The Blue Grass Valley encompasses a wide swath of land with plentiful birding opportunities. Driving slowly along state roads 640, 642, and 644 (known as Hardscrabble Rd) should produce views of raptors. In the appropriate seasons, Rough-legged Hawks can sometimes be found; Golden Eagles, usually immatures, are reliable here, especially on 644 as it climbs to a ridge at the West Virginia line overlooking Snowy Mountain. Be patient and one or more Goldens should appear riding updrafts or soaring near Snowy Mountain. Golden winged Warbler has been a regular breeder near Margaret O'Brien's cabin, which straddles the VA/WV line on Wimer Mountain Road (640). Sadly, Margaret passed away in 2020, but there are plans to continue providing birding access on her former property. Apart from these Highland specialties, birding the public roads in the Blue Grass Valley will doubtless turn up many other exciting birds. High-elevation breeders such as Black-billed Cuckoo, Least Flycatcher, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and others are often present. In some of the open agricultural fields of the valley, one may find Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Vesper Sparrows, among others.
*eBirders should note that while the Blue Grass Valley hotspot does exist as a general catch-all for birding trips in this part of Highland, there are also more specific hotspots for each of the public roads. If possible, consider making separate checklists for each road.
Accessibility: From I-81 in Staunton, take US 250 W for 51.9 miles to its intersection with US 220 in Monterey. Turn right onto US 220 N and continue for 6.5 miles to SR 642. Turn left onto SR 642 and travel for 2.5 miles to SR 640. Continue south on SR 640 through Blue Grass Valley for 7.2 miles to US 250. Keep in mind that there is very little public land in this part of Highland County, so much of the birding is done by car. Many of the rural roads here are seldom-traveled, so it is typically not difficult to pull off and bird from the shoulder, but be mindful of both safety and blocking traffic. Though there are plans in motion to facilitate birding access at Margaret O’Brien’s former cabin, please keep in mind that this is still private property that is not currently accessible without prior. permission.
eBird Hotspot: Blue Grass Valley
—Bob Anderson, with additions by Matt Anthony