and the Arboretum area, where a Great Horned Owl has been known to hang out, we’ll head for the Swamp Bridge Trail and the forested ravines beyond. Bring snacks and water for the trail.
Meet in the parking lot for Picnic Area #1, near the Ranger Station.Take Exit 250B off I-64. Go N on Jefferson Ave, Rte 143, to the park entrance.
SUNDAY, November 18 - CHIPPOKES PLANTATION STATE PARK and SUNKEN MEADOWS 695 Chippokes Park Rd., Surry - Meet 8:00 AM
Please join us for a fall walk at one of the oldest working farms in the country. This beautiful tract of land is also a great location for birding and is generally never disappointing for its wide array of woodland and upland birds, waterfowl, and raptors, including many Bald Eagles. The James River Trail north of the mansion skirts forest and field and ends at a bluff overlooking a fossil-strewn beach. Later, from the Park Headquarters area, we’ll scan the river before departing for Sunken Meadows, a prime spot for waterfowl, raptors and Wild Turkey.
Meet in the parking lot behind the Chippokes Mansion. To reach Chippokes, take Route 10 beyond Smithfield toward Surry. Shortly after Bacon’s Castle, take Rt. 634 to the right and follow the signs to Chippokes. Pay a modest fee at the entrance. It generally takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to reach Chippokes from the Norfolk area. Bring snacks, something warm to drink, and friends.
Field Trip Inclement Weather Policy
Since the Cape Henry Audubon Society outings have no scheduled rain dates, we try to conduct all of our field trips…rain or shine. For most weather conditions, this has worked well and will continue to be our goal. However, if on the night before a field trip, severe weather i.e. torrential rain, heavy snow, dangerous wind, flooding, etc. is forecast, and you have doubts about the trip being held, call 484-7398. If the field trip chair doesn’t answer, a recorded announcement will inform you of any changes or cancellations.