This week I had the pleasure of a three day visit to the Northern Neck of
Virginia.
This area provides a great location for making observations, as long as the
weather complies. There are many stretches of road where the traffic is so
minimal that one can stop and look at historical markers and birds along the
way.
Finding charming places to eat, however, was difficult. If you wish to have
some of this info, I would be happy to respond to off-list emails. The
population is low and the contrast to the other areas of the Eastern shore in
summer
is pronounced.
On Thursday, while I was attempting to escape the same deluge that found Val
Kitchens at Belle Isle, and returning from Irvington/White Stone, Hughlett's
Point, and other diversions, I found that the rain had let up enough for a
short jaunt into Westmoreland State Park, on the Potomac River side of Route 3,
(east of Fredericksburg), just into Westmoreland County from King George
County.
Westmoreland State Park's cliffs are known for the ancient finds people make
there, such as whale teeth.
With such information I was able to lure my non-birding husband to the cliffs
and the presence of a dozen bald eagles, some sitting, some soaring and
enjoying the wind.
Many adult Ospreys, barn swallows, tree swallows, and black vultures also
made us welcome with their loud presence.
Off the shore of the boat rental area is a great osprey nest on the gazebo
furthest away. It is easy to observe the birds without disturbing them.
Parents were fishing and feeding the young.
Unfortunately, the weather did not make George Washington's Birthplace very
appealing for observations, though that was one of my goals.
Earlier this week, we had been on the small route (I think this is State Road
606, off Route 200 between Kilmarnock and the Great Wicomico River, which
takes you to Hughlett's Point. There is a small school house at the end of the
state road with a sign noting the environmental contributions of the educator
Jessie Ball DuPont, and the three way intersection (where you have no idea how
to find Hughlett's as the signage looks more like No. Va's, but turning right
from the road was the best guess and we made it) I saw a very large bird that
at first looked like a big glossy ibis but without any eye identifier. This
bird was clearly visible in the low grassy field at the side of the road not
25 yards from the school house intersection. He/she was very dark with no
markings other than a very dark grey-reddish brown color.
Not being sure who he was because his bill was so distinctly decurved, I
wasted my time looking in the books and finally decided he must be a glossy.
He
was alone at that time.
Reedville was quiet for people but it was truly Osprey City, with many
opportunities to see nests and young birds fussing on the inlet.
My favorite spot for observing the variety of birds and bats available in
Lancaster County on Wednesday evening was Fleet's Island and the area just
before
Windmill Point, not far from White Stone. Though we were too busy to spend
time there, the heads of many herons and egrets popped up through the sea grass
and made the brief visit very enticing.
All in all, the Northern Neck offers many opportunities for birds and people
to meet. When dry, it must be spectacular.
Ellen O'Donohue
Vienna VA
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