Big Branch Detailed Information

This cove on the north side of the reservoir has the potential for shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrant passerines.

Highlights: Mudflats, when present, may attract shorebirds. High water levels in this protected cove in late winter and early spring sometimes produce large numbers of migrating waterfowl. For the naturalist, spring wildflowers
on the steep east slopes, summer dragonflies adjacent to the boat ramp during periods of low water, and a variety of fungi in autumn (if precipitation is ample) all make Big Branch an attractive location.

Handicapped Access: The paved parking lot and boat ramp make it possible to see and hear much of what is present.

Habitat: Water, mudflats, deciduous and coniferous woods, steep slopes, edge vegetation, and a tributary are all present at Big Branch. Because reservoir water levels are unpredictable, there may be excellent shorebird habitat or none at all. Seasonal rainfall, normal fluctuations in water usage, and dam repair schedules all impact the attractiveness of this site. The mostly coniferous forest on the west side of the cove is not open to the public.

Layout: Much of the most productive area can be seen from the parking lot and boat ramp located at the head of the cove. (A telescope is valuable.) When water levels begin to drop, mudflats emerge close to this location. In the course of weeks or months, the flats may expand south a considerable distance so that walking from the ramp along the left (east) edge may allow closer looks at shorebirds. (Do not risk walking on the mud.) For the agile, a faint narrow fishing trail begins near the metal bench. It runs parallel to the left side of the cove mostly on the hillside until it ends at a deep gully. A tributary comes in from the north crossing under Triadelphia Road at the bridge. From the ramp, the channel is visible to the right (west) with mature willows on the far bank.

Birding: Stand at the gate to the boat ramp and scan the water and/or flats as well as the west (right) side of the cove. Examine the scrubby vegetation to the right of the ramp between the parking lot and the water as well as the  trees on the far side of the tributary; check the radio tower for perched birds (usually vultures), and scan the sky for raptors. At dawn and dusk, listen for Eastern Screech-Owls, Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls. This is the minimum site check most birders make. If water levels are down and shorebirds are migrating, it may be worthwhile to walk left from the boat ramp along the trees on the east (left) side of the cove skirting soft mud until a good vantage point is reached. On the other hand, during periods of high water, it may be necessary to use the fishing trail beginning just left of the metal bench. Use extreme caution during icy or extremely wet weather as the trail is narrow and contains some sections which require sure footing and mud-proof boots along some of the steep slopes.