Description
Wildlife watching opportunities abound at this 763-acre park, but the Deer Island Trail is of particular interest to birders. Forests interspersed with wetlands offer a variety of woodlands and swamp associated birds, including prothonotary warblers. The park’s aquatic habitats, such as riverside wetlands, swampy ponds, and open lake edges along Northwest River Park Lake, attract an array of reptiles and amphibians for the curious visitor to discover.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Northwest River Park:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Turkey Vulture
- Osprey
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Eastern Wood-Pewee
- Eastern Phoebe
- Great Crested Flycatcher
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Carolina Chickadee
139 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 3 May 2026 | 20 | Penny Owings |
| 29 Apr 2026 | 12 | Derek Bozman |
| 25 Apr 2026 | 26 | Lauren Elizabeth |
| 22 Apr 2026 | 6 | Hales Miller |
| 14 Apr 2026 | 15 | Derek Bozman |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement
Other Site Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events, Observation Tower/Platform, Paddlecraft Rentals
Maps & Directions
Address: 1733 Indian Creek Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322
From Norfolk, take I-464 S. At its end, stay left and take Rt. 168 south. Take exit 8B, Hillcrest Pkwy East (last exit before toll). Turn right onto Battlefield Blvd and then left on Indian Creek Rd. Park is approx. 4 miles on right.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
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.