All,
My son and I drove through the spotty heavy showers this morning
to Swoope, VA in hopes of seeing the Sandhill Crane reported on earlier
postings at Smith's pond. Of course it was pouring rain when we arrived
at 7:25 am but within 10 minutes the rain had almost stopped. Upon
stepping out of the van we were greeted by a Savannah Sparrow and a
Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Panning the green grassy areas and stream
below revealed 2 Great Blue Herons. Also present were Song Sparrows,
a Belted Kingfisher and a couple of sandpipers which looked like
Pectoral but they were at a great distance and I wasn't 100% sure. Large
fish thrashed about in the water and huge!! turtles milled about the edges of
the grass. At 8:45 am I panned my spotting scope to the very tip of the grassy
area towards the right and the Crane was standing there. To me it looked
darker and larger in overall size than the Great Blue's. The beautiful red crown
and black legs were easily seen. After 15 minutes it took off over the pond
and we didn't see it again.
Thanks to Todd and Sue for clarified directions. Didn't make any mistakes
getting there. It also helps having the Virginia DeLorme Atlas.
I will also add my 2 cents here: ( Virginia DeLorme Pg. 66 C2 )
Instead of taking all the county road 70x's you can turn left onto county road
703
from route 693 as mentioned in the previous posts and take that all the way into
Swoope, VA. You'll pass the post office and about another 3/8's of a mile on
the left
is North Mountain Rd. Turn left and proceed 1-2 miles to the "White House on
the Hill"
(sounds like a Hardy Boy book title...). Now your coming in from the other
direction.
The pond will be down the hill on your left. Take your spotting scope as the
pond is
a good distance away.
Good luck in seeing this bird,
Matt Orsie
Summit Point, WV
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