The time for Christmas Bird Counts is upon us and with it comes the first opportunity to document a breeding bird record for the FINAL Atlas field season. What species starts setting up breeding territories during the months of frigid temperatures, biting winds, sleet, and snow? Virginia’s largest breeding owl species, the Great-Horned (Bubo virginianus). The Latin name for … [Read more...]
El Milagro
If you enjoy authentic Mexican – not Americanized Mexican such as Taco Bell – stop by El Milagro in Ruckersville. It’s the real deal. Until recently, El Milagro (which means “miracle” in Spanish) was located in a drive-in (a former Wendy’s location) located across from Blue Ridge Café on Rt. 29 North. However, the owner of the property decided to put it up for sale, so El Milagro … [Read more...]
How Do It Know?
I love the story about the two simpletons buying a Yeti. “Whas’zat?” asked one. “This here’s a Yeti,” replied the other. “Whas’ a Yeti? “Well, a Yeti is one of them things that keeps hot stuff hot and cold stuff cold.” Baffled, the second fellow thought for a while, then said, “But how do it know?” I happened to get a “How Do It Know” for Christmas, one of my … [Read more...]
Saltwater Update
Local angling is officially entering the winter season. We still have a few more days available in our sea bass and Bay striper season. Both close midnight December 31st. After that, it’s all catch and release. This time of year, hearty anglers turn their attentions to wreck fishing. Tautogs will be the main focus, but look for some flounder and bluefish to be caught as well. Dr Ken … [Read more...]
Musky Time
Freshwater fishing may be winding down for most species, but it’s heating up for one of Virginia’s biggest and most vicious warriors. Muskies. Twenty years ago, there was a modest population of muskies in the New River with scattered fish in other rivers. Recently, the James River has developed into a musky hotspot and the Shenandoah is coming on strong. Other rivers with the big … [Read more...]
The First Noel
Christmas memories. Strange, how some things stick in your mind through all the years. A Christmas memory I vividly recall happened in 1956. It was a few days before Christmas and Uncle Jim, my Aunt Jodi and Mama Ida had come from North Carolina to spend Christmas at our house in Lewisburg, WV. With an hour or two of sunlight remaining, I asked my uncle if he wanted to take the dogs out and … [Read more...]
A Fresh Picnic Ham
Fresh picnic hams were a staple in our house when I was a boy. Daddy would often put a big ham in the oven before church and by the time we came home, the house was filled with that wonderful aroma of fresh pork. Rarely, today, does anyone cook a fresh picnic. It’s hard to even find one in the meat departments. It seems we're in a same-old, same-old “pork rut”. It’s either a Boston Butt … [Read more...]
My Flock of Sparrows
Often, when I go to the back of yard to scatter seed, any birds there will dart off to the shrubs and branches, returning only when I leave. The other day, I noticed a small flock of birds actually flying my way when I opened the seed can. It was my small flock of song sparrows. They flew to within about 10 feet, beneath the forsythia branches, and waited because they have come to know … [Read more...]
New Bridge to White Oak Canyon
By the VDGIF A new 35-foot span bridge across Cedar Run offers hikers and nature-loving community members improved access to the popular White Oak Canyon trailhead outside of Shenandoah National Park and opening up three miles of stream habitat to native fish for the first time in decades. The effort is a public-private partnership between Shenandoah National Park, The Piedmont … [Read more...]
Cold Water Paddling and Fishing Safety
By Bruce Ingram The most dangerous incident of my paddling career occurred on the James River when a friend and I overturned in his canoe. Earlier, my water temperature gauge had registered 54 degrees and the air temperature 65 degrees. When I fell in, I felt as if a sledgehammer had struck my chest, and my buddy and I struggled to swim to shore – losing most of our gear. That day, … [Read more...]
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