Grassdale Road (VA 755) is a popular spur road for folks who are birding in the Remington area. The road runs northeast from Sumerduck Road (VA 651), and carries very little traffic, owing to the presence of only four homes along its length.
Immediately upon turning onto the road, birders visiting in summer will hear the song of Blue Grosbeak, and possibly Savannah Sparrow, which is a scarce breeder in the county. Horned Lark has also been confirmed nesting in the fields along the road. This is a spot worth checking in all four seasons. Aside from summer breeders, in late summer and fall there is the possibility of shorebirds dropping into the fields. Upland Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and American Golden-Plovers have been observed in August/September, depending on what crops were planted and harvested. Red-headed Woodpeckers nest in the woodlot to the northwest, and often the young can be found on the fence posts along the road in fall. In winter, Horned Larks, Lapland Longspurs, Snow Buntings, American Pipits, Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, American Kestrels, and the occasional Merlin are possible. Also worth checking is the stream crossing about a half-mile northeast from Sumerduck Road for White-crowned Sparrow in winter and the shoulder seasons. There have been massive blackbird flocks that have produced the expected species, as well as Brewer's and Yellow-headed Blackbirds (11/13/2002). Spring will sometimes bring Bobolink flocks (again, depending on the crops planted), as well as Vesper Sparrow, and early Grasshopper Sparrows. Summer offers a chance to hear Grasshopper Sparrows, American Kestrel, and the aforementioned nesting species. Eastern Meadowlark is present year-round. Mostly the landowners and residents along the road have been tolerant, if not receptive, to birders being along the road.
eBird Hotspot: Grassdale Road
—Todd Michael Day