Forest Grove Road Pond

This is one of the better ponds in Warren County for dabbling ducks. Almost all the regular dabblers have been recorded here at one time or another. Depending on water levels the pond will occasionally attract shorebirds as well, both Semipalmated Plover and Wilson’s Snipe have been recorded. There is also a record of Great Egret, with more coverage an unusual heron might eventually turn up here.

Accessibility: This pond is located on private property but is easily viewable from Forest Grove Road. There is ample room to safely pull off the road here as well.

eBird Hotspot: Forest Grove Road pond

—James Fox

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Front Royal Fish Hatchery

When full the ponds attract the occasional duck and herons and when drawn down Spotted and Solitary Sandpipers have shown up. Currently, most of the ponds are completely dry allowing a good deal of grass and brush to grow in them, providing ample sparrow habitat for species such as Savannah, Chipping and Swamp Sparrows. During migration the edges of the woods surrounding the hatchery can be good for warblers. There are typically a few Louisiana Waterthrushes along the creek throughout the spring and summer.

Accessibility: The hatchery itself is only open during regular business hours during the week, but there are pull offs on both sides of the road with room for several cars where people can park at any time and go in.  The ponds and edges on both sides of 619 are worth exploring.

Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Fish & Game

eBird Hotspot: Front Royal Fish Hatchery

—James Fox

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Bentonville Boat Ramp

The Bentonville boat ramp is a great starting point for kayak trips along the Shenandoah River. During the summer months this stretch of river is popular for kayaking and canoeing. The Downriver Canoe Company is located on the opposite side of the river and offers canoe and kayak rentals along with providing shuttle service to points on the river from near Luray to Front Royal. Kayaking the river is a great way to find Prothonotary and Yellow-throated Warblers, Common Mergansers, Bald Eagles etc. In the winter the boat ramp is also a good vantage point to scan for ducks, there are usually some Common Mergansers around and in colder weather a wide variety of species are possible.

Accessibility: This is a public boat ramp maintained by VDGIF. Open dawn to dusk.

eBird Hotspot: Bentonville Boat Ramp

Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

—James Fox

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