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
138 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Northwest River Park:
- Short-billed Dowitcher
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- White-eyed Vireo
- Blue Jay
- American Crow
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 14 Apr 2026 | 15 | Derek Bozman |
| 11 Apr 2026 | 16 | Kyle Price |
| 10 Apr 2026 | 7 | Paul Mazzei |
| 10 Apr 2026 | 7 | Rachel Veal |
| 4 Apr 2026 | 12 | David Gibson |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events, Observation Tower/Platform, Paddlecraft Rentals
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
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
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- 757-421-7151, ContactPRT@cityofchesapeake.net
- 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.