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.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Leonard’s Pond:
- Black Vulture
- Turkey Vulture
- American Kestrel
169 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 21 Jan 2026 | 3 | Diane Holsinger |
| 17 Jan 2026 | 2 | Huck Hutchens |
| 14 Jan 2026 | 5 | Kate Komorous |
| 14 Jan 2026 | 7 | Diane Holsinger |
| 13 Jan 2026 | 2 | Jenny McHone |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Maps & 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.
Site Information
Managed By:
- 0
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.