Old Civil War site offers birdwatching possibilities

By Thelma Dalmas
Published: June 18, 2008

On Saturday, Staunton River Battlefield State Park will host a commemoration of the event for which the park is named.

On June 25, 1864, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant ordered 5,000 Federal troops to destroy the railroad bridge being used to supply Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Confederate forces at Petersburg. The southern forces defending the bridge consisted of about 900 young boys and old men under the command of Capt. Benjamin Farinholt. Despite overwhelming odds, the Confederate volunteers were successful.

In addition to its historical attraction, the park is also an excellent place to watch birds. The 300 acres of habitat are quite varied, including grassland, weedy fields, shrubs, wooded swamps, open wetlands and deciduous forest. Of course, the river also offers the opportunity to find a variety of waterfowl. There is a nice nature trail, which includes a raised observation tower with a good view of the marsh behind the Clover Visitor Center.

If you decide to go Saturday, the Civil War commemoration ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. with presentation of medals to recognized descendents of the Battle of Staunton River Bridge. Other activities scheduled during the day include a walking tour of the battlefield, a lecture on Jefferson Davis and the White House of the Confederacy, and a presentation on the expansion of the Museum of the Confederacy, which will be coming to Appomattox.

Members off the Sappony Indian Nation will be present at Roanoke Station in Randolph with displays pertaining to the history of their people. A living history encampment by Confederate re-enactors will be located next to Fort Hill near the Clover Visitor Center and cannon firing demonstrations are scheduled throughout the day. A walking trail, approximately a mile in length, connects the two visitor centers at the park. Lunch can be purchased at the Clover Visitor Center.

Staunton River Battlefield State Park is located in Charlotte and Halifax Counties on Virginia 855 about five miles from Clover. For more information, visit http://www.stauntonriverbattlefield.org.

News and Notes
A number of readers have contacted me to ask about the lack of hummingbirds at the feeder. June is always the slowest month of the summer because the females are busy with nesting activities and the males are still defending breeding territory. The young birds will begin to leave the nest around the end of this month, and activity at the feeders will increase.