Description
The Guard Shore Tract of Saxis Wildlife Management Area offers a myriad of possibilities for wildlife viewing depending upon the time of year. The extensive open bay ecosystem provides a vast viewing area to scan for wading birds, waterfowl, terns and gulls. mudflats and sand spits exposed at low tide may attract feeding shorebirds, especially during migration. The access road traverses a salt marsh where a fortunate summer observer can expect to hear clapper rails or possibly catch glimpses of seaside and saltmarsh sharp-tailed sparrows. The site’s maritime loblolly pine stand may offer endless migrant passerine viewing possibilities.
Notes:
- To Access the Site: A Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- This site may be closed during certain times of year for hunting or land management. See seasonal access information on the Saxis WMA website.
- If you are visiting this site during hunting seasons, please wear blaze orange/pink for safety.
Wildlife Sightings
143 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Guard Shore Tract, Saxis Wildlife Management Area:
- Bufflehead
- Forster's Tern
- Horned Grebe
- Turkey Vulture
- Osprey
- Eastern Bluebird
- American Black Duck
- Clapper Rail
- Laughing Gull
- Double-crested Cormorant
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 31 Mar 2026 | 6 | Eldon Dodd |
| 31 Mar 2026 | 6 | Daniel Toronto |
| 31 Mar 2026 | 6 | Leah Dodd |
| 28 Mar 2026 | 10 | Baxter Beamer |
| 26 Dec 2025 | 9 | Dixie Sommers |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
Accessibility Considerations
This location does not have a Birdability Site Review available at this time
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Location: Guard Shore Rd, Bloxom, VA, 23308
From US-13 in Nelsonia, travel west on VA-187 W. Continue 1.7 miles, then turn right onto Bethel Church Rd. Turn left onto Mitchell Rd/ T-684. Continue as road becomes Guardshore Rd. and enters the Wildlife Management Area. Travel until end of road to reach Guard Shore Beach.
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Access Requirements:
- Daily. Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Contact Information:
- Virginia DWR Region 1 Office: 804-829-6580, Contact Us
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.