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Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Description

Sandy Bottom Nature Park is comprised of 456 acres, almost all of which remains in its natural state. Habitats include forest, wooded and marshy wetlands, open water, and lake edge. Platforms on the water’s edge are convenient spots to view flocks of migrating bufflehead and other waterfowl, as well as transient shorebirds that feed along the lake margins. Boats may be rented to further explore the aquatic habitats. Visitors may wish to call ahead to inquire about the numerous guided walks and other programs offered by the nature center. Brochures are also available to explain some of the features along approximately eight miles of trails. Because the habitat has been left in a relatively unmodified state, breeding and migratory birds are abundant, as are many species of reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. The gardens outside the nature center are excellent places to study butterflies and the local varieties of dragonflies.

Wildlife Sightings

200 species have been reported at this site to date.

Birds Recently Seen at Sandy Bottom Nature Park:

  • Canada Goose
  • Gadwall
  • Hooded Merganser
  • Ring-billed Gull
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Fish Crow
  • Carolina Chickadee
  • Tufted Titmouse
  • White-throated Sparrow

Recent Checklists:

Date# of SpeciesSubmitted By
20 Feb 202612Berrett Robison
16 Feb 202611Nic Ducharme
15 Feb 20269Hannah Miller
14 Feb 202612Karthik Krishnamurthy
13 Feb 202628Marc Nichols

See more recent checklists…

Amenities & Accessibility

Amenities

  • On-site Parking
  • Restrooms
  • No Fee or Permit/Pass Requirement

Other Amenities: Bike Trails, Camping/Lodging, Hiking Trails, Interpretive Program/Events, Observation Tower/Platform, Visitor/Nature Center

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

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Physical Address: 1255 Big Bethel Rd., Hampton, VA 23666

From I-64, take exit 261A for Hampton Roads Center Pkwy. Turn right onto Big Bethel Rd.

Access Requirements:

  • Free, Daily, Sunrise-Sunset

Contact Information:

  • 757-825-4657, sbottom@hampton.gov
  • 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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