Ellis Bay WMA is best seen by boat. Boat ramps, including one located on the property and others located nearby, provide convenient access. The many creeks that dissect the marsh offer views into the lives of the marshlands wildlife. Herons and egrets can be observed as they stalk their favorite fish. Between April and September, you may see the glossy ibis probing its long bill into the mud for small worms and crustaceans. Bald eagles soar overhead in search of a meal, while barn owls nest in boxes provided for them in the marsh.

Mostly marsh and forested wetland, Ellis Bay is a 3,200-acre wet wonderland. It is perfect habitat for ducks and wading birds, like herons and egrets. White-tailed deer and many other wildlife species also use the area. To protect Chesapeake Bay wetlands, this area was purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1957 and has been offering outdoor and nature enthusiasts recreational opportunities ever since.

Ellis Bay Wildlife Management Area is a hunting area owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and is located southwest of Salisbury on a point of land between the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers. The 3,200-acre WMA has two disjunct sections. The main section, with parking areas and a boat launch ramp accessed from Muddy Hole Road, is located between the villages of Nanticoke to the west and Whitehaven to the east. A smaller section without designated parking is located on the tip of the point of land south of the villages of Nanticoke and Waterview, at the end of MD Route 349.

Birders often refer to another nearby area accessed from Nutter Road as if it were part of Ellis Bay WMA, but the Nutter Road site is actually part of the separate Chesapeake Forest Lands – Fair Meadow Complex. And do not confuse the Nutter Road site with the Nutter’s Neck area of Nanticoke River Wildlife Management Area, which is farther to the north within Wicomico County.

Ellis Bay WMA offers a glimpse into an extensive tidal marsh ecosystem, with perfect habitat for waterfowl and for wading birds such as herons, egrets, ibis and bitterns. It is also a great spot for rails and for marsh sparrows. There are upland areas that hold American Woodcock and Chuck-will’s-widows. Nest boxes for Barn Owls have been erected to supplement natural tree cavities for nesting.

A few trails near the parking areas off Muddy Hole Road are maintained and suitable for birding, but are not actively marked. The majority of Ellis Bay WMA is best seen by boat. Boat ramps, including one located on the property and others located nearby, provide convenient access; see the MD Water Access Interactive Map. The many creeks that dissect the marsh offer views into the lives of the marshland wildlife. Be aware of strong currents in the area.