Sycamore Bend Cabin & River Retreat

This bucolic getaway sits adjacent to the George Washington National Forest. The property comprises several fields, wooded upland, and a stretch along the Cowpasture River. The primary birding area of interest follows the driveway through closed canopy deciduous forest near the road, down along a rocky stream, and into an open field along the river.

In the immediate vicinity of the property, Westminster Road is great for observing Eastern Whip-poor-wills on the road before dawn. The forest near the road is representative of deciduous forests in the region, dense with ferns and large oaks. Worm-eating Warbler and Wood Thrush are in abundance here, and Cerulean Warbler has been detected along the rocky stream.

Common Nighthawks and Chimney Swifts are a common sight from the cabin around dusk. Early successional habitat on the field edges behind the cabin boasts breeding Yellow-breasted Chat along with Field Sparrow and Indigo Bunting. Hayfields on the property have Red-winged Blackbirds and Eastern Meadowlark and could produce a Bobolink, likely during migration. Several wet depressions in these hayfields might one day turn up a phalarope, bittern, or rail.

After the cabin, the driveway trail continues close to the eponymous Sycamore Bend, a sharp turn in the Cowpasture with a swimming hole and some gravel banks. Least, Spotted, and Solitary Sandpipers are common on the gravel banks in summer, and other shorebirds could join them. Orchard and Baltimore Orioles were both observed breeding in trees along the river. Mallard, Wood Duck, and Common Merganser have been observed on this stretch of river and could be joined by other species especially during migration.

There is opportunity for other wildlife viewing as well, with an abundance of insects to observe. In 2022 a female American black bear and two cubs were seen several times on the property. Sycamore Bend is located centrally to several extensive, rugged and underbirded sites in Bath County such as Gathright WMA. It is close to Warm Springs and only a little farther to Hot Springs. Highland County is also not far away.

See the owner's page for information on staying here or accessing the property to bird.

Owner/Manager: Sycamore Bend Cabin & River Retreat

eBird Hotspot: Sycamore Bend Cabin & River Retreat

—Megan Massa, November 2022

Indian Draft Road at Cowpasture River Crossing

Stopping here gives you an opportunity to view the Cowpasture River. In the breeding season, listen for singing Louisiana Waterthrush, scan the river for Common Mergansers, and watch for Cliff Swallows coming and going from their nests under the bridge. The bridge is also a good spot to find Rock Pigeon, a species which can occasionally be tricky to find in Bath County.

Accessibility: This section of Indian Draft Road is low-traffic, and there is room for birders to pull-off to the side of the road just before crossing the bridge from the north. Walking out onto the bridge allows you to scan up and down the Cowpasture River.

eBird Hotspot: Indian Draft Road at Cowpasture River Crossing

—Matt Anthony

Bath County Pumped Storage Station Recreation Area

Birding here at any time of year can be productive, however, winter waterfowl and shorebird migration set this location apart from other destinations in Bath. This can also be a productive location for songbirds, however, this may be because it is one of the few large publicly accessible areas in the county more than the habitat actually being better for passerines. Diligent scanning with a scope of the lakes and their shorelines can be done from many vantage points, both inside and outside of the park. The two Rt. 600 pull-offs are worth stopping at for their views of areas of the lakes not easily seen from within the park. The northern pull-off tends to produce more birds, however, the southern pull-off should not be discounted. During nice days when the park is open to the public, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds of people.

Notable waterbirds seen here includes Cackling Goose, Canvasback, White-winged Scoter, Long-tailed Duck, and Horned Grebe. Both species of Eagles have also been recorded here, with Bald possibly nesting nearby. Shorebirds include Killdeer (breeding), Least Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitcher (a large flock of 60), and both Yellowlegs, although this area holds the potential for many more shorebird species if visited with more frequency (particularly during the fall). Filling out the passerine side of the equation, Least Flycatcher and many species of warblers, including Golden-winged, have been recorded here. As with many locations in this part of the state, this hotspot is severely under-birded, especially during the winter and fall when waterfowl and shorebirds are expected.

Accessibility: From April to October this recreation area is open to the public for a wide variety of activities, however, during the rest of the year the lakes are still viewable. There are two pull-offs along Rt. 600, one north and one south of the entrance to the recreation area. Visitors may also park at the closed entrance gate and walk into the park during the off-season. There is a $2.00 daily parking fee between April and October.

Owner/Manager: Dominion Energy (owner and manager) and Allegheny Energy (owner)

eBird Hotspot: Bath County Pumped Storage Station Recreation Area

—Nick Newberry