Butner Gamelands

By William Majoros

Description

This large gamelands area features both meadow and forest habitats, and is ideal for those who prefer a birding experience with minimal human encounters. Although the site can be very crowded immediately after the opening of any particular game season, during most of the year it is nearly devoid of humans. Visitors during hunting season may wish to wear blaze orange; hunting is currently prohibited on Sundays.

Numerous waterfowl impoundments are surrounded by meadow and/or forest habitat; these are traversed by gravel roads. The entire site forms a peninsula jutting into Falls Lake; from the lake shore Bald Eagles may be seen, though a nest formerly viewable from the gamelands fell over in 2006 and has been relocated out of view. On the eastern shore in winter many waterfowl (primarily cormorants) can be seen in the early evening as they roost on the low snags protruding from the shallow water.

Hawks are often seen hunting on the wing over the expansive meadows. Swallows are common near the maintenance shed. Exotic roosters may be viewed from the road upon entering the gamelands (visitors are urged not to trespass onto the adjacent private property).

Directions

In Durham County (NC), take interstate 85 to Roxboro Road north (also called local 15/501). Turn right onto Old Oxford Highway. Turn right onto Brickhouse Road, which leads into the gamelands.