Bland County

Eastern Wood-Pewee, © Alex Shipherd

Of all 133 counties and independent cities in Virginia, few feel as a remote as Bland County. Though it sits only a short drive away from Wytheville and I-81, and is traversed by I-77 as it winds north towards West Virginia, Bland is nonetheless among the most isolated and sparsely settled counties in the state. Its population of just over 6,800 puts Bland sixth among Virginia counties for least population; in fact, it is so rural that there are no incorporated municipalities anywhere within the county boundaries. Nor is this a recent phenomenon, as Bland’s remoteness and isolation are the very reasons for its being. The county was formed in 1861 from portions of Tazewell, Wythe, and Giles Counties as a result of popular dissatisfaction from residents frustrated at having to travel long distances over poorly-maintained mountain trails simply to conduct routine business and legal proceedings. It took its name from Richard Bland, a William & Mary-educated Founding Father who served in the colonial House of Burgesses before becoming a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. In addition to his role as a statesman, Bland was also a dedicated student of Virginia history. Though devoid of incorporated towns, Bland has several main settlements. The eponymous village of Bland serves as its county seat. Just to the north is the hamlet of Bastian, an access point for the Appalachian Trail that for much of the 20th century was home to various industries including mining, lumber, and textiles. During the Depression, Bastian also headquartered a major Civilian Conservation Corps camp. Further north, the settlement of Rocky Gap sits nearly on the West Virginia border; its location at the convergence of Clear Fork, Laurel Fork, and Wolf Creek makes it a popular location with trout fishermen.

Its name notwithstanding, the birding in this county is anything but “bland.” Offering a nice mix of mountain ridges and open valleys, Bland’s assortment of habitats gives birders the opportunity to encounter a large suite of species. There are relatively few public lands in the county, so some of the best birding in Bland is done by car. Several roads cut east-west across the county through the valleys, and driving these is a good way to encounter open country and edge species. The widest valley stretches across the middle of the county, punctuated by the village of Bland, and is traversed in its entirety by the Blue Grass Trail (42), which is the quickest route across the county. Little Creek Highway (601), Grapefield Road (614), and Wolf Creek Highway (61) all provide alternate routes through the valleys. During these drives, stop at agricultural fields to listen for open country birds such as meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Bobolinks. Creek crossings may offer the chance to encounter riparian species including Baltimore Oriole and Warbling Vireo. Each of these roads is dotted with a farm pond or two, and in the appropriate seasons these could attract shorebirds, though few have been recorded in the county thus far. Waddletown Road, just to the southwest of Bland, is another excellent road to drive for field species; Dickcissel has been recorded there. Loggerhead Shrike has also been recorded in the county, and could conceivably be found in any of its open field habitats.

For passerines, particularly elevation breeders, the best way to bird Bland is via hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail has an access point near Bastian, while nearby Round Mountain is traversed by an extensive network of trails that can be accessed from a series of parking areas on Round Mountain Road (688). On these trails, expect to find an array of warblers including Chestnut-sided, Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Blackburnian, and Worm-eating, as well as Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Veeries, and Blue-headed Vireos. Portions of these trails pass through mountain laurel thickets that may be home to Swainson’s Warblers. At night, you might be serenaded by singing Eastern Whip-poor-wills. On the county’s southern edge, Big Walker Lookout is another excellent place to seek out warblers and other passerines; though the ridge at this spot straddles the Bland/Wythe line, the lookout itself and the trail are both in Bland County.

In the winter, keep an eye to the sky for Golden Eagles, which are rare but regular winter visitors in this part of the state. While driving the valleys, be attentive for White-crowned and Fox Sparrows along road edges. The aforementioned woodland trails can be expected to harbor winter woodland species including Brown Creepers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. Waterfowl are difficult in Bland, but it is still worth checking some of the farm ponds in case an odd duck drops in. Unfortunately Crab Orchard Lake, the largest body of water in the county, is private and not accessible to birders.

Despite boasting a respectable list of 156 species reported to eBird as of May 2020, Bland has yet to play host to a significant state or regional rarity. Doubtless this is due in part to its sporadic coverage by birders, and the varied habitats found here demand more attention; perhaps you will be the one to turn up a notable record!

—Matt Anthony

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