The Third Winchester Battlefield is one of the best spots in Frederick County to look for migrant passerines and is a great spot to bird year round. The battlefield covers a wide variety of habitats, including cow pasture, fields, woods and a small wetland area around Redbud Run, which runs through the middle of the battlefield. There are two mature woodlots, the north woods just south of the northern entrance and the first woods near the Millbrook High School Entrance. Both of these areas along with the wooded area just south of Redbud Run are usually the best spots to look for warblers. Almost every regular species of migrant passerine has been recorded here including less common ones like Cerulean, Yellow-throated, and Mourning Warblers and Olive-sided Flycatcher. The spur trail that leads to the cannons just south of the north woods will take you into a large field bordered by a cow pasture that is an excellent area to look for open country birds. Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Bobwhite, Bobolink and Vesper Sparrow have all been seen in this area. The trail bordering the southern field between Redbud Run is another excellent area to bird, a good variety of sparrows can be found along here including the occasional Lincoln’s and American Tree Sparrows. The brushy area along the edge of this field near Redbud Run can also be good for warblers, including species such as Nashville and Mourning Warblers.
Accessibility: Open dawn to dusk, no entry fee. The battlefield can be accessed from a few different points. The closest parking area to I-81 is off Redbud Ln south of US 11 on the north end of the battlefield. From the south, there are two entrances, one at the end of Averrell Ave in the subdivision south of the battlefield and another at Millbrook High School. Be aware that parking at Millbrook High School is only allowed outside of school hours. The main trails are well maintained gravel, along with several less maintained dirt trails.
Owner/Manager: American Battlefield Trust
eBird Hotspot: Third Winchester Battlefield
Sub-hotspots: Third Winchester Battlefield--North Trails, Third Winchester Battlefield--First Woods