Parking Location: Lot next to Observation Tower on entrance road Parking Availability : There are 10 or so parking spaces near the trailhead. Additional parking is available at the end of the main road. Fee: $4 (waived with a hunting or fishing license) Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Sundays only from fall to mid-winter Verizon Cell Coverage: Month Recorded: August HUNTING ALLOWED This is a hike of moderate length on flat terrain in the Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. It offers good views of the James River, angling opportunities, wildlife viewing, and a quiet walk through fields and woods. This area is also well-known as a birding hotspot, and this tour will identify specific birds that can be seen and good places to look for them. Its inspiration comes from a book by Jerry Uhlman - the link is shown below. This hike is targeted primarily at land birds, rather than water fowl. It should be noted, however, that the various impoundments in the WMA are used extensively by water birds of various types. A trip during the late fall and winter months can be very productive for these birds. To get to Hog Island, you must pass through the grounds of Dominion Power's Surry Nuclear Power Plant. You will be subject to an inspection of your car and each passenger must present identification. While this process may take a little time, the wealth of bird life on Hog Island makes it worthwhile. In addition, you should bring sun screen, water, and insect repellant during the summer months, as there is little shade and the bugs can be numerous.. CAUTION: Note that hunting is allowed at certain times at Hog Island WMA, and hikers should avoid the area at those times. Check the Web site below for hunting schedules. WEB LINKS - REQUIRES INTERNET CONNECTION and DATA RATES APPLY Press Highlighted Link - If link not active in your app, copy link to Web browser ************************************** This hike is described in the 60 Hikes book - here is an Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Within-Miles-Fredericksburg-Charlottesville/dp/1634041283/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RX6KY9VMNK95MM6H17S0 This hike is described in the Jerry Uhlman birding guide for the Richmond area: https://www.amazon.com/Birders-Guide-Metropolitan-Richmond/dp/1500691682/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=birders+guide+to+richmond&qid=1588686518&sr=8-1 To learn more about the park and hunting schedules, click the link below: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wma/hog-island/ To get a complete list of the birds others have seen at this locale, use this link to eBird: http://ebird.org/ebird/GuideMe?cmd=decisionPage&getLocations=hotspots&hotspots=L718515&yr=last10&m= Note that the chart indicates the abundance of each type of bird for each week and month of the year.

Hiking/Backpacking

The observation towers along the way will provide good views of the various impoundments on the site. Be sure to bring your binoculars. While the various markers pinpoint specific locations to look for specific birds, they may be seen elsewhere in the area. Review this trip prior to your visit to get an idea of the birds you are looking for, and check the eBird link for a complete list.

birding, Richmond, Hog Island, WMA, hiking, birdwatching, Virginia, James River

Virginia, United States

time : Aug 23, 2015

duration : 0h 0m

distance : 4.2 mi

total_ascent : 52 ft

highest_point : 13 ft

avg_speed : N/A

user_id : Riverinemn

user_firstname : Riverine

user_lastname : MasterNaturalists

Parking Location: Lot next to Observation Tower on entrance road Parking Availability : There are 10 or so parking spaces near the trailhead. Additional parking is available at the end of the main road. Fee: $4 (waived with a hunting or fishing license) Hours: Dawn to Dusk, Sundays only from fall to mid-winter Verizon Cell Coverage: Month Recorded: August HUNTING ALLOWED This is a hike of moderate length on flat terrain in the Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. It offers good views of the James River, angling opportunities, wildlife viewing, and a quiet walk through fields and woods. This area is also well-known as a birding hotspot, and this tour will identify specific birds that can be seen and good places to look for them. Its inspiration comes from a book by Jerry Uhlman - the link is shown below. This hike is targeted primarily at land birds, rather than water fowl. It should be noted, however, that the various impoundments in the WMA are used extensively by water birds of various types. A trip during the late fall and winter months can be very productive for these birds. To get to Hog Island, you must pass through the grounds of Dominion Power's Surry Nuclear Power Plant. You will be subject to an inspection of your car and each passenger must present identification. While this process may take a little time, the wealth of bird life on Hog Island makes it worthwhile. In addition, you should bring sun screen, water, and insect repellant during the summer months, as there is little shade and the bugs can be numerous.. CAUTION: Note that hunting is allowed at certain times at Hog Island WMA, and hikers should avoid the area at those times. Check the Web site below for hunting schedules. WEB LINKS - REQUIRES INTERNET CONNECTION and DATA RATES APPLY Press Highlighted Link - If link not active in your app, copy link to Web browser ************************************** This hike is described in the 60 Hikes book - here is an Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Hikes-Within-Miles-Fredericksburg-Charlottesville/dp/1634041283/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RX6KY9VMNK95MM6H17S0 This hike is described in the Jerry Uhlman birding guide for the Richmond area: https://www.amazon.com/Birders-Guide-Metropolitan-Richmond/dp/1500691682/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=birders+guide+to+richmond&qid=1588686518&sr=8-1 To learn more about the park and hunting schedules, click the link below: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wma/hog-island/ To get a complete list of the birds others have seen at this locale, use this link to eBird: http://ebird.org/ebird/GuideMe?cmd=decisionPage&getLocations=hotspots&hotspots=L718515&yr=last10&m= Note that the chart indicates the abundance of each type of bird for each week and month of the year.