Ware Creek WMA is an undiscovered gem of New Kent. Sitting pretty at 2600 acres, it is more than double the size of Cumberland Marsh NAP, yet it has attracted very little birder attention. Its position along the York River along with the mix of wetlands, pine and mixed hardwoods, and open fields indicate enormous potential for high species counts. While birders should probably avoid this WMA during active hunting days (Sundays are always closed to hunting on public land in Virginia, but see WMA website at bottom of this page for more details), full advantage should otherwise be taken of all 2600 acres. Old forest roads form a network of easily walkable trails throughout most of the property (see map). Extensive exploration is still needed to figure out the best ways to bird this massive property. Specialties that are likely to be found here include rails, Rusty Blackbirds, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Prothonotary Warblers, and waterfowl. Of particular interest is that this is the furthest downstream, publically accessible stretch of the York River in New Kent so tough species in the county like Scoters, and some Tern species (Royal, maybe Common and Sandwich) could be found here.
eBird Hotspot: Ware Creek Wildlife Management Area
Owner/Manager: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
—Nick Newberry