Darien, GA

The Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area consists of 3,154 acres of managed waterfowl impoundments and some 27,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and cypress-tupelo swamps. Impoundments built as part of Ducks Unlimited's M.A.R.S.H. (Matching Aid to Restore States' Habitat) program provide an excellent wildlife viewing area with several towers. The impoundments are on the remains of an old rice plantation. Many of the rice fields are managed to benefit waterfowl and other wildlife species. Limited parking is available on the east side of U.S. Highway 17 in front of an old dairy barn. Another parking area and wildlife viewing tower are located on the west side of Highway 17 across from the Champney boat ramp, about 1/3 mile from the highway.

Specialties

Wood stork and other wading birds, swallow-tailed kite, bald eagle, king rail, least bittern, painted bunting, mottled duck, wood duck, white ibis, glossy ibis, black-bellied whistling duck.

Tips

Look for common snipe feeding in exposed muddy areas and rails darting through the vegetation in the impoundment. In fall and winter, black ducks, pintails, green-winged teal, northern shovelers and other waterfowl can be seen in the impoundment. In the summer, look for wood ducks and black-bellied whistling ducks, which often nest in duck boxes around the impoundment. Bald eagles can be spotted in winter and spring.

Other Wildlife Highlights

Altamaha is a great place to spot American alligators.

Best Birding Seasons

Fees

A hunting license, fishing license or lands pass is required for property access.

PURCHASE A LICENSE

Website

https://georgiawildlife.com/altamaha-wma

eBird Hotspot

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L589433