Fairwood Valley, Grayson County, Virginia

Fairwood Valley in Grayson County, Virginia is one of my favorite birding areas near my home.  It is part of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and also the first valley that one travels through when going from Troutdale to Konnarock.

I try to get over there once a week to see what birds are around.  By Christmas Bird Count time, the bird population of this high elevation valley has dropped considerably and is much less diverse than during the summer months.  Back in November, there were still quite a few birds.  I ran into a large flock of American Robins and Cedar Waxwings one morning feeding on rose hips near Fairwood Cemetary.  Last time I was by this spot, the rose hips were gone and so were the birds.

Allen Boynton
Troutdale, VA