Several of us stayed in cabins at Fairy Stone State Park for 3 nights this
weekend. I was the only birder in the group so each morning I got up early and
alone to explore the park and see what was around. It was my first visit to SW
Va. I figured that birders may be interested in sightings here, as I don't
remember seeing a post for this park.
Nothing unusual seen but it was fun to explore. When I checked out the beach
area on Sunday and Monday I heard at least 1 BROWN-HEADED NUTHATCH. It is
interesting to get this species here in the mountains at/near the far western
edge of its range in the state. The dominant pine species at FSSP is Eastern
White. An adult BALD EAGLE flew over the cabins on the edge of the lake on
Sunday. During both of my visits to the spillway at the eastern end of the
lake I noted SPOTTED SANDPIPERS - 3 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. I saw few if
any definite songbird migrants. I heard two species of higher elevation in Va.
- COMMON RAVEN and BLUE-HEADED VIREO.
The most common species were Mallard, Am. Crow, E.W. Pewee, Car. Chickadee, T.
Titmouse, W.b. Nuthatch, Car. Wren, Chipping Sparrow and Am. Goldfinch.
Scott Baron
Fairfax, Va.
