Lake Conner

Lake Conner impounds Hunting Creek as it flows west through northeastern Halifax County. The lake provides a number of habitats in close proximity to open water, making for some exciting wildlife possibilities. The lake itself supports wood ducks and great blue herons on a regular basis, with more waterfowl turning up in the winter. During this time, look for blue-winged teal, northern shoveler and perhaps a merganser or grebe for a little excitement. Ring-billed gulls are likely to turn up in big numbers in the winter, as are Canada geese.

Next to the lake, the open fields hold eastern bluebirds, and several species of swallows can be seen high overhead, along with turkey and black vultures. Spring and summer are the best times for butterflies, with plenty of black swallowtails, red-spotted purples and question marks fluttering about. Dragonflies are also present, with plenty of eastern pondhawks patrolling the shore.

Notes:

• To access the site, a Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.