Visit Nelson County: Birdfinding Guide

Birdfinding Guide

Click here for the PIEDMONT PHASE BIRDING TRAILS IN NELSON COUNTY

MOUNTAIN PHASE BIRDING TRAILS IN NELSON COUNTY:

LOWER ROCKFISH VALLEY - This site lies along the Rockfish River on Route 617 (Rockfish River Road) from US Highway 29 east to Rockfish Depot and on to its confluence with the James River at Howardsville. The focus of this description is the five mile section from 29 to Rockfish. The proximity to the river, wooded hillsides, minimal development, light traffic and wide shoulders make this a pleasant excursion for birding by car or by foot.

Directions:
From Interstate 64 proceed south on US Highway 29 about (20) miles to Route 617. Turn left and enter the Rockfish River Road after crossing the northbound lanes of 29. This first stretch runs along Buck Creek until it joins the Rockfish River at Old Stage Bridge. This section from Old Stage Bridge to Route 639 (Laurel Road) is about five miles in length. The area described is on page 55 of the DeLorme Virginia Atlas and Gazetteer.

Habitats and Trails:
The habitat along the Rockfish River is typical of the rugged Piedmont of Nelson County with deciduous woods composed of oak, history, poplar, and maple with occasional pines. The river stage varies greatly from a rolling river after heavy precipitation (at flood stage the road is closed) to an easily wadeable stream during dry periods. The grassy shoulder on the riverside is wide enough to pull over and park in many spots. Beyond the right of way for the road, all the property is privately owned, so foot travel is limited to the roadside. As with most forested areas of Nelson County, logging occurs periodically except on the steepest slope, so the forest stans are of varying age. The rock cuts and exposed bedrock along the river reveal much of interest to geologists, and are visited by geology classes from across the Commonwealth.

Birds:
Winter doesn't provide the abundance of species or the rich songs of Spring and Summer, but satisfying encounters with year round residents such as the Belted Kingfisher, five species of woodpeckers, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, the bubbling song of the Carolina Wren, Kinglets, Song and White-throated Sparrows can be expected. The Eastern Phoebe usually lingers through the winter. Our earliest nesters, the Great Horned Owl and Common Raven, have both fledged young from the Norfolk-Southern Railway bridge at Rockfish Depot. Wild Turkeys may be seen striding through the forest or flying from one side of the river to the other. Flocks of Blue Jays, American Robins, and Cedar Waxwings often occur in great numbers.

Spring birding is always exciting in Virginia and this is especially so along the Rockfish where you can very nearly tell the date by the arriving neotropical migrants. Individuals of some species, such as the Blue-headed Vireo and Eastern Towhee, remain through the winter some years. In March, you listen first for the Pine Warbler and soon thereafter the Louisiana Waterthrush and the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher can be heard. The Osprey is a regular along the river in migration, appearing during the first week of April. New species arrive almost daily from mid-April to mid-May with vireos, warblers, tanagers and orioles occupying the treetops as the new leaves unfold. White-throated sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos linger into May before heading north or upwards, respectively. Bluebirds, cardinals, thrashers, and many other species will have begun nesting by this time.
Early Summer when the nesting season is in full swing brings the rich song of the Wood Thrush, the endless phrases of the Re-eyed Vireo, and the throaty whistles of the Scarlet Tanager. The Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers sing from the wooded ravines while the Northern Parula prefers the tangled foliage along the river bank. The Red-tailed Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, and Red-shouldered Hawk have all nested within a mile or two of Rockfish Depot. Wood Ducks and Canada Geese will be seen escorting young along the river bank. The Laurel Road bridge over the Rockfish River has nesting Barn Swallows and a colony of Cliff Swallows. When the birding slows down and the sun is hot, you can jump in the Rockfish River for a refreshing swim. American Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings are among the last species to raise their young each year, waiting for the abundance of fruit and grains.

Migration in the Fall isn't quite as exciting as in spring, but there are many challenges with the abundance of immature birds and confusing fall plumages. It isn't uncommon to see kettles of Broadwings away from their main migratory route along the Blue Ridge.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

With an expanding population of Bald Eagles, this species has been seen in most months of the year and nesting may soon be discovered. Some of the rarities seen along the Rockfish River: Wood Stork, Golden Eagle, Brewster's Warbler, and Connecticut Warbler.

When in the Rockfish Valley, birdwatchers and ornithologists may want to schedule a visit to Buteo Books, a bookstore offering the largest selection of new, used, and rare ornithology books in the country. Hours are 9-5, M-F. Owner Allen Hale, will not only be happy to show you his books, but can give you an update on birds in the area. (434-263-8671)

News Release
October 14, 2004
Virginia Achieves Another First with Statewide Birding and Wildlife Trail

For almost 400 years Virginia has been known as first in American heritage among the 50 states; two weeks ago it became the first state in the United States with a statewide birding and wildlife trail. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries officially opened the Piedmont phase, the central Virginia phase of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail in a dedication ceremony along Monticello's Thomas Jefferson Parkway. This is the third and final phase of the trail; the Coastal phase opened in October 2002 and the Mountain Phase in September 2003.

Virginia has one of the highest diversities of birds in the eastern United States, boasting nearly 400 resident and migratory bird species and more than 2,200 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, mussels, crayfish, birds, mammals, butterflies and dragonflies statewide. Outdoor recreation, including birding and wildlife-viewing is of increasing interest to travelers of all ages.

The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail is a driving trail that provides opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife and have a quality recreational experience. Loop trails off the main driving trail link some of Virginia's best wildlife-watching areas for visitors to enjoy and observe wildlife; opportunities for walking and biking also exist at many of the sites.

The Virginia Tourism Corporation offers visitors a full-color trail guide developed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to facilitate travel throughout the Piedmont region of Virginia. The guide includes regional and loop maps, travel directions and loop and site descriptions. Individual copies of the guide may be obtained by calling toll-free 866-74VABWT. The new statewide guides are $8.50. Virginia vacation-planning assistance is also available at www.Virginia.org.

The Piedmont or central Virginia phase includes expansive grasslands, large forested tracts, pineland savannahs, several large reservoirs and an abundance of rich history and culture. Sites, which include state parks and forests, city and town parks, wildlife management areas and privately owned lands, were assessed and selected using a number of criteria. Community support and local participation have been high throughout the development process.

The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail becomes another example of Virginia Tourism's positioning statement, "Whatever you love in a vacation you can find in Virginia."