This small public boat landing, situated at the base of the Route 3 bridge, provides an excellent vantage point looking south at the Piankatank River. This is a particularly productive spot to scan for waterbirds throughout the winter and into early March; the roster of species that might be seen includes Common Loon, Horned and Pied-billed Grebes, and a variety of ducks such as Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, both scaup, Common Goldeneye, Redhead, Ruddy Duck, and occasionally even something as exciting as a Long-tailed Duck. At all times of the year, Bald Eagles can be found along the river, while March also sees the return of Ospreys. In the spring and summer months, expect to spot Laughing Gulls as well as a few tern species, mostly commonly Forster’s, Royal, and Caspian. Ferry Road, which leads to the boat landing, is lined with brushy vegetation that is home to a familiar suite of suburban edge species such as mockingbirds, thrashers, wrens, sparrows, towhees, and the like. During the spring and summer, look to the air to spot swallows and Purple Martins; unfortunately, the Route 3 bridge seems not to host any Cliff Swallows. Brown-headed Nuthatch has also been reported here, so listen for their squeaky calls from the stand of pines across the road.
County birders may wish to note that the Piankatank River forms the boundary between Middlesex and Mathews Counties. This boat landing is in Middlesex County, and the county line falls roughly midway across the river.
Accessibility: Heading north on Route 3, turn on Ferry Road shortly after crossing the bridge. This road terminates at the boat landing. The landing itself is primitive and has no launching facilities, but provides direct access to the river. There is no designated parking, and it is unpaved; the landing is small, and cannot easily accommodate more than two or three cars.
eBird Hotspot: Twiggs Ferry Landing
—Matt Anthony
