When the water level at Falls Lake drops [current report text | graph], this becomes a great area to look for shorebirds. Normal pool level for Falls is 251.5'. Mudflats at the shallow western end of the lake probably start developing when the level is below 249'. Will Suitt probably starts to become good around 247'. When it's at 245' or below, Will Suitt probably will be too dry, so try areas such as Hickory Hill Boat Ramp, the Cheek Road causeway, and the Olive Grove Church Rd. area.
A Buff-breasted Sandpiper was found on 8/31/98 by Chris Eley on the eastern side of upper Falls Lake on the mud flats near the end of the old railroad grade off Will Suitt Rd. The bird was seen as late as 6:00 p.m. feeding on the mud and in the grass near the stony "causeway" area about half the distance into the flats.
Also present on 8/31 were Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers, Spotted Sandpipers, Pectoral Sandpipers, along with many Killdeer. The mixed forest along the old railroad bed leading to the spot can also be excellent for migrating warbler flocks.
From Durham and Chapel Hill, take Interstate 85 North and exit at the Butner/Creedmore exit (Hwy 15) just after crossing Falls Lake. Turn right towards Creedmoor. After about 1/4 mile turn right onto Will Suitt Rd. (a small country store is on the left). Go about 1/4 mile crossing a small arm of the lake and you'll see a spot to pull over on your right leading to a gated path. Follow this path for about 1 mile. After crossing a small trestle, go 200 or 300 yards until a cove of the lake begins to come quite close to the path on your right. At that point, look to your left and you should see the mudflats beyond a very healthy stand of tall Scirpus cyperinus (an overgrown sedge with wooly tops). The best access is to backtrack slightly from this point and proceed through the woods with the Scirpus on your right until it thins out some and is easier to cross.
On 9/4/98 Bert Fisher, Leto Copeley, and Les Todd found an American Golden-Plover and 3 Buffies here. On 9/5/98 I (Will Cook) found a flock of five Buffies and a Yellow Rail.
Revised 10/4/2002 cwcook@duke.edu