Long Island Park and Boat Landing

The boat landing at Long Island Park leads to what is reputed to be the most scenic section of the Staunton River. For those without a canoe or kayak to head downstream, Long Island Park still provides plenty of opportunities to explore the river. The main stream here supports great blue herons, wood ducks and belted kingfishers while many species of waterfowl could turn up in the winter months. The woodlands along the banks also host a variety of wildlife. Watch as red-bellied and downy woodpeckers clamber up and down overhead branches in search of tasty insects for dinner. The flocks of chickadees and titmice in the area are always worth checking for migrants such as red-eyed vireos or any number of wood warblers. Keep scanning overhead for the occasional osprey, and bald eagle, intermixed with the numerous turkey and black vultures.

Don’t forget to scour the woods and fields along the river for butterflies, such as red-spotted purples and question marks, that turn up all over the place. Occasionally, a majestic monarch, flapping lazily across the fields, will join visitors.