However one enters Rappahannock County, the grandeur and beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the graceful slopes of the Piedmont are in view. Rolling pastures with hay bales and cattle dot the landscape. Large tracts of forested land sweep out in all directions.

Rappahannock County has remained a rural oasis for people seeking a quiet, slower way of life. It also continues to be home to myriad wild life - hundreds of species of birds, animals and plants that are under pressure from increasing development in surrounding communities. Many farms and other sizable tracts of property now are protected in land conservation easements. A large portion of the county is forever preserved within the borders of Shenandoah National Park on the western edge of the county and through land easements within the county. It is hoped for the wildlife that shares the land with us, this will always be the case.

There are a number of ways to experience the "Wild Side of Rappahannock." One way to take a closer look at what is going on in the forests, streams and farms is to tour the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail, which encompasses 65 different loops around the state. The loops are divided into three sections - Mountain, Piedmont and Coastal.

Rappahannock County permits easy access to several of the trail loops. Within the county and to the north is the Front Royal loop. To the southeast is the Culpeper loop. To the west, in Shenandoah National Park, is the Skyline Drive loop. In addition to the birding trail, the park offers hundreds of miles of hiking and walking trails allowing guests to enjoy some of the most beautiful spots in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along with stunning views of Rappahannock County and the Vrginia Piedmont.

Shenandoah National Park also offers many programs led by rangers, special events and attractions. In the spring, a "Raptor Cam" points to a peregrine falcon nesting site. More information is available at Shenandoah National Park's web site, www.nps.gov/shen/, or at the nearby entrances to the park. From Rappahannock County, you may access the park at the Thornton Gap entrance via 211 West from Sperryville. The Front Royal entrance may be reached via Route 522 North from Flint Hill.

Whichever Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail loop you choose, all the loops are designed to be explored in two to three days to fully enjoy the natural beauty and to allow time for bird and wildlife sightings. Brown roadside signs direct you to each stop on the different loops. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail Guide describes each of the 65 loops throughout Virginia. It may be purchased from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries for $8.50 by calling 866.74V.ABWT or by going to www.dgif.virginia.gov/vbwt. Descriptions of and directions for each loop and each stop on the loop may also be downloaded from that web site.

In Rappahannock County, you will find the first stop on the Front Royal loop of the Mountain section, Caledonia Farm 1812, located near Flint Hill. A visit by appointment to this 100-acre farm introduces you to a variety of bird species, including numerous songbirds such as the eastern phoebe, white-breasted nuthatch, eastern bluebird and chipping sparrow. At different times throughout the year, open fields permit viewing of black and turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks and American kestrels. You might even catch a glimpse of a black bear or a red fox, both very common to the area.

Your host at Caledonia Farm 1812, Phil Irwin, is happy to direct you to pristine spots for optimal wildlife viewing. He even will loan you binoculars and guide books for identification, and answer questions about the area and its inhabitants. For your safety and in consideration of the private residence at Caledonia Farm 1812, please phone ahead to set up an appointment by calling 540.675.3693. The farm boundaries are not clearly marked and some instruction is necessary in order to navigate the area. The hours are from sunrise to sunset. Bathrooms and lodging are available. For more information on Caledonia Farm 1812, visit its web site at www.BNB1812.com.

Caledonia Farm is not the only farm or B & B available for great wildlife viewing. Many of the B & Bs listed in this guide have beautifully landscaped grounds that attract a variety of birds and other wildlife. Some of the B & Bs sit on large tracts of land and permit opportunities to hike, fish, explore or even go horseback riding. Contact the innkeepers at the listings under Accommodations to discover what they have to offer the nature enthusiast and bird-watcher. Stay in Rappahannock County and explore its "Wild Side". Just be sure to tell your innkeeper that you will need breakfast before sunrise!