Leonard’s Pond

Description

Elevation: 1181 ft.

This pond, located on private property, has hosted an amazing diversity of birds over the years. Property owners allow birding and wildlife viewing from the roadside only. From there visitors can view the pond, which is a short distance from the main road. Check for shorebirds such as killdeer, solitary and pectoral sandpipers in spring and fall. As the weather gets colder, more waterfowl begin to appear. Mallard, gadwall, and teal join resident Canada geese and almost anything could turn up. Even in the middle of winter when the pond is frozen solid, the fields and hedgerows are worth checking for raptors, red-bellied woodpeckers, and the occasional flock of horned larks. Also keep an eye out for eastern amberwing and great blue skimmer dragonfly as well as clouded sulphur butterfly.

Note: Leonard’s Pond is located on private property and is only viewable from the road. The landowner has permitted wildlife viewing from this distance only. Climbing over the fence is prohibited. 

Directions

Location: Faughts Rd/SR 678 near SR 276/Cross Keys Rd, Mt Crawford, VA 22841

From the previous site on the Lost Shoe Loop of the VBWT:

From Lake Shenandoah, return north on SR 687 for 0.4 miles to SR 689. Turn right and continue east on SR 689 for 1.2 miles to SR 276. Turn right and travel south on SR 276 for approximately 5.1 miles to SR 678/Faught’s Road. Turn right and go 0.2 miles to find the pond on the right. Be sure to pull off onto the road’s shoulder as the road can be busy at times.