New Kent County

Double-crested Cormorant, © Rob Bielawski

Bounded by the Pamunkey River to the north, and the Chickahominy River to the south, New Kent is the northernmost county on Virginia’s Lower Peninsula, between Williamsburg and Richmond. Despite its proximity to Richmond, however, New Kent remains largely undeveloped, and 66% of the county is covered by pine and hardwood forests. It is also rather sparsely populated, and has no incorporated towns, although the unincorporated community of New Kent has served as the county seat since 1681. The county was created with land taken from York County in 1654, making it the twelfth county in Virginia, though still twenty years younger than the neighboring counties of Henrico, York, James City, and Charles City, all of which were among the original shires of Virginia. New Kent also boasts of being the birthplace of two First Ladies, Martha Washington and Letitia Tyler. It is also believed to be the location where George and Martha Washington were wed. More recently, New Kent was at the center of the Civil Rights Movement for a brief period in 1968 when the Supreme Court ruled, in Green v. County School Board of New Kent County, that so-called “freedom of choice” plans, in actuality designed to circumvent the Court’s desegregation ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, were in violation of the Constitution, paving the way for truer desegregation in New Kent and elsewhere.

Despite its proximity to the population centers of Richmond and Williamsburg, both of which have active birding communities, New Kent is a bit of a “no man’s land” when it comes to birding. This is due at least in part to the paucity of public land in the county, but those birders who do turn their attentions here will find much to recommend it. The major birding site is Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve, which offers a good view of the Pamunkey River as well as walking trails through mostly wood edge habitat. Scanning the river in winter will often produce ducks, while a visit in migration is often the best bet in the county for shorebirds such as yellowlegs or dowitchers. On the southern end of the county, Diascund Reservoir is the other major spot for waterfowl. While the reservoir is shared with James City County, the bulk of it (including the best vantage points) is within New Kent, and it is a good spot to find Canvasbacks, Tundra Swans, all three mergansers, and other waterfowl. Beyond these areas, much of the best birding can be found by cruising rural roads. Holly Fork Road, in the eastern part of the county, is a particularly good choice as it meanders through a variety of habitat including agricultural fields, interior woodland, and brushy edges, and as a result can turn up a surprisingly diverse list of species. The area around Plum Point has extensive farm fields that are easily viewed from Brickhouse Lane, and this is often a good spot to look for American Pipits and Horned Larks while holding out hope for a rarity.

In spite of its relative lack of birders, New Kent brags of an impressive list of rarities, including Wood Stork, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Snowy Owl, Western Tanager, Sandhill Crane, Eurasian Wigeon, and White Ibis.

—Matt Anthony

Hotspots

STAKEOUT HOTSPOTS

The following hotspots should only be used to input historical records pertaining to a specific staked out rarity, as indicated in the hotspots names.

Amenities

Although sparsely populated and without any true towns, New Kent does have some attractions. For those birders who enjoy drinking wine, a visit to either of the two wineries—New Kent Winery and Saudé Creek Vineyards—provides a creative solution to the scarcity of public land, as both afford the opportunity for some casual birding while enjoying a drink. Both offer tours and tasting, in facilities with a colonial ambiance and natural scenery. Beer drinkers need not shy away either, for New Kent Winery also operates Talleysville Brewing Company on the same premises. History buffs may want to visit St. Peter's Parish Church, the location where George and Martha Washington were married in 1759.

Dining options in New Kent are limited, but there are a few worth checking out for visiting birders. Martha’s Kitchen, located across from the courthouse, is a nice spot for a sit-down lunch. It offers sandwiches, steaks, pasta, and more plus an impressive whiskey bar. The shrimp & grits are highly recommended.

Christmas Bird Counts

The Walkerton CBC, which is primarily in King and Queen and King William Counties, has a small portion of the count circle that is within New Kent.

Sources