Highland and Nelson Counties, VA, 3/9-10/16

All photos are © Marshall Faintich

Blue Grass Valley, Highland County, 3/9/16

I made the 80 mile, 2 hour drive, to the Blue Grass Valley to look for Golden Eagles and other raptors. There was hazy sun, light breezes, and temperatures in the upper 70s. Unfortunately, there weren't very many birds! The warm temperatures probably pushed the winter species to the north for the season. I did end up with about 20 species. Highlights were a few American Kestrels, two Red-tailed Hawks, and a Rusty Blackbird.


American Kestrel


American Kestrel


American Kestrel


American Kestrel


American Kestrel


American Kestrel


Red-tailed Hawk


Red-tailed Hawk


Rusty Blackbird

Rockfish Valley Trail, Nelson County, 3/10/16

I stayed close to home this morning. The Rockfish Valley Trail wasn't very "birdy," and the birds that were there weren't eager to get their pictures taken. I ended up with 18 species on the trail. I did hear the grunting of a possible rail or woodcock in the bog area, but couldn't see any movement or birds from where the sound was.


White-throated Sparrow


Fox Sparrow


Yellow-rumped Warbler



E-mail comments on this report


Return to blog page home