Where to Look in September
Switzer Dam seems to be one of the better places to look for fall migrants. Late summer trips there in recent years have produced Black-throated Green, Palm, Chestnut-sided, Magnolia and Golden-winged Warblers. Last year Greg Moyers found a Connecticut Warbler at the low water bridge above the reservoir. Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Philadelphia Vireo have also been seen in that area. You always have a chance of seeing a turkey or a grouse when you drive along this road.
You can also have good success on the tops of Shenandoah Mountain to the west and the Blue Ridge to the east, but be prepared to encounter bear chasers on the former and leaf watchers on the latter during this time of year.
Leonard's Pond on Rt. 678 east of Mt. Crawford has been good for shore birds during the late summer in past years. Solitary, Spotted, Pectoral and Least Sandpipers and an occasional rarity are usually pretty good possibilities at this site.
Va-bird@listserve.com http://www.virginiabirds.net/
shenvalbirds@yahoogroups.com http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/shenvalbirds/
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