Description

Just upstream from Mossingford Marsh on Roanoke Creek, the flooded woodlands expand into forest where Double Bridges Road crosses the creek in an area of flooded forest, slightly different from the wetland seen further downstream. In these woods, wood ducks nest and raise their young and the sounds of downy and red-bellied woodpeckers resound through the woods. Downy woodpeckers are easily distinguishable from red-bellied by their whitish back and usually unmarked flanks.

At the edge of the road, slaty skimmers and great blue skimmers can be seen patrolling the flooded vegetation. Look for the characteristic marks of the red-spotted purple as they gather in flocks in the middle of the road. While their underside is dark brown, these butterflies have a blue to blue-green upperside with iridescent outer parts of the hindwing. Look for the 2 red-orange bars near the base of the leading edge of their forewing and the 3 red-orange spots near the base of their hindwing. Although it is difficult to venture far from the road and see the extent of these wetlands, careful exploration is sure to reward the wildlife watcher over time.

Directions

From Mossingford Road Marsh, return east on Rt. 642/Mossingford Road for about 0.6 miles to Rt. 637. Turn left and go northeast 2.5 miles to Rt. 619. Turn left on Rt. 619/Double Bridges Road and go 0.9 miles to the marsh.