Photo by Rob Rogers
Photo by Jean Chamberlain
Miller Park has a playground, ball fields, tennis courts, picnic shelters and tables, toilets, community center—and still offers mixed woods, stands of pine, wildflowers and a living stream. It is included in the N.C. Birding Trail. From Business I-40 take the Knollwood exit to go south. Cross Stratford Rd. to the traffic light at Queen St. and turn left to the main parking lot on the right. From Silas Creek Pkwy. South turn north onto Miller St. for one mile and turn left at Queen St. Miller Park features many large trees in bottomland, slope and upland association.
Many species of birds have been seen, including nesting raptors and Yellow-crowned Night Heron, five woodpeckers and ground-feeders, and the park is one of the best locations in the city to observe the passerine migrations. The herons usually nest in pines near Shelters 1 and 2. Paved walks and footpaths offer differing views and habitats. In 2007 and 2008, Barred Owls nested behind the recreation center, and they still can be found in the neighborhood. In winter, this small park is home to Hermit Thrush, Brown Creeper, Ruby- and Golden-crowned Kinglet, among others. Both Brown-headed and White-breasted Nuthatch are fairly easy to find here.
Miller Park is quite popular, but the birds don’t seem to mind. Restrooms are open part of the year only.