A whopping 27 shorebird species has been reported from this location since 2002, with 24 of them seen since 2016. The reliability of a variety of shorebirds makes this truly one of the best inland shorebird spots in Virginia. Beyond shorebirds, these sod farms are good places to find Horned Larks and Eastern Meadowlarks year round, and open-country winter specialties like American Pipits, Northern Harriers, and in some years, Lapland Longspurs. A few other uncommon birds have been seen here over the years, including Western Kingbird, Rough-legged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Dickcissel, and Vesper Sparrow. In summer, Blue Grosbeaks, Prairie Warblers, Field Sparrows, and Indigo Buntings can be hard to miss.
Unfortunately, as of August 2020, the free reign that birders have been granted roam the grounds has been rescinded. Birding is now from Newbys Shop Road only (VA 673), which presents some challenges (and has rendered impossible checking the pond for waterfowl and shorebirds). While there are many acres of habitat that cannot be seen from Newbys Shop Road, there is still quite a bit that can be viewed from a few different vantage points.
The easiest—and by far the safest— viewing is from a parking lot for the Battle of Kelly’s Ford historical marker and overlook. Here there is a modest parking area donated by the Woodward Turf Farm, as their land was part of the historic battle. There is also a Woodward Turf Farm sign here, designated as “Gate 1.5.” From this observation point, much of the turf farm is in view. The area is large, and often the birds can be distant. This is the most central of the places to scan the fields, and from here it is possible to see much of the turf in view from Gate 2 and the bend in the road spot (both described below). As is the case with all sod farms, the birding depends on the current state of the sod. This parking area is 1.6 miles south on Newbys Shop Road from the intersection with Remington Road (US 15 Business), or just over a half-mile north of the intersection with Kellys Ford Road (VA 674).
Another spot that allows for relatively easy viewing is at the sign for “Gate 2.” This spot is a bit more tricky for parking and is considerably less safe, as the shoulders are narrow, and steep (especially on the west side of the road, where it is impossible to get a car fully off the pavement due to the steepness and the ditch; it is recommended to park on the east side of Newbys Shop Road and parking your vehicle fully off the pavement; mind your mirrors before opening your door!). There is a wider, gravel apron that leads to the gate, and when the gate is closed, parking in front of it while birding there is fine (but don’t wander away from your car, as it is hard to predict when they’ll need access). If the gate is open, parking near the gate is ok (but leave plenty of room for work vehicles), unless you see tractor-trailer trucks on the fields. They haul pallets of sod on full-length tractor-trailer trucks from these fields. They need pretty much every inch of the entrance way to be able to make their turns. Gate 2 is just under two miles south on Newbys Shop Road from the intersection with Remington Road (US 15 Business), or just over a .2 miles north of the intersection with Kellys Ford Road (VA 674).
The third option for viewing is from a bend in Newbys Shop Road, just south of the main gate into the sod farm. This spot is slightly elevated above the nearest field, and affords good viewing. It also gets you closer to some of the spots that are distant from battlefield parking area described above. Depending on the condition of the fields, this could be the most productive stop along Newbys Shop Road. This spot is on the south side of the road, after the bend (parking on the north side here is impossible). There is a wide shoulder here, though it is hard to detect due to the tall grass, so use care. Please park in the direction of traffic here, as pulling into or leaving this spot against traffic makes it difficult for other motorists to see you. The bend in the road is a little over a mile from the intersection with Remington Road (US 15 Business), and a little over a mile north of the intersection with Kellys Ford Road (VA 674). While it is theoretically possible to find a place near the main entrance to the sod farm to park a car out of the way of operations, the short walk to this vantage point is on a blind curve that drivers traveling at speeds of 45 mph (and above) will not be expecting pedestrians.
Sod operations are usually Monday through Friday, and are done around five PM. Weekends see little activity by the sod farmers.
Please keep in mind that the speed limit on this road is 45 mph. Walking or standing in the road is ill-advised, and any time your feet are on pavement it is important to be aware of any vehicular traffic. While it may seem that the visibility is good, drivers still might not see you, either due to conditions or distractions. Be smart, and get off the road when cars are approaching. A smile and a wave is a nice gesture, too.
eBird Hotspot: Woodward Turf Farm (Culpeper Co.) view from Newbys Shop Road only
—Todd Michael Day, August 2020