Finding Birds in Guilford County:Guilford Battleground

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, known locally as "Guilford Battleground," contributes 220 acres to the Guilford Battleground/Country Park complex that comprises over 450 acres of typical northern Piedmont mixed deciduous oak-hickory woodland. Completing the complex for birding purposes is the adjacent large City-operated cemetery, Forest Lawn, which is both traditionally landscaped and partially-wooded. Cumulatively, this creates an oasis for wildlife in the middle of suburban and commercial development.
In addition to its natural value as good woodland bird habitat, the area is of significance in American history. In the battleground area, American General Nathaniel Greene, for whom the city of Greensboro is named, led a group of 4,400 American militia and Continental soldiers against 1900 troops of the British General, Charles, Second Earl Cornwallis, in 1781. Dubbed "The Battle of Guilford Courthouse", this engagement was a technical victory for the British when Greene chose to withdraw his forces, but the battle so weakened Cornwallis’ army that it is credited with being the turning point that led to the surrender at Yorktown and final victory for the United States.
If traveling from then west on I-40, take exit 214 to east Wendover Avenue. Continue on Wendover about 6 miles, and watch for the Westover Terrace/Battleground Avenue sign. Exit right to the traffic signal, then turn left (north) at the light. Westover Terrace soon becomes Battleground Avenue (US 220 North). Birders coming from the east should leave the interstate at the Reidsville/US 29/ exit (exit 127), and drive north about 2.9 miles. Watch for the Wendover Avenue west exit (the third exit) and follow the signs for Wendover Ave. West/US 220 North. Continue on Wendover to Battleground Avenue about 2.4 miles and exit north (a right turn, still on US 220 N) away from the city center, which can be seen in the distance to the left. Continue north on Battleground Avenue about 3 miles to New Garden Road, and turn right (east).

Tannenbaum Historic Park
          After turning right on New Garden Road, the entrance to Tannenbaum Historic Park will be on the right. This beautiful little park is worth a brief birding visit before proceeding into the battleground. The 7.5 acre park commemorates 18th century colonial life at the time of the Guilford Courthouse battle. It features a restored 1778 house, traditional cottage gardens and reenactments.
          The restored Hoskins/Wyrick House, which served as British Command headquarters and an interim field hospital during the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, sits among large mature oaks, sycamores, and other deciduous trees. In early spring look for warblers, and throughout the summer Scarlet Tanagers and Baltimore Orioles can sometimes be found in the trees. Northern Mockingbirds, American Robins, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, Song Sparrows, and other birds of open inhabited areas can be seen easily in the kitchen garden and around the blacksmith’s forge.
          For information about visitor center hours, the museum shop schedule, and upcoming events, write Tannenbaum Park at 103 Green Acres Lane, Greensboro, NC 27410, or call 336-288-8259. There is no admission fee.-

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
          Return to the entrance, turn right, continue another .3 mile to the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, and follow the sign to the visitor center. Here the visiting birder can pick up a color brochure that not only summarizes the events in 1781, but provides a map of the park.
         In the parking lot the birder has a decision to make: walk or drive. A system of 4 miles of trails begins here which will allow a person to walk through dense woodlands, along wood’s edge, and through grassy fields. As an alternative, the birder can begin a 2.4-mile one-way auto tour loop road that follows a circuitous route around the outer edge of most of the property, stopping frequently to look and listen for birds.
          Of course, the serious birder actually can do both. There are seven paved pull-offs along the auto tour road where a person may park and walk the trails in that vicinity. If you choose the auto tour, drive carefully and obey the parking signs; the road crosses a busy street and is heavily used by walkers, joggers, and bicyclists, even in early morning and late evening when birding is best.
          Birding in the battleground can be good at any time of the year. A leisurely drive through the park on a nice late spring or early summer afternoon is almost sure to be accompanied by the songs of Wood Thrushes echoing in the forest. Nearly all of the eastern woodpeckers have been seen here. Carolina Wrens, Brown Thrashers, Gray Catbirds, and Rufous-sided Towhees inhabit the underbrush.
          In winter, flocks of Dark-eyed Juncos join White-throated Sparrows in the leaf litter. At any time of year, American Crows can be seen and heard calling; it is possible in summer to hear an occasional Fish Crow, an uncommon species in the county. Grassy areas attract Eastern Bluebirds, Phoebes, and Kingbirds.
          It is easy to spend a morning or afternoon at this site, and even the birder in a hurry should allow an hour or more. For information about seasonal park hours, contact the Superintendent at 2332 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC 27410, or call 336-288-1776. There is no admission fee.
           The Nat Greene Trail is a short distance north of the park on Old Battleground Road. Here a birder has access along a 3.2 mile trail to a 200-foot boardwalk through a marsh and marshy sections of Lake Brandt where ducks, shore birds, and wading birds may be found, especially in winter and during migration. For more information about the Greensboro trail system, call 336-545-5961.