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New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve

Description

Depending on the tide, this site combines tidal shallows, mudflats, beach, exposed pilings, and deep offshore channels, all of which offer their own assortment of waterbirds. The low woodlands just inland attract numerous migrating land birds moving southward along this point. The boardwalk is an excellent place from which to study the lusty displays of hundreds of fiddler crabs. Numerous too, are the diminutive black and yellow seaside dragonlets, our only truly saltwater dragonfly. Canoes and kayaks may be launched here for naturalists seeking an intimate view of the marsh and its great blue herons, blue crabs, killifish, and other residents.

Please remember that New Point Comfort is a Natural Area Preserve and as such, contains sensitive natural communities. Respect this area by staying on designated paths, leaving pets at home, and not removing anything from the area.

Wildlife Sightings

Birds Recently Seen at New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve:

  • Bufflehead
  • American Oystercatcher
  • Ring-billed Gull
  • American Herring Gull
  • Great Black-backed Gull
  • Forster's Tern
  • Black Vulture
  • Bald Eagle
  • Northern Flicker
  • American Crow

199 species have been reported at this site to date.

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
15 Mar 202610Douglas Hopp
15 Mar 202610Nevin Hopp
16 Feb 202618Tom Crockett
16 Feb 202618Mark Sopko
16 Feb 202618Susan Crockett

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility Considerations

Site Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch
  • No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement

Maps & Directions

View on Google Maps

Location Coordinates: 37.320385, -76.281322

From the intersection of SR 14 and Rt. 600/Lighthouse Road in Bavon, turn left on Rt. 600 and follow it for 1.2 miles to the parking area and boardwalk.

Site Information

Managed By:

Access Requirements:

Contact Information:

  • Visit Website
  • Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.

About the VBWT

The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of over 600 greenspaces and blueways throughout the Commonwealth selected for their wildlife viewing potential. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon see why Virginia is a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.

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