Description
Over 200 bird species have been observed at Jamestown Island, a low-lying island vegetated with short grasses and open woodlands. It offers the birding historian varied habitats to explore, including brackish and freshwater marshes, piney woods, riverside, and pond habitats.
Immediately east of Jamestown Settlement, the island projects into the James River and is separated from the mainland by the Back River and an inlet known as The Thorofare. The island’s 3 and 5-mile, one-way driving loops provide visitors with interpretive exhibits of the area’s early industry and agriculture. During migrations, park visitors should integrate an exploration of the pine woodlands into the historic tour. The woodlands surrounding the Visitor’s Center are one of the most reliable local areas for seeing brown-headed nuthatch, and the forests throughout the island host a variety of woodland birds. The fresh and salt marsh prairies are home to species of egrets, herons and other wetland-loving species. The footbridge behind the Visitor Center crosses a swampy depression that offers a good vantage point to view frogs and turtles, including the eastern mud turtle.
Note: Admission fee or National Park pass required to tour the Island Loop Drive.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Historic Jamestowne, a unit of Colonial National Historical Park (as reported to eBird)
- Canada Goose
- Bufflehead
- Mourning Dove
- Laughing Gull
- Ring-billed Gull
- Forster's Tern
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Great Blue Heron
- Black Vulture
- Turkey Vulture
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Visitor/Nature Center
- Hiking Trails
- Information
- Interpretive Nature Program
- Interpretive Trail
- Parking
- Picnic
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081
From I-64, take exit 242A for Route 199 West. Follow 199 West to the Colonial Parkway, then follow the signs to Historic Jamestowne.
From Williamsburg, take Colonial Parkway 9 miles south to the Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.
Site Information
Managed By:
- National Park Service