Middlesex County
Yellow-throated Warbler, © Rob Bielawski
Situated on the Middle Peninsula, Middlesex comprises 211 square miles of largely rural landscape, though it is more populated than its neighboring counties. The northwestern section of the county is the most rural, defined by forest and agricultural land. As you head southeast along the county, it becomes more populated and less forested as small towns and residential areas become more abundant. Although there are numerous small towns scattered throughout the county, only Urbanna is incorporated. Bordered on the north by the Rappahannock River, and on the south by the Dragon Run and Piankatank River, Middlesex County funnels into a narrow piece of land, known as Stingray Point, where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The Rappahannock River becomes much deeper and wider as it enters Middlesex, and in the winter it hosts Northern Gannets, Brown Pelicans, and an array of diving ducks, including rafts of Long-tailed Ducks, Canvasbacks, and Surf Scoters. At the northwestern portion of the county the Dragon Run is mostly defined by flooded timber and bald cypress swamps, but as it reaches the Piankatank River, it opens up and widens, turning more into tidal freshwater marsh. The Piankatank River undergoes a drastic widening from its headwaters to its delta at Stove Point. It also plays host to many winter waterfowl, including Lesser Scaup, Horned Grebes, and American Coots.
Because much of the land in the county is privately owned, there are very limited opportunities for public birding. The majority of the available sites are located at public boat ramps along the Rappahannock and Piankatank Rivers, including the Norris Bridge, Mill Creek Boat Ramp, and Marsh Pungo Boat Ramp. They offer good views of expected overwintering waterfowl such as Ruddy Ducks, Common Goldeneyes, and Common Loons. The best public location for viewing neotropical migrants, especially Prothonotary Warblers, Acadian Flycatchers, and Ovenbirds is a small parcel owned and operated by the Friends of the Dragon Run (FODR), known variously as Dragon’s Lair 1 on the VDGIF Bird & Wildlife Trail, or Mascot Trail to the FODR. It features a small trail roughly a third of a mile long that parallels the Dragon Run and loops back around through riparian hardwoods to a small unpaved parking area. Another great location to see Prothonotary Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Eastern Wood-Pewees, and Red-winged Blackbirds is at Ware’s Bridge in Church View. A single-car pull-off lets you walk right down to the water’s edge. Holly Point Nature Park in Deltaville, at the southernmost portion of the county, is 36 acres of open and wooded habitat, with views of a small cove off of Jackson Creek.
—Maeve Coker
Hotspots
Amenities
Middlesex county is defined by its ties to boating, and there are many marinas dotting the coastline on the Bay and the Rappahannock River. For visitors looking to go boating, a variety of options are available including tours, charters, or rentals. Those interested in boating will also want to visit the Deltaville Maritime Museum, which preserves the history of Deltaville's prominence in the boatbuilding industry. The museum also includes Holly Point Nature Park, which will be of interest to visiting birders. History buffs might also be interested in visiting Stingray Point Marina, which contains a full-size replica of the Stingray Point Lighthouse which once guarded the mouth of the Rappahannock River. The Middlesex County Museum, opened in 1935, preserves the history of the county and includes useful genealogical records as well as memorabilia related to famous Marine Corps General "Chesty" Puller, who is buried in Saluda.
There are a variety of restaurants in Middlesex county, particularly in the towns of Deltaville, Saluda, and Urbanna. Big Oak Cafe, located in Urbanna, is a good morning spot for coffee and breakfast. Also in Urbanna, Something Different offers a variety of food including BBQ and seafood, as well as a good selection of craft beers. Those looking to sample famed Rappahannock River oysters may consider visiting Merroir, the "tasting room" for the Rappahannock Oyster Co., which serves small-plate raw or grilled dishes, paired with craft beer and wine.