This morning, Greg Moyers and I met at Briery Branch Dam;
Greg had his eye on a Bald Eagle when I arrived. We birded Reddish Knob, the
Forest road that continues past the Reddish Knob spur road, and finally the
Forest Rd. north towards Bother Knob along the Rockingham County, VA / WV State
line.
Heading north on the trip's last leg we met early-birder William Leigh, who
was on his way home. Chatting briefly, I suggested he join us. But he was short
on time. His parting suggestion was that I drive the rough road's entire length
north to Switzer Dam (and Rt. 33) in search of Red Crossbills. I chuckled, no
thanks! As Greg stopped to greet William, I went ahead. (Dragging this story
out, I'm hoping William has stopped reading...)...no more than 100 yards
further an unfamiliar song lured me into a small clearing. At its edge, three
Red Crossbills were atop a tall pine! Greg caught up in time for a look. Other
good finds along the same stretch were Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted
Nuthatch and Barred Owl. And, unbelievably, a second look (15 minutes after the
first) at what was likely the same group of three Red Crossbills (2M + 1F)
working cones high in a spruce. Per Google Maps this was about 2,000' north and
exactly one State WEST of our first sighting.
Other finds included a perched Red-shouldered Hawk (immature) at Reddish Knob.
Warblers along the way included Ovenbirds; Chestnut-sided, Yellow-rumped,
Black-throated Blue, Black-throated Green, Black-and-white, Blackburnian, and
Canada Warblers (at three locations.) One stop was amazingly active; a
six-warbler + Veery concerto of sorts!
Diane Lepkowski
Harrisonburg
PS - this area is accessed by following Rt. 257 west from Rt. 42 in Dayton, VA
