Washington County

Washington County is located in Southwest Virginia. It is bordered by Scott, Russell, Smyth, and Grayson Counties and the independent City of Bristol in Virginia, as well as Sullivan and Johnson Counties, Tennessee. This county is rich in history and culture. Before the arrival of Europeans, the region had an extensive indigenous history. Originally part of Fincastle County, which was established in 1772 and covered all of present-day Kentucky and parts of Southwestern Virginia and West Virginia, Washington County was created just 4 years later and renamed in honor of George Washington. The county seat is Abingdon. Here, one may find themself exploring the historic downtown, watching a play at the world-renowned Barter Theater, enjoying a spa day at the Martha Washington Inn, visiting the William King Art Museum, or shopping at the farmer’s market. Several annual events take place including the Washington County Fair, Trail Days, and the Virginia Highlands Festival held at Virginia Highlands Community College. The Virginia Creeper Trail, named after the Virginia-Carolina Railway trains that had to “creep” up and down the steep mountainsides, begins in Abingdon and continues 34.3 miles east through much of Washington County. Damascus also offers a welcoming downtown. This town is popular for outdoor recreation, particularly biking and hiking, as the Appalachian Trail crosses through the town. The nearby town of Emory is home to Emory and Henry College, which is the oldest higher learning institution in this corner of the state. Saltville partly lies in Washington County. This town is known for the vital salt wells that have been supporting both prehistoric animals and humans throughout history.

Most of the county lies in the Ridge and Valley physiographic province of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Only the easternmost part of the county is in the Blue Ridge. National protected areas include Jefferson National Forest and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Several major mountains and rivers distinguish this county. Clinch Mountain separates Washington and Russell counties with elevations reaching 4,000 feet. To the east, the county rises over 5,000 ft to the summit of Whitetop Mountain, the second-highest peak in Virginia. The North, Middle, and South Forks of the Holston River all run through Washington. Agricultural areas characterize much of the land (cattle and other forms of agriculture are major local industries), but a variety of mixed temperate forest and high elevation habitats (ex: spruce-fir) can be found here.

Washington County is home to several noteworthy hotspots. With the highest number of species, clocking in at 120 as of December 2021, is Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area. This WMA is located in northwestern Washington County and is situated next to the border of Russell County. At around 3,600 ft in elevation, it features a 60-acre lake that is tucked away near the top of Brumley Mountain. Though the lake seems perfect for waterfowl, it typically attracts few species during the winter. However, a few local rarities like Black Tern and American Avocet have found their way to the lake. Rather than waterfowl, this location is excellent for songbirds. High elevation breeding species such as Veeries; Dark-eyed Juncos; Black-throated Blue, Magnolia, and Canada Warblers; and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks can be found throughout summer and migration. Around ten warbler species breed in the 6,400-acre forest and over a dozen can be seen during migration. Flycatchers, vireos, thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers, and much more are regularly found from spring to fall.

Washington County Park has the next highest number of species at 111. This location consists of a boat launch, campground, and recreation area along South Holston Lake near the border of Tennessee. The lake offers viewing of a variety of waterfowl including grebes, loons, and over a dozen species of ducks. Several species of gulls can also be found here in the winter, including Bonaparte’s and Ring-billed. This site hosts a wide assortment of songbirds. Warbler diversity is low, but this is a reliable spot for breeding Pine and Yellow-throated Warblers. Of particular interest is the population of Brown-headed Nuthatches that have become established here. They have bred here for many years and are easily seen or heard in the pines along the water’s edge. Entrance to this park costs a small fee.

The Virginia Creeper Trail spans a considerable portion of southwestern Washington County. Popular trailheads include Abingdon, Damascus, Alvarado, and Watauga. The trail does not host any particularly notable species, but it makes up for this with free, family-friendly, easily accessible viewing of a wide range of birds. Bear Tree Recreation Area is located near Konnarock in the Blue Ridge and provides viewing opportunities of many high-elevation species. Red-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Saw-whet Owls, Veeries, Canada Warblers, and Black-throated Blue Warblers can be found here. Swainson’s Warblers are known to breed in this part of the county. They have made an appearance here at Bear Tree, Whitetop Laurel Fishing and Viewing Area, along Highway 58 between Damascus and Konnarock, and south of Damascus along the Tennessee border.

Overall, a variety of waterfowl have been reported in Washington County, but they are usually sparse and not very reliable. Nicewonder’s Pond tends to be one of the best spots for duck diversity. High shorebird diversity is generally lacking in this county. While many species have been reported, they are scarce visitors to the region. Only Killdeer, Spotted Sandpiper, and Solitary Sandpiper are generally expected. Wilson’s Snipe can be found along the streams and creeks that dot the lower-elevation, agricultural regions of the county. The Emory & Henry campus has been reliable for snipe in the winter. Terns blow through the region in the fall during hurricane season, but they are an uncommon visitor. Great Blue and Green Herons are common. Great Egrets make an occasional appearance, and Black-crowned Night Herons can sometimes be found at Whitaker Hollow Boat Ramp. A rather impressive Purple Martin colony exists on the Virginia Highlands Community College campus and is worth the visit. Loggerhead Shrikes are frequently located in the rolling fields in the eastern parts of the county (Glade Spring, Meadowview, etc.). Yellow-breasted Chats, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and White-throated Sparrows also appear here and the southwestern portion of Washington County. Shrikes, Dickcissels, Grasshopper Sparrows, and American Kestrels can be seen at Virginia Highlands Airport. A population of Eurasian Collared-Doves have become established in the town of Meadowview. They are regularly seen at Meadowview Mills on Hillman Highway.

Perhaps one of the most interesting rare birds of Washington County is the Eared Grebe. First spotted in 1994 just over the Tennessee line at Musick’s Campground, the Eared Grebe has been overwintering on South Holston Lake for over two decades. Reports of the grebes have been made annually from the waters in both Washington County, VA and Sullivan County, TN. Washington County Park provides a good vantage point for viewing this species. South Holston Lake has produced other rarities. A Eurasian Wigeon, the only one reported southwest of Roanoke, was found in 1967. The only report of a Sooty Tern in Southwest Virginia also came from the lake along the VA/TN state line in 2004. Other locally rare gulls and terns (ex: Laughing, 2021) have been spotted in the same area. The Mouth of Wolf Creek TVA access area produced the first state record of a Ferruginous Hawk in 1973.

Washington County offers a mixture of habitats, terrain, and recreational activities that provide great birding for people of all levels of experience - beginners and advanced birders alike. Songbirds and unique high-elevation Southern Appalachian species are perhaps the highlight of this county. Other taxa may not be as reliable or abundant (like waterfowl) but the diversity in habitats and endless areas to explore supply ample opportunities to stumble across a rare species. At 231 species, Washington County is an ideal spot for sampling the full spectrum of avian diversity.

 —Adrianna Nelson, December, 2021

Hotspots