In summer and spring, you can encounter flocks of Red-winged Blackbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Eastern Bluebird, Barn Swallow and American Goldfinch. Also, look for American Kestrel, Bald Eagle, Blue Heron and Wild Turkey. The open grasslands are also excellent habitat for Grasshopper Sparrow during the breeding season and Dickcissel in summer. In winter, look for patrolling Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl.
Notable records of species in The Cove include Merlin, Great Horned Owl, Greater/Lesser Yellowlegs, 18 species of warblers, 9 species of sparrows and Bobolinks.
Accessibility: At 2400 feet elevation, The Cover is one of the last remaining valleys expressly devoted to agriculture. Used primarily to graze cattle, sheep and horses, the land supports crops of alfalfa, corn and other grain. Grassland and open fields are abundant. With four possible entrances to the Cove, the first choice by birders is Route 609 (Wardell Road). After passing through a residential area, one encounters the beginning view of pasturelands. Continuing on an elevated route you find an expanded view of active farm lands.
En route is the volunteer fire department, the old Cove Elementary School. Take the next right onto Rt. 608 (Cove Road). Thistle Cove Farm is the first home on the left and serves as the gateway to The Cove.
eBird Hotspot: The Cove
—Clancey Deel