Sandy Head Ostrich Farm

Located in eastern Tazewell County, not terribly far from Burkes Garden, this hotspot is a working farm focused on sustainably raising ostriches, emus, and chickens. Thus far, this site has been little-visited by birders, with only three eBird checklists accounting for a roster of 9 species as of August 2020. Despite this, the farm is included as one of the sites on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resource’s Birding & Wildlife Trail; read their site description here. The farm has frontage along Clear Fork Creek and offers a mix of habitats included marsh, grassland, and woods. Current information suggests that the site is open to visitors and that the owner is happy to provide tours and allow birding access. We invite anyone birding Tazewell County to pay this site a visit, explore its birding potential, and report back to us on both the current state of access and the birding opportunities to be had!

eBird Hotspot: Sandy Head Ostrich Farm

—Matt Anthony, August 2020