Blue Ridge Mountains
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Dawson Habersham Towns
Fannin Lumpkin Union
Gilmer Rabun White
The Blue Ridge Province occupies the northeastern portion of Georgia. It consists of an irregular sequence of mountains, ridges, and basins. Elevations reach 480 - 1,410 m (1,600 - 4,784 ft). The Blue Ridge Mountains and Cohutta Mountains form most of this province, with the McCaysville Basin separating them. Some important features include the Chattahoochee National Forest, Cohutta Wilderness, the Tennessee Valley Divide, Brasstown Bald (the state's highest elevation at 4,784 feet), Rabun Bald (4,696 feet), the Chattooga River, and the Conasauga River. Counties located primarily in the Blue Ridge Mountains include Fannin, Union, Towns, and Rabun. Portions of the Piedmont Province extend into this province as well - particularly in Gilmer, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, and Habersham Counties; parts of northern Stephens County extend into the Blue Ridge. Distinctly different elevations result in considerable variety in vegetation and bird life.
The picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain region occupies a special place in my heart, and really was an inspiration for getting involved in the great outdoors in Georgia many years before I discovered the wonders of birds. The directions, descriptions, and photos below focus primarily on locations and tips for finding birds in Georgia's mountains, but also feaure a few tips on camping, hiking, and trout fishing opportunities. Like the other regional pages on this website, locations featured here may range from quick roadside stops (Popcorn Overlook, Blairsville Ingles), to long hikes (Panther Creek Trail), to premier birding destinations like Brasstown Bald, Ivy Log Gap Road/Gumlog Gap Rd, Wilks Rd, and Burrell's Ford Road.
"Prime Time" for birding in Georgia's mountains is from late April through early June. Many avid Georgia birders make the pilgrimmage to the region during this time, and there are always several organized field trips, so pay attention to the GABO-L ListServ for trip announcements and good reports from favorite mountain destinations. Also, you may wish to register for the Atlanta Audubon Society's Warbler Workshop, which combines classroom instruction with a weekend of birding to help hone your knowledge and ID skills with these special tiny wonders. From late April through mid-June, many species of birds are singing, setting up breeding territories, and nesting. Many of these birds do not breed anywhere else in the state except at the unique higher elevations of this region. Among others, these include Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canada Warbler, Veery, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Winter Wren, Ruffed Grouse, Willow Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Common Raven, and Dark-eyed Junco. Species suspected to nest only in the extreme northeast corner of the state include Golden-crowned Kinglet and Pine Siskin, but direct evidence has yet to be observed. Species of special concern that may only be found at very specific sites include the declining Cerulean Warbler and Golden-winged Warbler. Forest fragmentation, habitat destruction, fire suppression, Brown-headed Cowbird parisitism, and other factors are contributing to the decline of these and other species. Due to the unique and sensitive nature of the habitat in the mountains, using audio recordings to attract ANY species is strongly discouraged. In addition to the region's specialties, a great variety of other breeding wood warblers may be found quite readily in the mountains, including Black-throated Green, Ovenbird, Hooded, Black-and-white, Worm-eating, American Redstart, Yellow-throated, Northern Parula, Pine, Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroat, and Louisiana Waterthrush (along creeks). Other typical spring and summer residents in the mountains include Scarlet Tanager, Broad-winged Hawk, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, nightjars (Whip-poor-will, Chuck-will's-Widow, and Common Nighthawk), Acadian Flycatcher (along creeks), and much more.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All photos and other content on this website are the exclusive property of Ken Blankenship (KB) and Rachel Cass (RC), unless otherwise credited. Unauthorized use and reproduction is strictly prohibited; you can usually obtain friendly permission to use images by sending me an email.
Legend
Su = summer
F = fall
W = winter
Sp = spring
YR = year-round
[July 2005] = Most recently checked by KB
[N/A] = Not yet checked by KB
 = Location is within +/- 10 miles of the indicated interstate highway. This is especially helpful for out-of-town birders who may be passing through Georgia while travelling and would like to get a quick birding fix. This is also helpful for birders planning a "Big Day," where staying close to a major interstate corridor is essential for covering the greatest diversity of habitats in 24 hours.
 = Location is a "Georgia Birding Hotspot." Though this designation is subjective, it generally means that the area should be given high priority when planning a birding trip to a region. Some Hotspots offer incredible, productive birding virtually year-round (Jekyll Island), while the best birding of the year may be more seasonal at others (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park).
SBM = Shorebird Migration; this very generally refers to mid-March thru May in spring and mid-July thru mid-October in fall. Fall is the prime shorebird season. Baird's and Buff-breasted Sandpipers likely only in fall. Peak passage of specific species is quite variable.
PM = Passerine Migration; this very generally refers to April and May in spring and August thru mid-October in fall. This includes all songbirds - wood warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, flycatchers, etc. Peak passage of specific species is quite variable. Spring migration is much more concentrated and birds are often in colorful breeding plumage. Fall migration is more spread out; fall wood warblers can be notoriously difficult to identify (or even impossible to determine sex), with numerous juveniles which do not exhibit the same obvious field marks as adults.
IBA = Important Bird Area; the aim of the IBA Program is to identify and conserve key breeding and feeding sites for birds. An Important Bird Area is a place that provides essential habitat for one or more species of bird, whether in breeding season, winter, or during migration. These sites are considered to be exceptionally important for bird conservation; see Georgia's IBA Webpage.
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Dawson
1) Dawson Forest WMA (Atlanta Tract) [July 2008] 
IBA, PM, May-June for breeding birds
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 20, B-5]
Heading north from Atlanta on GA 400, continue approximately 37 miles north of the perimeter (I-285) until you see the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall coming up on your left. Turn left at a light just before passing in front of the outlet mall, onto Dawson Forest Rd. You will go through a round-about where you can access the outlet mall parking lot if you wish; instead, continue west on Dawson Forest Rd for a total of 4.0 miles from GA 400 where you will come to a stop sign at GA Hwy 9. Continue straight across the road, and in 1.5 miles you will come to the main gate for Dawson Forest WMA Atlanta Tract in a powerline cut. Park here and bird the trails thoroughly through a nice swampy habitat (PHOTO 1); this scrubby area with lots of blackberry thickets and early successional habitat hosts breeding species like Wood Duck, Common Yellowthroat, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, Yellow-breasted Chat, and (uncommonly) Blue-winged Warbler. The pine and hardwood forest edges may host all four common Georgia vireos - Red-eyed Vireo, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, and Yellow-throated Vireo as well as Wood Thrush, Great-crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ovenbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and more. The shallow ponds here are great for butterflies and dragonflies, and a Hooded Merganser raised a family here in summer 2007. In late fall and winter, the same fields host a good selection of sparrows with Chipping, Field, Savannah, Fox, Swamp, Song, White-throated, and White-crowned all possible. Just before you reached the main entrance gate, you passed a gravel road to the right that is marked with a low, engraved wood sign that says Shoal Creek Rd. Go back, turn left and head down Shoal Creek Rd through the woods, then across the power line cut. Once you get to the other side of the broad power line cut, look for a gate on the left. You can park off the road here and follow the trail past the gate around the back of the beaver pond until you reach a creek that bisects the trail; if you continue all the way up this trail, you will eventually end up in the horse trailer parking lot, which you could reach and do this route backwards by continuing straight past the original area described above and turning right on the first paved road. If you continue down Shoal Creek Rd beyond the gate on the left, you will reach a one-lane bridge over the Etowah River where you might find Blue-winged Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, or Louisiana Waterthrush. When you're finished here, head back to Dawson Forest Rd and turn right, go through the main gate again and continue straight along the road just past the powerline cut until you see signs pointing to the horse trailer parking area on the right (mentioned earlier); turn here and park towards the back where you will find an IBA information kiosk and a good map of the area that will really help you plan your visit. You may hear Chipping Sparrow, Pine Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Hooded Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Brown-headed Nuthatch in this area in spring and summer, and you may take a trail that begins here into mixed pine and hardwoods for great migrants in season (PHOTO 2); Red Crossbills were detected in this area in March 2008. Walk past the gate and down the road (you'll notice a chain link fence that encloses the old reactor site on your left), looking and listening for migrants and interesting breeding birds. Eventually, you will reach the waterfowl area; there is a nice blind here with a bench overlooking the pond. Looking out slightly to the left over the pond you will see an active Great Blue Heron rookery in spring and early summer. In winter, if you continue past the blind and bear left at a fork, you may find winter residents such as Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, and plenty of Yellow-rumped Warblers. When you're done birding this area, leave the horse parking lot, turn right and head into the property for exactly 4.4 miles to an area where you will see wide gravel pull-outs on both sides of the road where you can park, and a pair of wooden stakes on the left side of the road marking a horse trail crossing point just inside a pine woods. However, you really need to take your time getting to this spot. Along the way, you will pass through some great pine-dominated edge habitat, with areas of older trees interspersed with open areas full of saplings, areas of dead snags hosting several woodpecker species including Red-headed, scrubby vegetation, and blackberry thickets (PHOTO 3); in late June and early July you can pick basketfuls of sweet blackberries here for jam or cobbler. You will also come to a high vantage point with low successional habitat at an intersection with Clarke Road and Reservoir Rd (PHOTO 4), where it is a great idea to park safely on the shoulder and do some exploring along the roads. Birds you may encounter here include Yellow-throated Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Pine Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, House Wren, Chipping Sparrow, Summer Tanager, Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, and many other birds in migration. I have seen more Yellow-breasted Chat in these open areas combined in a day than anywhere else in the state (as many as 15!). Before getting to the horse trail crossing, the road will descend into transitional habitat where you may begin to hear Kentucky and Hooded Warblers singing, along with Acadian Flycatcher, Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewees, Yellow-throated Warbler, Northern Parula, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, several vireos, and Great-crested Flycatchers. The road will change to gravel and curve sharply to the right; park in a turn-out on the left here and bird the edges of a nice open field that you can access by walking under a gate. You are now very close to the river and just down the road you will soon find the horse trail crossing described above, where a short walk will take you down to the river on a muddy bank for a look at the Etowah River, which is a popular kayaking stream in the area (PHOTO 5); Acadian Flycatchers and Louisiana Waterthrush are usually present spring-summer; Swainson's Warbler is possible along with other birds that prefer low scrubby areas such as White-eyed Vireo, Hooded Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, or in migration Canada Warbler, or Nashville Warbler (rare). Dawson Forest is a very good spot to look for neotropical migrants in spring and fall, and in early summer you can easily encounter as many as 13 breeding species of wood-warblers! Birds you may encounter during migration include species mentioned above along with Magnolia Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, Canada Warbler, Swainson's Thrush, Veery, and more. On an amazing visit in May 2007, two migrant rarities were seen - Black-billed Cuckoo and Mourning Warbler! EXTENDED VISIT: You may wish to extend your trip to this area by visiting the Goethe Tract as well. Head back out of the main entrance, and when you get to Hwy 9 turn left to head north instead of going straight towards the outlet mall. In 5.5 miles, you will get to the town square of Dawsonville. Go around the round-about and leave it heading west on GA Hwy 53. Exactly 4.8 miles from the square, look carefully and turn left onto Sweetwater Church Rd. This road will soon turn to gravel, and you will enter a nice wooded area of conifers and mixed hardwoods. When you reach a gate and a large open area on your left, scrubby habitat and pines dominate and you may have species mentioned earlier at the powerline cut near the Atlanta Tract main entrance minus any wet-habitat birds. Red Crossbills were found in the area of the gate in December 2007. Strangely, the road becomes paved again at this point for 3.5 miles. Notice at 2.9 miles into this paved section from the gate, you will see Shoal Creek Rd on your left. Though this is the same road mentioned earlier, most vehicles cannot use it as a cut-through to the Goethe Tract because it fords Shoal Creek; after rain no vehicles should attempt this crossing, not even SUVs. Also note that the road (now called North Gate Rd south of the intersection with Shoal Creek Rd) will veer off to the left at a slight incline and become gravel again; a total of 2.5 miles further along and you will dead-end at the Etowah River. Birding along this route and species encountered should be very similar to those mentioned in the Atlanta Tract section above.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text by KB and Georgann Schmalz; Photos by KB.
Fannin
If you plan to head to Fannin County for birdwatching, a stop that is certainly worth making while you tour the area is the small town of Blue Ridge, right on GA Hwy 515 / US 76 in a good central location. Along with good food, antiques, art galleries and crafts, you will find Blue Ridge Birdseed Company and owner Tom Striker. Be sure to visit his store right in the middle of town to pick up some seed, chat about recent local sightings, and be sure to pick up a copy of his own guide, "Birding Blue Ridge"... a few excerpts are found below. The book goes into much more detail, includes detailed local maps, and more! A great place to stay which provides access to the Cohuttas and all the Blue Ridge birding hotspots is the Aska Lodge Bed & Breakfast. Wake up at the doorstep of great birding surrounded by hiking trails, along with kind hosts, cozy accomodations, and delicious breakfast selections!
 
Tom & Sonja Striker, Blue Ridge Birdseed Co., Bob & Mary Jo Stamper and the
and the cover of "Birding Blue Ridge" Aska Lodge Bed and Breakfast
1) Cohutta Wilderness Area (also Gilmer & Murray County) [Aug 2008]
IBA, PM, May-June for breeding birds
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pp. 13 & 14; this is a very large area]
Heading north from Atlanta on I-75, split off to the right onto I-575. Stay on this road for quite a while (it will change to Hwy 5-515) until you come into East Ellijay. Go through a light with a BP on your left and Burger King on your right, and turn left at the next light (note Colonel Poole's BBQ on the right with a hill covered with little wood pigs - good food here!). You will immediately cross a bridge - get in the left turn lane and turn left when you deadend into GA Hwy 52. You will end up in historic downtown Ellijay and a round-about (there are good but kind of touristy antiques and crafts here). Enter the round-about and leave it diagonally right to stay on GA Hwy 52 heading west. At mile marker 8, turn right onto Gates Chapel Rd (County Rd 64). This will wind through some farmland. Keep your eyes open for Broad-winged Hawks soaring, listen for open habitat birds like Blue Grosbeak or Indigo Bunting along the fields, and Wild Turkey are sometimes seen feeding as well. Eventually, you will go over a small bridge signed as Mountaintown Creek. Immediately following, you can take a sharp right onto a gravel Forest Service Rd to a nice primitive campground (Bear Creek campground) with a good trail for birding for mountain breeding species through hardwood and hemlock forest, including cove habitat. There is good stocked Rainbow Trout fishing, with a few Browns and some larger hold-over Rainbows and Browns. A newer bathroom facility is here, but it does not have water or a flushing toilet. You will have to ford Bear Creek to access the camping area so use good judgement in a passenger vehicle. Do not plan to camp here in any hunting season - it's full to the gills with hunting camps (and hunters). Back on Gates Chapel Rd, continue past Mountaintown Creek until it becomes gravel and forks - take the right fork. You will enter Cohutta WMA, and then gain elevation via several switchbacks. Look and listen for Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Broad-winged Hawk, and other mountain birds (see Beaton's section on the area). When the road finally deadends high on a ridge, you can turn right onto FS 64 or left onto FS 68 for more mountain birding, and pick up in Beaton's book at this point. The higher elevations may host specialties like Blackburnian Warbler or American Redstart. This area is rumored to have hosted nesting Black-billed Cuckoo (extremely rare in Georgia) so familiarize yourself with its song and listen carefully!. FS 64 will eventually take you all the way back to GA Hwy 5 where you can take a right to head into Blue Ridge and use GA Hwy 515 / US Hwy 76 to access Atlanta to the south or more birding sites through the mountains to the east. FS 68 provides access to the Lake Conasauga area and will take you to GA Hwy 411, which heads south through some great Ridge and Valley birding sites before intersecting I-75. . PHOTOS 1-3 show mountain views in the WMA, while PHOTOS 4 & 5 show scenes near Lake Conasauga.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text by KB; Photos by Steve Barlow
2) Blue Ridge WMA / Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery [May 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 14, E-5]
From the intersection of GA Hwy 60 and GA Hwy 180 in Suches, head north on Hwy 60 for 9.4 miles and turn left where you see signage for the Fish Hatchery. You will come through some nice open habitat, and cross over the Toccoa River at 0.6 miles (PHOTO 1); stop to check for waterthrush or Acadian Flycatcher here. Continue on the road and you will come into the Blue Ridge WMA (PHOTO 2) and the road is called Forest Service 69 and/or Rock Creek Rd. Exactly 1.6 miles from Hwy 60, you will notice up a steep hillside to your left that all the trees are very young and there are some dead snags; park safely on the shoulder here. This large area was intentionally burned several years ago to open up appropriate habitat in the hopes of attracting edge-habitat specialists to nest, like the declining Golden-winged Warbler. The first 30 yards or so immediately adjacent to the road right-of-way is mowed back every year, allowing herbaceous vegetation to grow up to 2-3 feet tall every summer, with young successive forest coming in behind this, and the entire area surrounded by older growth that was not burned. Blue-winged Warbler has been found in the area, which is both positive and negative. On one hand, it shows that the habitat is appropriate for them and Golden-winged Warbler... but on the other, Blue-winged Warblers are known to out-compete Golden-wings for desirable habitat. Either way, spend some time walking along the road in this area - especially very early in the morning in May - listening for the song of these and other species. If you do find Golden-winged Warbler, it is actually better to notify Nathan Klaus of the DNR and not make a public announcement on GABO-L. The road will continue to follow Rock Creek, and you should hear birds like Chestnut-sided Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Prairie Warbler Ovenbird, Kentucky Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler (last two uncommon), Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush, Acadian Flycatchers and Louisiana Waterthrush on the creek, and more. You will pass several nice official and unofficial campsites, and the creek is heavily stocked with trout for good fishing... though the area may be heavily stocked with people as well in spring and summer. At exactly 4.8 miles from Hwy 60 you will come to the trout hatchery (PHOTO 3) where you can visit during working hours on weekdays. A total of 7.0 miles from GA Hwy 60 you will reach a beautiful mountain lake called Rock Creek Lake (PHOTO 4); though it is small, you may find interesting waterfowl here in winter or migration. You can now continue birding along this road and you will eventually reach a four-way intersection high on a ridge. Turning right takes you down FS 58 along Noontootla Creek to the Appalachian Trail, but it is washed out a few miles down and you'll have to return the way you came. Turning left will take you down FS 77 eventually you can reach the Jones Creek area (great for wild brown trout fishing), and going diagonally-straight will take you down FS 42 past the trailhead of the Appalachian Trail and eventually out to pavement again at Doublehead Gap Rd (see Noontootla Creek Loop section below).
   
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4
Text and photos by KB
3) Noontootla Creek Area [Nov 2007]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[Delorme pg. 14, E4-5]
Heading north from Atlanta on I-75, split off to the right onto I-575. Stay on this road for quite a while and it will eventually change names to GA Hwy 5/515 when it is no longer access-controlled. When you come into East Ellijay, you will first pass a new major shopping area on your right with a Walmart Supercenter, Lowe's, fast-food, and a Starbucks for a caffeine fix. After passing through this area, go through a light with a BP on your left and a Burger King on your right, and then go through one more light. After going over an overpass, turn right at the signs for GA Hwy 52. You will curve down to the road, where you will turn left to head east on Hwy 52. You will come through an open pasture area, then look for a gray building (gas station) on the left after a total of 6.2 miles ("Stanley's" is painted on it in red); make a sharp left just past this building on Roy Rd. Continue on this winding road (watch for sharp curves) for 9.5 miles until you deaded at a stop sign. It may not be signed, but this is Doublehead Gap Rd - turn right here. Be aware of soaring birds in the area, Broad-winged Hawk breeds nearby. In 2.1 miles, make a note of Forest Service Road 42 on your right, which goes to Springer Mountain and the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. Exactly 4.2 miles from Roy Rd, you will cross over a small creek with some nice willow, alder, and brushy habitat (PHOTO 1); park in a gravel area just after crossing the creek and take some time to carefully bird along the road shoulder in both directions. You may find Chestnut-sided Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Field Sparrow, White-eyed Vireo, Indigo Bunting, Hooded Warbler, and more. A male Blue-winged Warbler and a probable "Brewster's" Warbler were found here in early July 2007. A total of 4.5 miles from Roy Rd, Doublehead Gap Rd will turn to gravel. Just beyond this point you will pass a primitive church on your left; take the next available right onto Forest Service Road 58, which is well-signed (Incidentally, you can continue on Doublehead Gap Rd from here all the way to GA Hwy 60, providing access to a treasure trove of other mountain birding sites; Northern Parula is often found along Doublehead Gap Rd near FS 58). FS 58 is a good-quality gravel road, which will descend through a small section of pine woods (PHOTO 2) where a Red-shouldered Hawk family breeds almost every year, and then go through some private property including a corn field; look for Wild Turkey along the edges in colder months. The road will then enter Blue Ridge WMA (PHOTO 3) and follow Noontootla Creek (PHOTO 4) through some gorgeous white pine and hemlock forest, with mixed areas of hardwoods as well. You should encounter Yellow-throated and Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireo, and Wood Thrush along with other birds; Acadian Flycatcher is common and Louisiana Waterthrush sporadic along the creek itself. Barred Owl can be heard calling from dusk until dawn, and Ruffed Grouse is possible but rare. The area is great for migrants in season, including wood warblers, vireos, tanagers, and especially thrushes. Exactly 2.8 miles from Doublehead Gap Rd, you will reach a gate blocking FS 58. Just before the gate, pull over into a sometimes-used campsite on the right and park. From here, you can continue to hike the road and bird as long as you like - the road is gated because a good part of the shoulder collapsed into the creek in 2006. This actually makes the area better, in my opinion, because much more traffic used to roll through when it was possible to use this road to access the Appalachian Trail, FS 42, and the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery (all mentioned earlier). You can still use FS 42, which you passed earlier on Doublehead Gap Rd, to access FS 58 on the other side of the blocked section, which features similar habitat but also some higher ridges where you may find American Redstart or Ovenbird. In addition to good birding, along FS 58 you will find some pleasant creek-side primitive camping sites; be aware that some areas are marked "no camping." This creek is a favorite for Georgia's more seasoned trout fishermen as well. There are special regulations in place - you can only use artificial lures and you must release any fish under 16" in length. These restrictions, along with the creek being harder to access, have led to an incredible fishery of all-wild Brown and Rainbow Trout. The fish are very spooky and difficult to catch, but when you manage to find success they are some of the most beautiful trout to be had anywhere in the state - I catch and release everything here. It is also rumored that some of the tributaries of the creek hold native Brook Trout.
   
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4
Text and photos by KB.
4) Fannin County Park [May 2008]
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
Text by Tom Striker
(Open seven days, 8:00 AM to sunset, good birding at all seasons) Fannin County Park is the largest and most heavily used recreational facility in the county, with several soccer and baseball fields, walking and fitness trails, picnic tables, and fishing in Sugar Creek. It also has tremendous habitat diversity and offers good to excellent birding at all seasons. Open fields, creekside thickets, brush piles and dead trees characterize the Ball Fields Area, while mature timber, roadside edge and old field are found in The Hill Area. Plan to arrive early on weekends; sports activity picks up about 9:00 AM. The park is about one mile east of Highway 5, but the birding starts on the way in. As you approach the five-way stop at 0.25 mile, Johnson Paving Company will be ahead on your right. A paved road to the right just before Johnson Paving Company provides access to a small pond in the clear-cut just off the right side of the road. Park on the shoulder and walk in toward the pond, watching for waterfowl and Belted Kingfisher. Watch for Ring-necked Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, and Pied-billed Grebes in winter. Wood Thrush, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Wren and Indigo Bunting are abundant in season. The land around the pond is private, but [birders are welcomed / check in at the Johnson Paving office before birding] (TBA.) After checking the pond, return to Tom Boyd Road and continue toward the park. Pause at the 5-way stop, listening for Eastern Towhee, White-eyed Vireo and Common Yellowthroat. Proceed slowly when you are ready, watching the wires and fence lines for Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting and Yellow-breasted Chat in summer, and Eastern Bluebird in all seasons. Listen for Field Sparrows singing in the field. A clump of small trees across from the shooting range at about 0.5 mile often holds Chats as well. Wild Turkeys are sometimes found in the woods near the ‘T’ where the entrance road reaches the one-way Park Loop. Turn right at the ‘T’ on Park Drive and proceed slowly, checking the overhead wires for the same birds, and listen for Eastern Meadowlark on the open grassy hill to the left. Watch for Red-headed Woodpecker and Northern Flicker in the open savannah of grass and big oaks. (Redheads should be present but are unreported thru June, 2006.) The small pond on the right at the next ‘T’ intersection has Ring-necked Duck, Mallards and Pied Billed Grebes in winter and Spotted Sandpiper in spring. Canada Geese are resident nesters. The roadside trees near the park manager’s home often hold Chipping Sparrow, House Finch and Yellow-rumped Warbler in fall and winter. Check these trees for Blue Grosbeak in summer. Turn left onto Field Drive and continue to the large parking area on the right. Depending on activity in the soccer and baseball fields, you can proceed thru the fields to Sugar Creek and bird the open area and creekside, or walk back toward the pond and bird the wooded ‘Hill’ area.
5) Lake Blue Ridge Marina [Feb 2004]
early F-mid Sp
Text by Tom Striker
[DeLorme pg. 14, C-4]
Birders are welcome at Lake Blue Ridge Marina, except on busy holiday weekends in summer, when parking is at a premium. The $5.00 parking fee will be waived if you check in at the marina office or with the Security Guard who patrols the area. Limit your visit to 30 minutes or less during boating season. Winter visits are usually the most productive, and you can stay as long as you want. The Marina can be a very boring place, or it can yield many birds in just a few minutes. It’s the most reliable spot in Fannin County for Common Loons, Horned and Pied-billed Grebes, American Coots, Ring-billed and Bonaparte’s Gulls (October thru April), Red-headed Woodpeckers (year-round), Fish Crows, Purple Martins and Barn Swallows (prolific summer nesters). Forster’s Terns are regular in April, sitting on the marker buoys around the boat docks. Black Terns are regular in small flocks in fall, and can usually be seen from the marina parking lot with binocs or a scope. Bald Eagle, Osprey and Fish Crow can sometimes be seen and heard from the marina parking lot. Loons are very reliable in winter, sometimes fishing between the finger-pier boat docks. As many as 162 of these daytime migrants have been seen at one time in October (Jim Flynn – 2004) although 2 – 12 is much more likely. Late date is May 10th. Look for Red-headed Woodpeckers in the large oaks near the marina building. Killdeer, Eastern Bluebirds, Cardinals, Song Sparrows, House Finches, Canada Geese and Mallards are likely at all seasons. A wonderful fall evening in 2005 produced a flight of mallards (probably local and non-migratory) that was as majestic as any in the pristine north country – 40-50 birds, wheeling and banking against the pink and blue sky, breaking into smaller groups, and finally skidding into the marina cove for the night. Sometimes you have to shut out the surroundings and look at the birds!
6) Mercier Orchards [Sept 2006]
PM, May-June; Sept for pick-your-own apples!
Text by Tom Striker
[DeLorme pg. 14 B-3]
Mercier Orchards is the largest in Georgia and worth a visit at any time of year for the fruit and cider as well as the birds. Cherries, peaches, plums, blackberries, blueberries and more than 25 varieties of apples are available. No self-respecting, field-going birder should resist their famous fried pies, apple fritters, apple bread and great coffee! The Mercier family has owned this orchard since 1947, and works very hard to grow fine fruit using environmentally sensitive methods. Spraying is targeted to specific insects at particular stages of their life cycle, and is done very carefully to protect the many beehives that are brought in each year to pollinate the apple blossoms. This care ensures healthy populations of other insects and the birds that eat them. Although much of the orchard is dedicated to intensive apple production, many pockets of brush and trees dot the landscape, and brushy edges line the orchard borders. Birders are always welcome, but seasonal spraying or maintenance activities may limit our access. Please check in at the Apple House for permission to bird. In 2006, only the area around the Apple House and parking areas is open for general public access, including birding. Fortunately, this includes two sizable ponds which are visible and accessible from the main parking lot. Future plans include a network of walking trails, with interpretive signs explaining orchard operations and describing the seasons and uses of the many apple varieties. Picnic tables may be available in the orchard in the future. The ponds attract Barn and Rough-winged Swallows, Eastern Phoebe, redwings, Robins and Eastern Bluebirds. This is one of the most reliable spots for Eastern Kingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Northern Catbird, Orchard Oriole and Green Heron in summer. Orchard Orioles use the big willow tree on the shore of the pond closest to the parking lot, and several pairs nest around the ponds. A walk along the road behind the upper pond in spring or summer will yield several Catbirds and Orioles. Wood Ducks and Blue-winged Teal can sometimes be seen in spring. A pair of Buffleheads has used the pond each winter since 2000 at least. Hooded Mergansers are frequently seen in fall along with Pied-billed Grebes. A large flock of Wild Turkeys lives in the orchard, and Ring-necked Pheasants have been seen by orchard workers in the past, although not recently. Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks are seen regularly, along with the occasional Northern Harrier in winter. Organized bird walks were scheduled in the orchard on Saturday mornings in 2006, providing birders with better access to some great habitat. Details and dates for future walks are available at Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company locations at Mercier Orchards and in downtown Blue Ridge, or by calling 706-258-2473. Visit the orchard website.
7) CVS Pharmacy / Ingles Creek Areas [May 2008]
April-May
[DeLorme pg. 14, C-4, extreme NW corner of grid]
These are both very quick, traffic-noisy stops at small fragments of creek and willow habitat in the middle of developed areas, but nonetheless they may produce a really cool bird or two in late spring - Yellow Warbler and Willow Flycatcher were seen in May 2006 and on other occasions. As you come north on Hwy 515 / 5 into Blue Ridge, note where Hwy 5 splits off to the NW (McDonald's is on the corner to your left at this light). Continue north on Hwy 515, which is also US Hwy 76 at this point, until you come under an overpass down the road just past a Wendy's. Turn right when you see a CVS Pharmacy on your right, then right again when you reach a stop sign up the hill. You'll pass a bank and a couple other businesses up in this newly developed area, and finally turn right again and park in the parking lot for a Mexican restaurant called El Sol, which is visible from Hwy 515 / 76 (PHOTO 1). From here, you can walk along the top of a steep embankment to view a willow and alder-lined creek below (PHOTO 2). In this area you may see Barn Swallows, Field Sparrows, Indigo Buntings, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-winged Blackbirds, and if you're lucky the creek or edge of the woods may hold more interesting birds like Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia Warbler, American Redstart, or (very rarely) Willow Flycatcher or Wilson's Warbler. To your left is a small wooded area, where you may hear and/or see other birds calling like Belted Kingfisher or Wood Thrush. You may descend the hillside to pursue something of interest, but I think this is DOT or private property as it is part of the road shoulder so be prepared to leave if approached. When finished, go back to the light at Hwy 76 and go straight across the highway; there'll be a Taco Bell and Ingles on your right. Turn right into the Ingles shopping center parking lot, and stop to briefly bird a low area of willows to the left (west) of the Ingles building for the same species mentioned above. Cruise the drainage ditch at the front of the parking lot along Hwy 76 scanning for birds from your car, though this is pretty low-cut and desolate these days. At the other end of the shopping center, park at the Cabin Grille restaurant and walk around the back and front, scanning all interesting habitat for birds.
 
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2
Text and photos by KB.
Gilmer
1) Harold Hefner River Park [May 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 14, E-2; lower left corner]
This is a multi-use public park that sprawls along a full mile of the Coosawattee River just south of Ellijay, Georgia. Along with some interesting breeding birds, the corridor of huge tulip poplars and other trees along the riverbank may host an array of migrants in spring and fall. Granted, because there are baseball, soccer, and football fields along with tennis courts and children's play areas, there can be lots of people here depending on the time of day you go. However, since the most productive birding is to be had in the earliest hours of the day anyway, you may avoid most of the commotion by planning your visit at that time. Head north on Hwy 515 / 5 into the town of East Ellijay, where you'll pass through a light with a Burger King on your right and a BP and McDonald's uphill to your left. (I-575 coming north from the suburbs of Atlanta will change names to become this highway when it is no longer access controlled) At the next light, turn left and then take another immediate left to follow US Hwy 76 West. At 1.1 miles from this turn, you will cross the bridge over the Coosawattee River. Immediately after the bridge you need to be in the left of two left-hand turn lanes to turn left to head south on Old Hwy 5. Then, take an immediate (0.1 mile) left into the first entrance to the park on your left and park near the tennis courts; this is the north end of the park - if you miss the turn, don't worry because there are several entrances to the park on your left. You can bird as much or as little as you like along the river, a round-trip walk all the way down to the Old Hwy 5 bridge and back is about two miles. If you have limited time, it may be better to drive all the way down to the southern-most entrance and start your birding there as this area is often the most productive. During migration, listen for foraging flocks in the large deciduous trees along the river, which may contain Yellow-rumped Warbler, American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackpoll Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Canada Warbler, Red-eyed or Blue-headed Vireos, Scarlet Tanagers, Cedar Waxwing (also seen occasionally in summer), various thrushes, and (rarely) Wilson's Warbler. Check the river for Canada Goose or Wood Duck, and in migration you may even find the odd shorebird along flat muddy areas such as Spotted or Solitary Sandpiper. On the other side of the river the vegetation is much thicker since it is not landscaped like the park. Where you can get an open view across the river, be sure to scan the brush and trees for migrants along with interesting breeding birds including Yellow Warbler (nesting not confirmed), Gray Catbird, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Orchard Oriole, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and others. Three swallow species nest and forage along the river in the area, including Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, and Cliff Swallow (latter species uncommon; nests alongside Barn Swallows under the Old Hwy 5 bridge at the southern end of the park). European Starling and Eurasian Collared Dove are two imported species present year-round in the park, while native breeding birds include Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Chipping Sparrow, House Wren, American Robin, and Blue Jay. Gilmer County Parks and Recreation owns another large piece of property on the other (east) side of the river near the southern end of the park, and it will soon be joined by a footbridge. In the meantime, as of May 2008 the former soccer fields on the other side are closed to the public and have been allowed to grow wild, including thick weedy edges along the river and along the fences at the vehicle entrance which is on the east side of the river. On 5/18/08, two Willow Flycatchers were found relating to this large area - one was seen across the river from the park, while the other was found at the vehicle entrance on the east side in the tangled hedges on the fences. Be aware that a) you cannot go into this area, as indicated by a sign and a gate, and b) once they complete the bridge it is very likely that they will do some major "renovations" which unfortunately will probably include clearing out the brushy areas and will certainly include mowing down the fields. Until this time, you can access the gate to view this area (which the swallows also use for foraging) by returning to US Hwy 76 and turning right (east), cross over the river, and take an immediate right at the next light onto Maddox Rd. In only 0.3 miles, turn right at a stop sign onto Progress Rd and travel 0.8 miles, and finally turn right onto Soccerfield Rd. In less than a quarter mile, just after a RR crossing, you'll reach the gate where you can park and hope to find a Willow Flycatcher or other birds mentioned earlier, but you cannot go in no matter what birds you see. Do NOT play any audio in this area; if you find an Empidonax flycatcher here, be patient and hope that it vocalizes as they have in the past. If Willow Flycatchers actually attempt to nest in the area it would cause them great agitation if they hear another "bird" on their territory.
Text by KB; Max Medley contributed to this report
2) Carter's Lake and Re-regulation Lake (also Murray County) [Nov 2007] 
IBA, late Sp-late F, W for waterfowl
See Murray County for a full description.
[DeLorme pg. F-10, G-10]
Habersham
1) Panther Creek Trail [May 2007]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, E-3]
From I-985 NE of Atlanta, continue on this road until it changes names to GA Hwy 365 / US Hwy 23. Near the town of Cornelia, you will curve to the left and join GA Hwy 441 North. Continue to follow Hwy 441, noting that Hwy 365 will split off to the right and you'll come under an overpass to a light as you curve to the left to follow 441. About 3.5 miles north of this light look closely for Panther Brook Lane and turn left. Very soon at a stop sign, turn right onto Old Hwy 441. Within 1-2 miles, look carefully for signage marking the Panther Creek Trail parking area on your left and park. You actually have to walk back over Old Hwy 441 to the trailhead, which passes under the new highway overpass before plunging into a nice mixed white pine and hemlock forest with an understory of rhododendron and mountain laurel (PHOTO 1). Look for Barn Swallows flying around the overpass. After a brief foray through the woods, you'll come into a power line cut (PHOTO 2); this open and edge habitat may have Prairie Warbler or Common Yellowthroat. Because this trail goes through dense forest, you may not have the greatest looks at birds and will hear them more than you see them, but it is an awesome hike to a gorgeous tumbling waterfall - Panther Creek Falls (PHOTO 7) - and is worth it for the scenery and exercise as well as some cool mountain breeding birds and migrants. Be fore-warned that this is a moderate-strenuous hike which is 7.0 miles round-trip to the falls, and there is one place in the first third of the hike that you must watch out closely for. The "trail" actually becomes a rock climb of about 20 feet through a crevice and up a dirty, root-stepped ridge; it is very easy to miss this and one must take care when climbing it and coming down later (PHOTO 3). The trail will wind through some beautiful areas with amazing views of cascades and shoals (PHOTOS 4-6), but it is also very narrow in places and you are sometimes on the edge of 50-foot ledges so enjoy and be careful! Birds that may be encountered as you hike include Black-throated Green Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pine Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher along the creek, Broad-winged Hawk overhead, and plenty of woodpeckers in the areas of dying pines. There are several nice backpacking campsites along the way, and you may have Whip-poor-wills or various owls from dusk until dawn.
      
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6 PHOTO 7
Text and photos by KB.
2) Sod Farm [N/A]
SBM
[DeLorme p16, F-1]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
From the city of Clarkesville take GA Hwy 197 north. Almost immediately on the right will be a place to pull over and view the fields looking east. Then continue about 1 mile to Wall Bridge Rd on the right and turn here. Drive about 1 mile on Wall Bridge Rd to Wall Bridge Loop on the right. Drive a short distance on Wall Bridge Loop until the sod field can be viewed looking west. Please be aware that all property with the exception of the roadway is private; as with all sod farms, stay on the shoulder and do not walk onto the sod or on any private drives crossing the fields.
Lumpkin
1) Lumpkin County Park [June 2007]
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 21 A-7]
This is a quick stop that is conveniently located off GA 400, and a chance to score some county birds. From GA 400, head east on Lumpkin County Parkway; there is a Chestatee Ford dealership at this intersection. In 1.2 miles, turn left onto Lumpkin County Park Rd (this road may not be signed). In 0.2 miles, go straight through a stop sign to enter the park (do not turn onto Martin Blvd or Shore Dr). There is not much more than a boat ramp and a parking lot, but there is a good mix of pine and hardwoods that should attract a few migrants in season. In summer, the area is very choked up with kudzu. You can walk along the shore of what is actually a shallow arm of Lake Lanier to look for waterfowl, and there is a nice marshy area on the other side of the water.
Text and photo by KB.
2) Yahoola Creek Reservoir [Nov 2007]
W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 15, G-7]
When you come into Dahlonega via US Hwy 19 / GA Hwy 60, you will get to a light just after passing a McDonald's on your left. Turn right at this light to continue on 19/60 for 1.2 miles and you'll come to a large reservoir on your right. You can park in a gravel area on the right at the dam, and continue on for another 0.4 miles to the parking for the boat ramp and a slightly different vantage point.
Text and photo by KB.
Rabun
1) Black Rock Mountain State Park [June 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, B-3]
3085 Black Rock Mtn. Pkwy Mountain City , GA 30562. Georgia's highest State Park is located on Black Rock Mountain Parkway, 3 miles north of Clayton right on US Hwy 441 / 23 (on the west side of the road). Look for brown directional signs in Mountain City. (This is the next major city north of Clayton, on US Hwy 441 / 23). Even before you enter the park (PHOTO 1), you'll begin to hear birds singing; do not pull over in this area - wait until you reach the park itself where there are official areas to park safely. Just before you pass a sign marking the Continental Divide, look closely for signs indicating a right turn onto a gravel road that will take you to Blackrock Lake. A trail around this lake can be wonderful for migrants and breeding birds. At a major fork in the access road, you can continue left to head to the campground and general store or go to the right to get to the visitor's center and the highest ridge in the park. Instead, park just before the fork to enjoy gorgeous views and a little birding at the Cowee Overlook (PHOTOS 2 & 3). It was at this platform in late June 2005 that a rare Green Comma butterfly was found on the leaves of some grape vines and rhododendron. Take the right fork and continue gaining in elevation, noting the beautiful wildflowers if you are here in spring or early summer; native azaleas abound (PHOTO 6). You can park in an area on your right soon after the Cowee Overlook to hike several trails through the park. Just down the road, stop for more birding and views at the Blue Ridge Overlook (PHOTOS 4 & 5 and VIDEO). Beyond the Blue Ridge Overlook and trail parking, you will pass a pay station ($3.00) and reach the highest point in the park as well as a nice visitor's center, picnic areas, and some great cottages that can be rented, some with views over the valley below. Species of birds to listen and look for in the park include Georgia mountain breeders like Black-throated Blue Warblers, Black-throated Green Warblers, Ovenbird, Hooded Warblers, Worm-eating Warblers, Dark-eyed Juncos, etc. Common Ravens, Broad-winged Hawks, and other soaring birds may be seen from the numerous overlooks. Visit the park's webpage.
      
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6 VIDEO
Text by KB; photos by KB & RC
2) Rabun Bald and Vicinity [July 2008] 
PM, May-June for breeding birds
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 16, A-3, 4]
To bird this area, turn right off of US 23/441 to head NE on GA Hwy 246 (PHOTO 1); this is exactly 1.1 miles north of the sign for the Dillard House. A Holiday Inn Express at this intersection is one of the nicer options for staying in the area; you will pass a large RV park on your right in a mile or so. You will gain elevation along several switchbacks, taking you in and out of North Carolina a few times and offering one stunning pull-off to get a view of the valley below (PHOTO 2). You will cross into North Carolina down the road for several miles; make note of a road on your right in an open pasture area with a gas station/general store with a little green dinosaur on its sign - this is Bald Mountain Rd and where you will end your tour of the area later. After a total of 6.8 miles from US 23/441, you will turn right onto Hale Ridge Rd (PHOTO 3). You should drive slower now, with windows down, listening for the tell-tale "chee-bek" call of Least Flycatchers, especially in areas of large conifers along the road. You are already at quite a high elevation, so you may hear Chestnut-sided Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers, and other birds calling as well. Keep an ear and an eye on the sky for soaring Common Ravens or Broad-winged Hawks. Be alert for a fork in the road, where Hale Ridge Rd heads left and the main road swings to the right and becomes Bald Mountain Rd (PHOTO 4). Split off to the left and park carefully on the shoulder. In this immediate area on Bald Mountain Rd, directly across from a long rusted storage structure, are two private residences with some mature conifers and a few oaks that have hosted Least Flycatchers in spring and early summer for several years. If you are interested in butterflies, the roadside and fields in this immediate area have hosted rare species for Georgia such as American Copper, Meadow Fritillary, and Aphrodite Fritillary. If you were to continue on Hale Ridge Rd it will become gravel Forest Service Road 7, and soon you will see signs marking the Bartram Trail for a longer hike up to Rabun Bald. You can also continue on this road for several miles, and it will split off to the right and connect all the way down to Warwoman Road which provides access to more great birding in this corner of the state; incidentally, by continuing straight instead of splitting to the right where a sign shows FS 7 (Hale Ridge Rd), you will then be heading south on Overflow Creek Rd, mentioned in this section as well. Back at the fork where you parked, head down Bald Mountain Rd to the right of the fork, and after a few tight curves watch carefully for Kelsey Mountain Rd on your left, which is easy to miss (PHOTO 5). Turn left and at the end of the road find a place to park so that you do not block the many private driveways (PHOTO 6). Strap on your optics and pack some water and a snack and head uphill; immediately you have the choice to take the foot trail to the left or a Forest Service "Road" to your right (PHOTO 7). I always walk the road because it offers more open views of the canopy for birds, though I strongly question its designation as a road (PHOTO 8). You should encounter Hooded Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, and if you're really lucky a Ruffed Grouse may cross the road (Why? To get to the other side.) In May and June you will also enjoy beautiful wildflowers blooming, like mountain laurel (PHOTO 9). After a while you will come to an open space where the road ends and the foot trail continues uphill between two boulders (PHOTO 10). The trail in this area is beautiful (PHOTOS 11 & 12) and you may hear or see Veery, Canada Warbler, and more Black-throated Blue Warblers in this area; Winter Wren and Rose-breasted Grosbeak are not annual here but possible. Also possible are Timber Rattlesnakes, so watch your step and if you see one just enjoy the experience and stay far away until it leaves the trail. At the top, you will be stunned by a wonderful 360-degree view of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina (PHOTO 13 & VIDEO). The observation platform is one of the best spots in the state to watch for Common Ravens soaring and playing mid-air "tag." When you come back down, leave the parking area and turn left onto Bald Mountain Rd. This will wind through the golf/ski community of Sky Valley. Keep your windows down and listen for cool birds, including Chestnut-sided Warblers, Yellow-throated Warblers, Pine Warblers, and Indigo Buntings. Whenever you see mature pines listen carefully for Least Flycatchers; they have not shown up for several years but they may simply be nesting farther from the road. Your tour will end as Bald Mountain Rd deadends into NC Hwy 106 at the general store you passed earlier with the Sinclair green dinosaur on the sign. This is personally one of my favorite places to hike, and can be reached via several trails other than the route mentioned above; my favorite longer access route is the Bartram Trail, which you can pick up on Hale Ridge Road not long after it becomes gravel coming from its fork from Bald Mountain Rd. The crossing is usually marked with a sign with hiker characters but may not be. On weekends in spring/summer you may run into more folks up there, but in general it is not heavily hiked and you may easily have an hour or more at the top by yourself. The firetower lookout platform provides what is by far my favorite panorama in the state of Georgia - see VIDEO below; note the 'anonymous' out-of-breath photographer. The view is unhindered by a large structure and bigger crowds like Brasstown Bald, and is only 88 feet less in elevation! If you are a little bold with your camping ambitions, there are 1-2 somewhat sheltered spots on the top, or you can go all-out and try camping in a sometimes trash-strewn area right on the summit next to the tower. Just explore the summit a little and you can make something work for a small tent. There is no close water source, and at night the wind can be crazy so stake down hard and don't even think of making a campfire - for several reasons. You don't want to do this in really cold weather. An alternative is to camp at the much more sheltered open space where the forest service road ends (PHOTO 10), with a fairly large opening in the canopy but nothing like the 360-degree view at the top. Why bother? Well, the night sky can be simply stunning - it may knock you off your feet even more than the view in the daytime. You can take your sleeping bag up on the platform, lie down and take it in. On a good night, you can't even find a patch of sky that isn't "misty" with stars, the Milky Way shining bright and obvious. Use your binoculars, and you'll easily find star clusters and plenty of other eye candy up there. This is a prime spot to watch the warm-weather Perseids meteor shower, which always peaks around the 11th-12th of August; do some searching for the current year's predictions. This celestial light show may have up to 30 meteors per hour at its peak - just as long as a cloudy night doesn't block your view!
       
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6 PHOTO 7 PHOTO 8
     
PHOTO 9 PHOTO 10 PHOTO 11 PHOTO 12 PHOTO 13 VIDEO
Text by KB; Photos by KB & RC
3) Burrell's Ford Rd [Nov 2007] 
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds, W for owls
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 16, B-5]
This road in the extreme NE corner of the state has become infamous among birders over the last 6-8 years or so, since the discovery of nesting Brown Creeper (2008), Red-breasted Nuthatch (2002) and the documentation of wintering Northern Saw-whet Owls starting during a massive irruption in 1999-2000, which are present here even in some non-invasion years (Jan 2006), plus regular winter sightings of Pine Siskins and occasional Red Crossbills. Beyond these specialties, the area is simply beautiful and quite unique with areas of massive second-growth white pines, hemlocks, and other conifers that dominate the forest along eastern portions of the road close to the roaring Chattooga River, along with high elevations and areas of mixed deciduous forest as well along western portions of the road. Head east from the town of Clayton on Warwoman Rd for 14 miles, when it will dead-end into GA Hwy 28. Turn right, and in just under 2 miles you will see an unmarked gravel road heading uphill on your left; turn here - this is Burrell's Ford Rd, also Forest Service 646. In winter, the area is great for Golden-crowned Kinglet (which may also breed but has not been documented), Red-breasted Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Winter Wren. Flocks of American Goldfinch may be joined by Pine Siskins during invasion years. You should find some interesting migrants and breeding birds in spring and fall such as Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Eastern Wood Pewee, Red-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, or Chestnut-sided Warbler; other birds that have been seen here as they trek north or south include Bay-breasted Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, and Summer Tanager. Both Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher may be found along the river and feeder creeks. Barred Owls are resident here and may be heard at dusk or just before dawn, and Whip-poor-wills nest here in very good numbers. As mentioned earlier, this is the only current area in Georgia that has been noted for wintering Northern Saw-whet Owl on more than one occasion; they were first detected during an "invasion year" in 2000. At least three were heard calling in Jan-Feb 2006 but none were detected in 2007-2008, so they may not be present annually. In June 2004 two Brown Creepers were observed, suggesting that this species may be breeding here along the extreme southern edge of its breeding range. In May 2008 nesting was confirmed, both here and along Billingsley Creek Rd just west of this area. Another rare Georgia breeder in this area is Red-breasted Nuthatch; listen for their nasal calls in spring and if you are able to observe a bird collecting pine resin (sap), it is a good sign that there is a nest cavity nearby because they are known to smear pine resin around the nest hole to deter predators. Along the route, you could stumble upon a Ruffed Grouse or hear Common Ravens overhead, but either would be rare. There is a "road" that can be easy to miss on the left side at 5.2 miles in from GA Hwy 28, unmarked and properly called "Ridley Branch Rd" in Beaton's book. The road is good enough to be driven but only for a short distance, long enough to get you to several nice primitive camping spots. A word of caution - you will have to ford Ridley Branch, but I have done it many times in a Honda Accord; only once after rain was I truly concerned (I noticed on 1/1/07 that someone has built a footbridge over the creek down the road embankment on the left just before the ford, so you could park without driving through the stream and access the sites). My only complaint here is that they are more heavily used than most "unofficial" campgrounds and folks just don't clean up after themselves like they should. I usually take out more trash than I create, and you must be very wary of broken glass. You can walk a former 4x4 road from this area north for a good ways to access more habitat and find more birds, but it can be very muddy and you must hop-scotch across the creek a couple times and it can be tricky. You can also make your way into the woods a good ways along the Chattooga River on the north side of the road just before the bridge, but the trail is not developed here. If you don't mind that you are birding in South Carolina, the Chattooga River Trail on the other side of the bridge (especially heading north into Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area) is gorgeous and offers similar birding. There is a delayed harvest (often called "DH") section of the Chattooga River in this area that can be great fishing for stocked Rainbow and Brown Trout; see Georgia DNR trout fishing regulations for details, including specific information on Delayed Harvest waters. Interestingly, helicopters are used to stock fish along more remote sections of the river. Some tributaries of the river also hold fish, wild ones at that, but you will be lucky to catch these spooky buggers. Anytime you are birding in this area, it is always worth a stop at some nice marsh and thicket habitat along the river, just south of the turn for Burrell's Ford Rd on GA Hwy 28 at the bridge into South Carolina. Just before the bridge, park at a large gravel area with information kiosks on the left side. Take your time to bird along a few rough trails in the area. Interesting birds may be seen or heard such as Swainson's Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Common Yellowthroat, Swamp Sparrow, waterthrushes, Wood Duck, and breeding Willow Flycatcher (semi-annual) has been found in this area.
  
Text by KB; Photos by KB & RC.
4) Dillard Loop [June 2008]
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds, W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 16, 3-A, B]
This makes a fairly quick stop that is easily worked into a visit to this county that forms the NE corner of Georgia. After passing through the town of Mountain City (Black Rock Mountain State Park is located here), the next town north along US Hwy 23/441 is Dillard. You will pass the beautiful campus, main buildings, and then the athletic fields of the Rabun Gap School on your left. Soon after this, you will cross over Betty's Creek on a bridge; slow down at the bridge and immediately after crossing turn right onto Henry Dillard Street at a large sign for the Dillard House (PHOTO 1 - note that this is the view of the sign looking south, not north). In a quarter of a mile, you will deadend at Franklin St - turn right here. Just down the road, you will see the Dillard House on your left (PHOTO 2). This is a country inn and very popular family-style restaurant serving up delicious country cuisine. If it is not too busy, park in the gravel area on your right across from the restaurant. From here, you can listen carefully for the "rreeet, fitz-bew!" calls of Willow Flycatchers in the direction of a small willow-lined feeder creek that is down in a pasture beyond the split rail fence around the parking area. Whether you hear them from this area or not, you cannot go into the field as it is private property, and you should also not stay for longer than a few minutes because this is parking for the Dillard House. Continue down Franklin St, for a total of .9 miles from the intersection with Henry Dillard St and you will come to a bridge over the Little Tennessee River (PHOTO 3). Cross over the bridge, then turn sharp left at a gravel area used by fishermen. Take a little time to bird the thick riparian habitat along the river here, using a well-trodden fishermen's trail. You may find some good passerine migrants such as Magnolia Warbler, American Redstart, Blackpoll Warbler, Yellow Warbler, or even waterthrushes along the river. Head up to the road shoulder, and over the bridge - be careful and respectful of local traffic. Barn Swallows breed at the bridge, Northern Bobwhites sometimes call from the surrounding fields, and more rarely you may have Yellow Warbler along the creek or Broad-winged Hawks overhead. In migration, swarms of Northern Rough-winged Swallows can be found relating to the river, the bridge, and the surrounding fields and nearby waterworks pond; in migration be on the lookout for them and the Barn Swallows, along with Tree Swallow and Purple Martin (uncommon) or Bank Swallow (rare). Continue walking down the road heading back towards the Dillard House, and you'll see what is either a cabbage or strawberry (2008) farm on your left. Take note of a willow-lined feeder creek out in the middle of this farm (the same one you saw from the Dillard House), which is now closer to the road (PHOTO 4). You can walk the road shoulder all the way back up the road to a shack and some cargo trailors which serves as the processing area for the farm. There is a nice weedy area along the creek behind this building where the birds are sometimes heard, but you must absolutely NOT leave the road shoulder if you hear the birds down there, no matter how tempted you are; use your binoculars or perhaps a scope if you see movement and would like a better look. This is private property and belongs to Osage farms. The last thing the birding community needs is for them to get upset with birders for trespassing on their property and become unfriendly or (worse) even try to chase us from the road. In the same area, listen and look for Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, and Orchard Oriole. When you are done, head back to your car and continue down Franklin St a short distance to a stop sign and turn left onto Kelly's Creek Rd, and then you may park very briefly in a small gravel area on the right that provides service access to a power transformer area. In winter this pond may have interesting waterfowl, and in May and June it is good for families of Wood Ducks, Spotted Sandpiper or Green Heron on the edges, and Eastern Kingbirds, Blue Grosbeaks, Yellow-breasted Chat or Common Yellowthroat in the surrounding grassy areas and in the scrubby edge habitat across the street from the pond on the other side of a fence. If you're lucky, Bank Swallows may join several other species mentioned earlier, catapulting over the pond in migration. If you continue down Kelly's Creek Rd, you will soon find Kelly Park, a local park that may offer more migrant birding including Yellow Warbler, Northern Parula, Blackpoll Warbler, American Redstart, and more. Finish by heading back in the opposite direction on Kelly's Creek Rd, passing Franklin St. About a quarter mile further down the road is another bridge over the river with lots of dense undergrowth, providing another good chance to see some interesting migrants or some of the breeding birds mentioned above. Just a little further down the road the loop will end as you intersect US Hwy 23 / 441.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text and photos by KB.
5) Upper Tallulah River Watershed [May 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, A-1, B-1]
This makes another interesting drive-in birding destination for typical mountain breeding birds, along with some nice camping opportunities and a well-stocked trout fishery. From the intersection of US Hwy 76 and GA Hwy 197 just west of Lake Burton, head east on US Hwy 76. You will cross a high span over the upper end of Lake Burton, and in about a mile look closely for a left-hand turn lane and turn left to head north on well-signed Persimmon Rd; if you are coming west from Clayton, you will see this road on your right about 7.9 miles from downtown (PHOTO 1). In 4.2 miles, watch for a road on your left and a small brown sign giving the distances to several campgrounds (PHOTO 2). Turn left here and follow the road into the woods. After 1.6 miles you'll reach the first of several bridges and a sign indicating that you are in the Coleman River Scenic Area. All along this good-quality gravel forest service road (FS 70) you may find interesting birds worth stopping to get out and enjoy. Typical species include Hooded Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Northern Parula, and both Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher along the stream itself. At 3.8 miles from Persimmon Rd, you'll notice an obvious ford of the stream down to your left. The tricky part is, if you wish to do this you actually drive out into the stream, turn right, follow the streambed in your vehicle for at least 50 feet, and the road finally continues on the other side! Incredibly, I have done this in a Honda Accord but by the time I left the stream my fan belts were wet and screaming so I do NOT suggest it in a low-clearance vehicle. The road on the other side is very rough anyway, but may be worth exploring in a 4x4 because it reaches some very high elevations for interesting breeding birds including Blackburnian Warbler, and also there is supposedly an old amethyst mine and associated good gem-grubbing along Charlie's Creek higher on the ridge. Back on FS 70, by continuing north you'll pass a couple well-developed official campgrounds that are usually not full to the gills, even in spring, but it can be hit-or-miss so don't be surprised if you do find a crowd. The last of these is Sandy Bottom, at 4.9 miles from Persimmon Rd. From here, you will enter the interesting and beautiful community of Tate City, an isolated hamlet of well-to-do cabins along with horse pastures and older buildings. In this area are birds like Indigo Bunting, Eastern Bluebird, Chipping Sparrow, etc. At 6.6 miles you will come back into the woods in a very nice area dominated by eastern hemlock and some white pine. Red-breasted Nuthatch can be found in winter and (rarely) in spring or summer; being that this valley is directly down-slope of some very high peaks in North Carolina (over 5,000 feet). I personally think it's not a bad area to check for Black-capped Chickadee at any feeders you may stumble onto at cabins in the winter but this would be a mega-rarity to say the least and would require photographic and/or audio documentation. In addition, both Brown Creeper and Golden-crowned Kinglet were found up on the surrounding ridge on the Appalachian Trail in late April 2007 so these could be possible breeding birds in the area but would also be an extremely rare and significant find. At 7.4 miles from Persimmon Rd you will reach the state line with North Carolina at which point you can continue birding into that state or turn around and head back to US Hwy 76 and other points of birding interest.
 
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2
Text by KB
6) Overflow Creek Rd / Billingsley Creek Rd [June 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, B-5, A-4 - where the word "RABUN" is printed on the state line]
This is an interesting route that will take you through some areas of mature white pines, hemlocks, other conifers, and mixed deciduous forest along the West Fork Chattooga River and Overflow Creek. The habitat here compares to that along Burrell's Ford Rd, but receives much less birding coverage and is definitely worth exploring. Georgia's second Brown Creeper nest was discovered in the area in May 2008, and Red-breasted Nuthatch has been confirmed to breed along this route as well. It is quite likely that Golden-crowned Kinglet is also breeding in this area; sightings were made on 5/22/05, 5/11/08, and a very significant find was a bird responding territorially to a play-back recording of the species on 6/28/08; however, nesting has yet to be confirmed. Notably, this species was documented nesting in South Carolina within a stone's throw of the Georgia border near the Walhalla Fish Hatchery in June 2003. Red Crossbill has shown up as well, so you never know what you might find! From the town of Clayton near the Day's Inn, head east on Warwoman Rd for 13.7 miles, when you will cross a bridge over the West Fork Chattooga River. Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left onto Overflow Creek Rd. Roll down your windows and start birding your way along the road. More common birds you should encounter include Black-throated Green Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireo, Pine Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, and both Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatcher along the river and along creeks later on. There are plenty of areas of dead conifers, and the place is a woodpecker's paradise (Hairy, Downy, Red-bellied, Pileated, and Northern Flicker); plenty of nuthatches can also be found including Red-breasted year-round (though they are much more common in winter). When you see a sign marking Forest Service Rd 86-D it is a good idea to park and work this area thoroughly; both Red-breasted Nuthatch and Swainson's Warbler have been found here. At exactly 4.8 miles from Warwoman Rd, you will see FS 86-B on your right, make a sharp right turn here, which will take you down to a concrete bridge crossing at Overflow Creek; this is Billingsley Creek Rd. There are some pretty but over-used unofficial campsites in the vicinity of the bridge, but from this point on I very rarely see anyone on this road, which is nice. Continue birding by ear, stopping to bird on foot when you hear something good. Swainson's Warbler has also been found along Billingsley Creek Rd in areas with a dense understory. During crepuscular hours or at night, you may hear Whip-poor-wills or Barred Owl calling. This road will end at 3.8 miles from Overflow Creek Rd, where there is an information sign and registration information about kayaking on this creek, which I would have to see to believe. There is room to park several vehicles at the end of the road, which is only a fraction of a mile from North Carolina. A bonus is that you can continue to hike on this roadbed beyond the parking area to get into much more of this interesting habitat. In winter, the place is alive with the high-pitched trills of Golden-crowned Kinglets, the nasal whines of Red-breasted Nuthatches, the calls of American Goldfinches and occasionally Pine Siskins, and at any season a Common Raven may come croaking by overhead. When you're done exploring Billingsley Creek Rd, head back and turn right onto Overflow Creek Rd. At 2.4 miles from your turn, you'll notice a major gravel road on your left; this is Hale Ridge Rd and can be used to bird your way back down to Warwoman Rd as a loop through similar habitat except that Hale Ridge Rd gains much higher elevations so you may add a couple more warbler species such as Chestnut-sided, American Redstart, or Blackburnian if you're lucky. Back on Overflow Creek Rd, at 5.0 miles from Billingsley Creek Rd you'll see signs for the Bartram Trail. You could use it to get to the top of Rabun Bald (Georgia's 2nd-highest peak) as a long hike [or check that section above for a shorter walking route]. At 5.3 miles you will be happy to regain paved roads again, and at 6.0 miles from Billingsley Creek Rd you'll come to a fork where if you decide to turn left you're on Bald Mountain Rd headed towards Rabun Bald parking. If you head right you'll soon be in North Carolina but there are some areas of conifers along the road worth checking for Least Flycatcher as mentioned in the Rabun Bald section above.
Text by KB
7) Coleman River Rd / Chestnut Mountain [May 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, B-1]
From the intersection of US Hwy 76 and GA Hwy 197 just west of Lake Burton, head east on US Hwy 76. You will cross a high span over the upper end of Lake Burton, and in about a mile look closely for a left-hand turn lane and turn left to head north on well-signed Persimmon Rd; if you are coming west from Clayton, you will see this road on your right about 7.9 miles from downtown (PHOTO 1). After 4.6 miles, look carefully for gravel Coleman River Rd on your left (PHOTO 2) and turn here to head north. Right away you will be in a conifer-dominated forest and you may hear and see Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler with Ovenbirds singing in the understory. In winter the same area can be good for Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Red-breasted Nuhatch, Brown Creeper, and (rarely) Red Crossbills may show up. The road will descend through some huge hemlocks and you'll pass a gorgeous piece of private property with an open meadow and tiny cabin on your left and soon you'll reach a small bridge over the Coleman River, which is really just a stream at this point. Just past the bridge on the right is a primitive campsite, and there is a nice wild trout fishery here though the fish are spooky at best. Georgia's first Appalachian Swallowtail was photographed at this bridge in May 2008, and there are many other lepidopteran species along this route in spring for the enthusiast. In areas of rhododendron and mountain laurel, look and listen for Hooded Warbler and Black-throated Blue Warbler, while in the trees overhead you may have American Redstart, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireo. Swainson's Warbler is rare but possible in areas with a thick understory. Not far beyond the campsite, the road will reach an obvious fork; from this point on you must be very careful in a low-clearance vehicle and some vehicles may not be suitable. If you take the right fork, you will be following Coleman River Rd along the grade of the stream through hemlock-dominated forest. Listen for Acadian Flycatchers and Louisiana Waterthrush along the stream. If you find any areas of dead conifers with loose, shaggy patches of bark on them keep a sharp eye and ear for Brown Creepers during breeding season; Golden-crowned Kinglet may also breed in the area. By following the left fork, you will begin winding up the slopes of Chestnut Mountain and gaining elevation. Red-breasted Nuthatch breeds in this area, and you may begin to encounter higher-elevation breeders including Blackburnian Warbler, while Chestnut-sided Warbler or Indigo Bunting may be heard singing from scrubby open areas uphill. Indeed, as the road gets higher and higher to reach 3000 feet or more, you will notice that the top of the ridge is not forested, but instead features a very large area of successional habitat. The top of Chestnut Mountain was cleared with an intense prescribed burn to create appropriate habitat for the declining Golden-winged Warbler. Biologists with the DNR have even attempted the use of remote audio play-back devices of this species in the area to entice migrating birds to come down and check out the habitat. None have been detected here so far. However, this great habitat improvement has created an area that is used by Kentucky Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and several other species. When you are done birding on Chestnut Mountain, retrace your way back to Persimmon Rd.
 
Text and photos by KB.
8) Patterson Gap Rd [July 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, B-2 and A-2]
From the intersection of US Hwy 76 and GA Hwy 197 just west of Lake Burton, head east on US Hwy 76. You will cross a high span over the upper end of Lake Burton, and in about a mile look closely for a left-hand turn lane and turn left to head north on well-signed Persimmon Rd; if you are coming west from Clayton, you will see this road on your right about 7.9 miles from downtown (PHOTO 1). Note that as you head north on Persimmon Rd you will pass Tallulah River Rd (4.2 miles) and Coleman River Rd (4.6 miles) which are also excellent birding destinations and are described above. Not far past Coleman River Rd, you will notice a gravel drive signed as Jim Keener Ln on your left; the second house on the right past this road hosted a large flock of Red Crossbills (up to 14 birds) both at several feeders and in the surrounding white pines from June-August of 2008. Continue on the paved road, and about a mile from Jim Keener Ln you will notice a very large summer camp on your left with a lake, climbing wall, activity center, etc. Just after passing the entrance road to the camp with a sign reading "Ramah Darom," the road will turn to gravel, cross over Persimmon Creek, and is now Patterson Gap Rd as you enter the National Forest. This road is a good-quality gravel road but can be steep (especially here at the west end) so take your time and watch out for washboards. Not long after you start ascending on this road, you'll come into an area on Persimmon Creek where a spur "road" heads downhill on your right through some very large hemlocks to cross the creek to access a nice camping area; this spur cannot be driven in an average vehicle so just park on the shoulder and walk down there. Take some time to bird this area thoroughly. Breeding birds include Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, Black-throated Green Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Black-and-white Warbler, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. From this area all along the creek for the next 1-2 miles, the habitat is perfect for rare breeding Brown Creepers anywhere you find stands of dead conifers with loose shaggy bark. A pair of Brown Creepers was located along this stretch on 29 May 2008 singing constantly and making food deliveries to such a stand of dead trees but the nest could not be located without disturbing the birds. Golden-crowned Kinglet is also possible as a breeding bird in this habitat. The two latter species, along with Red-breasted Nuthatch and Pine Siskin, are all to be expected - and sometimes in good numbers - in winter. As you continue to gain elevation you may encounter American Redstart, Black-throated Green and Black-throated Blue Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Ovenbird, Wood Thrush, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireo, Broad-winged Hawk, and much more. Eventually, you will take a sharp switch-back to your left immediately followed by a narrow section of road with a guard rail on your left. Just beyond this, you'll crest the ridge at Patterson Gap itself, which you'll recognize by a wide turn-out on both sides of the road and an obvious trail heading north (to your left). This moderately strenuous trail will wind its way up to the top of Grassy Ridge at the very high elevation of 4,000 feet and more. There have been records of both Pine Siskin and Brown Creeper during breeding season here, and you'll also likely find lots of cool mountain breeding birds already mentioned in this section. But what might be the most intriguing and enigmatic nesting possibility here is the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. This species is a well-known and widely distributed winter resident across Georgia. However, when all the migratory birds have headed far to our north to their breeding grounds in the spring, an extremely rare and local permanent resident population remains in the Southern Appalachians to breed! It is the opinion of many biologists that these birds of the extreme high elevations of North Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia constitute a separate sub-species - the "Appalachian Sapsucker." A pair of birds was found along Patterson Gap Rd in June 2002, and in the same spring/summer several groups were located in North Carolina. On 29 May 2008, a tulip tree was found on this road with sap wells so fresh that sap was still oozing from them. More field work is needed in the area, but it is hopeful that a small group of these elusive birds are present and may be documented and studied in the future. From the top of the ridge, the road winds its way back downhill heading east, through more hardwood-dominated forest and eventually into some private property featuring some open areas and edge habitat, along with a nice rental cabin establishment. Exactly 14.5 miles from where you turned off of US Hwy 76, you will cross a bridge over Betty Creek and dead-end at Betty's Creek Rd. Turn right, and in 3.4 miles you'll come to US Hwy 441 in the middle of the town of Dillard where more great birding awaits you!
Text and photo by KB.
9) Popcorn Overlook [June 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 16, C-1]
This is a quick and scenic stop along US Hwy 76 just west of its intersection with GA Hwy 197 and the bridge over the upper arm of Lake Burton / Tallulah River. Typical Georgia mountain breeding birds may be encountered such as Black-throated Green Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Pine Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, Broad-winged Hawk; there is a rare outside shot at Common Raven soaring. You may have migrants here earlier in the spring such as Blackpoll Warbler, Cape May Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, etc.
 
Text and photos by KB.
Towns
1) Ivy Log Gap Rd / Gumlog Gap Rd (also Union County) [May 2008] 
IBA, PM, May-June for breeding birds
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 15, B-7, 8]
From the light in Blairsville at the intersection of US 76 and US 19/129, (a McDonald's is on the south side of this intersection), head north on US 19/129 for 2.7 miles and turn right onto Rogers Road. You will pass a shallow arm of Lake Nottely on your left, and then you'll come through a residential area with some low, scrubby habitat along a creek on the left side of the road. Listen in this area for singing Northern Parula above, or Blue-winged or Yellow Warblers down low, but stopping here can be tricky so be careful and respect local traffic. At 0.8 miles from US 19/129, turn left onto Bradley Road. You will curve around past some open fields on your left, and at 0.5 miles from Rogers Rd watch carefully for a gravel road on your right signed as Forestry Rd #100; turn right here – this is Ivy Log Gap Road. For the first 0.5 mile or so, the understory is very thick and there are lots of young pines. You may hear Kentucky or Prairie Warblers in this area. You will pass several cabins and a few private drives, and at 1.1 miles from Bradley Rd you will enter the national forest at a gate; re-set your odometer here. Just past this gate on a tree on your left, you'll notice the first of 15 areas that have been marked by the DNR/Forest Service for the purpose of surveying for the declining Cerulean Warbler. Biologists have followed an experimental protocol of thinning cuts and group selection cuts (along with uncut control areas) to increase vertical forage area for the warblers and attempt to re-create in a young forest the diverse vertical structure created in older forests by blow-downs and dying trees. Birders are encouraged to participate in the effort to detect the Cerulean Warblers by keeping track of their sightings in these marked areas and reporting the birds. You can view a map of the areas HERE. As you begin to bird your way along Ivy Log Gap Rd, keep your windows down and stop to get out whenever you hear something interesting. Typical breeding birds that should be singing vigorously from late April through early June include Ovenbird, Hooded Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewee, Indigo Bunting, and more. From mid-April through mid-May you may also find a few migrants such as Blackpoll Warbler, Cape May Warbler, and Bay-breasted Warbler among others. As you reach higher elevations you should also encounter Chestnut-sided Warbler (especially in open areas with lots of vines and tangles), American Redstart, and Blackburnian Warbler. In areas of pines you may hear Yellow-throated Warbler, Kentucky Warblers are sporadic in areas with a dense understory, and at the highest points you may find Dark-eyed Junco or Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Overhead you may hear and see Broad-winged Hawks or experience a rare croaking fly-over of a Common Raven. Ruffed Grouse and Wild Turkey are resident but you'd be lucky to stumble into one; the grouse can be heard "drumming" from March through April. At exactly 6.2 miles from the gate, you will notice that Ivy Log Gap Rd curves down to the right while another road continues straight ahead. Take this road, which is marked by a small brown post as Forest Service 334 and is called Gumlog Gap Road. Continue birding your way down the road; the high elevation means more fluorescent-orange-throated Blackburnian Warblers should be found, along with lots of American Redstarts and other birds mentioned earlier. At 2.4 miles from where you left Ivy Log Gap Rd, you'll see a spur road head up to your right which is gated almost immediately. The sign may be broken, but this is Raven Cliffs Rd; it is also shown on some maps as FAA Tower Rd. You can park on the side of the road and take a nice hike up this road to an FAA signal tower, more good birds (Dark-eyed Juncos, Blackburnian Warblers, American Redstarts, and Chestnut-sided Warblers breed here), and at the top you’re rewarded with an amazing view of four states on a clear day. However, do not approach the FAA structure while you are at the top. Only 0.1 miles past the FAA tower road on the right you'll see the marker for Cerulean Warbler survey Area 10. It is well worth the short hike down to this cut area with a good thicket-filled understory, both for the birds and for the unique sight of literally 1,000’s of blooming trillium and other wildflowers carpeting the forest floor in May; more than a half-dozen varieties of trillium may be represented. From here, you have a couple options to complete your tour. You can either turn around, retrace your way back to Ivy Log Gap Rd, turn left, and bird your way all the way down off the ridge, then through some open habitat, and eventually dead-end into GA Hwy 66 where you can turn right to arrive in the town of Young Harris. Or, you can continue to bird your way down Gumlog Gap Rd, stopping at the remaining Cerulean survey areas in the hopes of detecting one of these special birds, and you will eventually dead-end into paved Gumlog Road (note that the word "Gap" is NOT in the name). Turn left, and in 4.5 miles you will dead-end at US 19/129 and a gas station. By turning left and heading south, you will arrive back at the McDonald's intersection where you started in Blairsville after 5.2 miles.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text and photos by KB
2) Brasstown Bald [May 2008] 
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[See Union County ]
3) Tray Mountain Wilderness / Swallow Creek WMA [July 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 15, C 9-10 & D9-10]
From the intersection of GA Hwy 75 and GA Hwy 17 just south of the touristy town of Helen, head north on GA Hwy 17-75. This is a beautiful drive, and after a while you will start to gain elevation via several sharp, winding curves. You will cross into Towns County as the top of a high ridge (Wilks Rd is on the right just before the county line - see White County for a full description for birding this area). Exactly 13.1 miles north of the junction of Hwy 75 and 17, keep a sharp eye out for a small brown sign on your right that says "High Shoals Scenic Area." Make a very sharp right turn here, onto Indian Grave Rd (Forest Service Rd 283). If you pass GA Hwy 180 on the left you have just missed it. You will soon pass a sign for Swallow Creek WMA (PHOTO 1) and then ford a small stream (PHOTO 2); I have done it in a Honda Accord many times, but I admit that for this whole area I would be more comfortable in a higher-clearance vehicle with a heavier suspension. Continue along this road for several winding miles, gaining elevation. Keep windows down and look and listen for wood warblers and other passerines, stopping safely in a pull-out to bird when you find them. On the left you will eventually see a large pullout with garbage receptacles and an information sign marking High Shoals Creek Scenic Area. This is a great opportunity to hike down to two gorgeous rumbling waterfalls and bird all along the way for mountain species. After getting a workout hiking back up to your vehicle, continue uphill listening and stopping for good birds until you dead-end at a sharp angle into Tray Mountain Rd up on the ridge. Turn left here, and you will continue to gain elevation (now well over 3000 feet) until you come to a large open gravel opening, where Corbin Creek Rd heads off to the north to your left and a possibly unnamed road heads off to the SE. Park here, and take the Appalachian Trail uphill, which is directly opposite the road you entered the area. You will gain access to extremely high elevations now, and birds like Black-throated Blue Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Dark-eyed Junco, and even Canada Warbler and Veery can be expected in breeding season. At the summit of Tray Mountain, take your time to enjoy a snack and some liquid refreshment as you soak in the amazing views on a bare rock outcropping surrounding by mountain laurel and wild blueberries which produce delicious fruits in mid-July. When done birding here, head back to GA Hwy 17-75 and turn right. Pass GA Hwy 180 on the left (Brasstown Bald is just 5.3 miles down this road), exactly 2 miles from this junction you will cross a bridge over the Hiawassee River; slow down here and take the next right onto a street signed as Mauldin Circle - this can be a tricky turn (PHOTO 3). As soon as you make the right turn, turn sharply to the right again to follow Corbin Creek Rd (Forest Service Rd 698), passing another sign for Swallow Creek WMA (PHOTO 4). This road provides more access to higher elevation birding along a well-maintained but nonetheless dusty, gravel road (PHOTO 5). Breeding birds of note for the area include Black-throated Green Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Ovenbird, Black-and-white Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, American Redstart, Worm-eating Warbler, Yellow-throated or Pine Warbler in areas of conifers, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-headed Vireo, Great-crested Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher or Louisiana Waterthrush along High Shoals Creek, and Broad-winged Hawk overhead; Ruffed Grouse and Common Raven are rare but possible. You can easily work this area into a trip to Brasstown Bald, which is a few miles west down GA Hwy 180. You can actually complete a loop between these two roads along the higher ridge up to the open gravel area at Tray Mountain; it would be a long drive because of the gravel roads and all the birding stops, and I would exercise caution in a low-clearance vehicle. Alternately, if you wish to try a different descent from the gravel open area, you can continue back downhill the way you came, pass Indian Grave Rd on your right where you may have ascended and keep going. You'll enter some private property, but this area is still great birding and Red Crossbills were regular in some areas here from May-August 2008 and may have bred so keep your ears open! This descent will also end at Hwy 17-75.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text and photos by KB.
Union
1) Brasstown Bald [June 2008] 
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 15, C-9]
At 4,784 feet, Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia. As such, it offers very unique birding opportunities because there are bird species that only breed in Georgia at this location and a handful of other high peaks. What makes Brasstown Bald special is that it is the only of these high-elevation locales that can be easily accessed with vehicles; in fact, even people with limited mobility can enjoy seeing breeding Canada Warblers, Veeries, Black-throated Blue Warblers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and much more because in addition to the great birding around the level parking lot, there is a shuttle service (in season - call ahead) that brings visitors up to the summit where there is an elevator to the observation deck. From the intersection of GA Hwy 17/75 and GA Hwy 180, head west for 5.3 miles to Hwy 180 spur on your right that heads up to Brasstown Bald (PHOTO 1). You can also access Hwy 180 spur from points west coming down from Blairsville or up from Dahlonega. Along the road as you ascend the mountain, you will start to hear interesting birds like Black-throated Blue Warblers, Ovenbirds, Black-throated Green Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Red-eyed Vireos, etc. It is a very steep and winding road, and I do not advise stopping even though there are a couple gravel pull-outs. About halfway up, you will come into a nice open area that is a bit more level, where you can stop at a larger gravel area on the left for some birding and a great view (PHOTO 2). You will hear Indigo Buntings, Red-eyed Vireos, and various warblers singing, and keep an eye on the sky for soaring Broad-winged Hawks or Common Ravens. Wild Turkies are often seen in this area as well. Continue to the top and pay the $3.00 fee and park in the huge parking lot (PHOTO 3). This is the only place in the state of Georgia where you can get out of your car and be greeted by Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Chestnut-sided Warblers, Veeries, and Canada Warblers singing all around you! Take your time birding all around the edges of the parking lot, where you may also have Black-throated Blue Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Scarlet Tanagers. You will also enjoy the blooming mountain laurel and rhododendrons in late May and early June (PHOTO 9). When you're done in the parking lot, walk behind a restroom building to follow the paved summit trail (PHOTO 4). Shortly after starting, you will intersect an old roadbed known as the "Wagon Trail" (PHOTO 5); turn right and walk this old road that brought early visitors to the summit from the town of Young Harris and is now part of the Arkaqua Trail (which can be hiked down to this small college town). Soon you will come to an open area on the right (PHOTO 6), where Chestnut-sided Warblers can usually be found. Just down the trail, you'll come to a gate (PHOTO 7). Black-and-white Warblers, Black-throated Blue Warblers, and Ovenbirds usually nest in this area. Here and all along the trail, listen for the amazing double-flute song of the Veery and look for them flying across the trail; familiarize yourself with their "veer!" call as well. Beyond the gate, the trail closes in a little more and you are in one of the best areas for Canada Warblers - listen for their chippy song and watch for them darting around among the rhododendrons lining the trail. When you come to an area where the trail becomes rocky (PHOTO 8), spend some time listening for the incredible, tinkling, trilly song of the Winter Wren. Do not play ANY audio recordings of this or any other species in this sensitive habitat. I usually turn around here and head back to the paved foot path and get a good workout heading up to the summit and observation platform. The views here are spectacular (PHOTOS 10 & 11, and VIDEO), especially on a clear day. This is perhaps the most reliable spot in the state for Common Ravens, and you may also see Broad-winged Hawks or other raptors soaring. There is a neat visitor's center and restrooms here as well, but it is now only open seasonally so call ahead. When finished at the top, walk down the summit road (PHOTO 12) to see some new areas, listening and looking for the same species mentioned above, and you will come out back at the parking lot; watch out for the shuttle if it is running! On the way down the mountain, use low gears and do not ride your brakes too hard; many a visitor has been seen turning onto Hwy 180 with smoke pouring out of their wheels from overuse of the brakes on this steep grade.
       
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6 PHOTO 7 PHOTO 8
    
PHOTO 9 PHOTO 10 PHOTO 11 VIDEO PHOTO 12
Text by KB; Photo 11 by Steve Barlow; other photos by KB & RC
2) Sosebee Cove [May 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg 15, E-7]
Located 2.9 miles west of the intersection of GA Hwy 180 (Wolfpen Gap Rd) and US 129 / 19, this is a very pretty and quick stop for some really cool birds in spring and early summer. Two specialties here are breeding Black-throated Blue Warblers and Veery. You may also encounter American Redstart and Dark-eyed Junco and (rarely) Canada Warbler, or perhaps Common Raven soaring overhead. The best chance you have to spot a raven in the sky from here is a powerline cut (PHOTO 3) that is most open just downhill to the right of the parking area and trailhead (PHOTOS 1 & 2); they seem to be part of the same group that is often seen during hikes up Blood Mountain, which is just uphill from Sosebee Cove. The powerline cut also offers some great views up into the canopy for American Redstarts, Black-throated Blue Warblers, and migrants working the trees. Just downhill from the powerline cut are a few informative signs (PHOTO 4); in the same area look and listen for the beautiful song of the Veery and the "veer-veer-veer-vreeeee" of Black-throated Blue Warblers. The trail itself is short but gorgeous (PHOTO 5), with massive second-growth trees reaching for the heavens - some of them would take 3 adults holding hands to encircle the trunk. The only complaint I have here - and in general along all portions of Hwy 180 - is that large numbers of motorcycles cruise through all the time in spring and summer, with their obnoxiously loud exhaust pipes echoing across the valley. I respect their right to enjoy the mountains like anyone else, but I can't think of anyone else whose mountain enjoyment ruins that of others.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text and photos by KB.
3) Blairsville Ingles [May 2008]
late Sp-early Su
[DeLorme pg 15, C-7]
Located on the north side of US Hwy 76 just east of the overpass and intersection with US 129 / 19; turn at the large sign for Ingles and cross a small bridge over Butternut Creek. Park far away from the grocery storefront and bird all along the creek on both sides of the bridge. You can also explore other businesses on the other side of the creek to get a different view. Listen for the signature "rrreeet, fitz-bew!" calls of the Willow Flycatcher and look for them on the wires and down low in the scrubby vegetation along the creek. You may also find birds like Yellow Warbler, Orchard Oriole, Eastern Kingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-winged Blackbird, Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Common Yellowthroat, or (rarely) Wilson's Warbler here. Do not play ANY sound recordings in this area. The reason why a grocery store is on a list of birding locations is simple - sometimes the last vestiges of appropriate habitat in which a species may be able to scratch out a living are squeezed into the middle of suburban development. Such is the case for the Willow Flycatcher, which is a very rare breeder in Georgia. Butternut Creek runs along the front (south side) of the parking lot for Ingles, among various businesses which would seemingly like nothing more than to cut down all the vegetation to the bank of the stream in favor of manicured turf lawns. However, an ordinance exists requiring an "undisturbed buffer zone" along the banks of streams - this has provided a narrow strip of willow trees, alders, weeds, and viny tangles that the flycatchers need to prosper (despite surreptitious efforts of some of the bordering property owners who flagrantly violate this law with brush mowers and landscaping every year). Early in 2007, an adjacent piece of property across a feeder creek that was also lined with willows (on the west side of the Ingles parking lot) went under the bulldozer. The feeder creek was completely destroyed and re-routed into huge underground pipes, and an expansive weedy field that provided cover and forage for the birds was graded and prepared for more commercial development (PHOTO 1). Everyone in the birding community was appauled, and held their collective breath. In May 2007, up to three Willow Flycatchers were seen along the creek in what little habitat remains in this area (PHOTO 2); in May 2008 at least two birds were seen and it is hoped that more are present. It remains to be seen how well the birds will succeed, especially if the adjacent property is developed and turned into concrete and asphalt. On a more positive note, you can get some awesome BBQ at the Rib Country restaurant just east of Ingles on Hwy 76 (PHOTO 3); it is important to let local businesses know that you are bringing your dollars to them because you are there to see the birds - visit www.gos.org to find out how you can order FREE business cards to leave at local businesses broadcasting this important message!
  
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3
Text and photos by KB.
4) Least Flycatcher Survey Route [May 2008]
mid May-June
[DeLorme pg. 15, D 6-7, E 6-7]
These are good spots to stop and listen carefully for the signature "chee-bek!" calls of the Least Flycatcher. This is a very rare nesting species in Georgia, and may not build its nest in the same area every year. While these are the "traditional" locations to find the species, you may only find the species at one stop or none at all in any given year. You should check these spots in combination with a trip to Sosebee Cove, Vogel State Park, Brasstown Bald, Blairsville Ingles, etc. From the town of Suches at the intersection of GA Hwy 60 and GA Hwy 180, head north on Hwy 60. About 5 miles down the road you will come into an area of open pastures, especially on the west (left) side of the road. Make a note of Johnny Gap Rd on the right when you see the street sign - this is a good road to explore for interesting mountain breeding species and migrants, and both Blue-winged Warblers and Golden-winged Warblers have been found in migration in blackberry thickets along the road. The next road north of Johnny Gap Rd on the right is Grizzle Creek Rd, exactly 5.5 miles north of Suches (from the Hwy 180 junction). Park in front of an old abandoned gas station/antique shop, which is directly across Hwy 60 from Grizzle Creek Road on the opposite side (west) of Hwy 60, and is adjacent to a local fire station - do not block access to the fire station! Carefully cross the highway and listen for the Least Flycatcher, usually relating to some large conifers that are in the yard of an abandoned house across from the old gas station; this bird was most recently re-located on 5/18/08. Grizzle Creek Rd and the surrounding area along Hwy 60 have some interesting open and edge habitat to explore, and you may see or hear Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Eastern Bluebird, Red-winged Blackbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Indigo Bunting, House Wren, Blue Grosbeak, or interesting migrants in season such as Blue-winged Warbler, American Redstart, or Chestnut-sided Warbler. By very carefully walking south along the west shoulder of GA Hwy 60, just past a small creek, you can look to the west and see a nice brushy area full of willows, alders, river cane, blackberry thickets, etc. at the back of a field. You may walk into the field for better views into this riparian habitat (an adjacent landowner has graciously allowed limited access to the area but does not actually own this section of property); be prepared to politely leave if anyone asks you to. In this area, interesting breeding birds have been found such as Orchard Oriole, Yellow Warbler, and (rarely) Willow Flycatcher. Notably, if the latter species and the Least Flycatcher are present, you could potentially visit nearby Coopers Creek WMA to find an Acadian Flycatcher and thereby have seen all three of Georgia's breeding Empidonax flycatchers within just a few miles of one another! Do NOT play audio of any species in this area under any circumstance, so as not to cause these special Georgia breeding birds harm. The other spots to check for the tiny "chee-bek bird" (Least Flycatcher) are back on GA Hwy 180 (also called Wolfpen Gap Rd). About one mile east of the junction with Hwy 60, slow down and start looking carefully for Kennedy Creek Rd on your right. Continue past this road, through some large open fields on both sides of the road, and at the next road on the right park at a little church on the right (this is Miller Gap Rd). Check the trees around this area and then walk down and check the area around Kennedy Creek Rd, listening and looking for the Least Flycatcher. Be extremely careful on the road shoulder as bikers and cars zoom through this stretch quickly. If you have not found the bird yet, continue on Hwy 180 east for about a half mile, or until you see another open field on your left and a small street sign marking Anglin Rd on your right. It may be hard to find a safe place to park here, perhaps on Anglin Rd itself is best. Listen all along the road in this area for the bird; in late May 2007 a bird was heard from the woods on the other side of the field and good looks could not be had because this is private property. Do not trespass on private property anywhere along the route, even if you hear a bird calling!
Text by KB.
5) Cooper Creek WMA [May 2008]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. D-6, 7 and E-6, 7]
This is another nice drive along forest service roads in spring and early summer for migrants and breeding birds. From the intersection of GA Hwy 60 and Hwy 180 in Suches, head north for 5.1 miles and you will see Johnny Gap Rd on your right with a barn at the intersection (PHOTO 1). Take your time birding along this road, with some nice edge habitat and brush along with some mature trees. In migration both Blue-winged and Golden-winged Warlbers have been seen here, and breeding birds include Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Northern Parula, Common Yellowthroat, and Indigo Bunting among others. At 0.8 miles note Grizzle Creek Rd on your left, which features more of the same habitat and has a possible Least Flycatcher location at its terminus with Hwy 60. Continue past Grizzle Creek Rd for another 0.5 miles and the road will change names as you enter national forest property, you are now on Forest Servie Rd 33D (PHOTO 2), with larger, more mature pines and a few hardwoods as well. Listen for both Yellow-throated and Pine Warblers here. A total of 2.2 miles from Hwy 60, you will dead-end into Coopers Creek Rd, turn right. At 1.3 miles down the road, take a left fork that will turn to gravel immediately; the road is kind of rough but can be managed in a passenger vehicle with care. You will enter a nice mixed forest at this point, and you may encounter lots of typical mountain breeding birds like Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Hooded Warbler. You will see another forest service road come in from the right, just keep left to stay on Coopers Creek Rd. Exactly 5.7 miles after you turned right onto Coopers Creek Rd from Johnny Gap Rd, you will notice that FS 33 continues to your right, while going left will put you on FS 33A (Mulky Gap Rd). Keep left, cross a small bridge over Coopers Creek and park (PHOTO 3). There are nice "unofficial" campsites in this area and all along FS 33 later as it follows the creek. You should hear plenty of Black-throated Blue Warblers start mixing in with the other species, and listen and look for Acadian Flycatchers or Louisiana Waterthrush on the creek. If you have a high-clearance, heavy-duty vehicle you can actually continue up this road to Duncan Ridge Rd and turn right, taking you along Duncan Ridge at very high elevations. This area has received the same experimental treatment as Ivy Log Gap Rd/Gumlog Gap Rd (Towns County) to improve the habitat for the declining Cerulean Warbler; in May 2008 a bird was detected near the eastern end of this road at Coosa Bald. At these higher elevations you may add several other breeding birds that would not be found along the lower creek sections including Chestnut-sided Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, or American Redstart. Interestingly, this area was surveyed by the Forest Service for possible breeding Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (July 2003) but with no results. To continue the route from the bridge mentioned earlier, go back across it and turn left to keep following FS 33. In this area in late June you may come across the very large and beautiful Diana butterfly. 1.4 miles down the road from the fork with FS 33A, there is a spur on your left that will go down to an official campground with tent pads right on the creek. Coopers Creek is stocked with rainbow trout in this area for good fishing, but you may have lots of other fishermen and campers to contend with in spring and early summer. Continue birding down Coopers Creek Rd, passing FS 637 on your right. After a total of 6.6 miles from the fork with FS 33A, you will come out on GA Hwy 180 (Wolfpen Gap Rd) where there is a sign for the WMA (PHOTO 4); incidentally, you could run the route backwards from here. Turn right, and then take the next left into Lake Winfield Scott (PHOTO 5), offering more good birding and fishing; Veery and Cedar Waxwing have nested near the lake along with other mountain species mentioned earlier. When done here, turn left onto 180 and in 4.4 miles you will actually complete a loop by coming back to Suches where you will dead-end into GA Hwy 60.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text and photos by KB.
White
1) Wilks Rd / Poplar Stump Rd [May 2007]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 15, D-9]
This is an area of good diverse habitat in the mountains that has produced up to 13 breeding species of wood warbler in a day, along with many other interesting mountain birds. From the town of Cleveland, head north on US Hwy 129 for a short distance, and just after passing a Dairy Queen on your left, you'll come to a light at the top of a small rise - turn right here to head north on GA Hwy 75. In about 6-7 miles, note GA Hwy 17 on your right; reset your odometer at this intersection. GA Hwy 17/75 will go through the downtown area of the somewhat cheesy but nonetheless interesting tourist town of Helen (PHOTOS 1 & 2). The town is designed to "look" like a Bavarian mountain village, and has lots of shops and some good food along with several lodging options; they have a very popular Oktoberfest celebration every year in October and November. Keep heading north on Hwy 17/75 through the community of Robertstown, making note of a couple tubing companies operating on the Chattahoochee River in the area (great for kids!) and also note GA Hwy 356 on your right, which will take you to Unicoi State Park. This is a nice full-service facility with a lodge, electric/water camping, cottages, a lake, and plenty to do including birding. As you continue north, the highway will start to gain elevation via several tight switchbacks - you will start to hear birds singing around you but do not attempt to stop on this road! Exactly 11 miles from the intersection of Hwy 75 and Hwy 17, you'll see a tempting view of the mountains to your left (PHOTO 3) - let your passengers enjoy it for a second, but drivers pay attention because just around this curve on your left is your turn onto Wilks Rd (PHOTO 4) with a few Forest Service signs; if you cross the county line into Towns County at the top of the hill you've missed it. This is a gravel Forest Service road, which can actually take you all the way back down to Robertstown at Alt Hwy 75 if you so desire (PHOTO 5), but this description will focus on the first 6 miles only, which offer the greatest variety of birding opportunities. As soon as you turn off the highway, make sure all your windows are down and start listening for high elevation specialties like American Redstart, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Ovenbird, and Blackburnian Warbler. You may also hear Black-throated Green Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Worm-eating Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Wood Pewee, and both Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos. The high-pitched calls of Broad-winged Hawks may be heard overhead but views are tricky through the trees. Ruffed Grouse are present in the area but are rarely seen. The first mile or so of this road hugs the side of a mountain so drive with caution and be very careful passing other vehicles; it is narrow but there are pull-outs where you can park and walk along the road to bird. Eventually the road will gain the top of the ridge in a small open area that has a good spot to park (PHOTO 6). This is the highest point the road reaches (3,250 feet) and is the best spot for Blackburnian Warblers. From here, the road follows the ridge for a while, and then starts to descend into the valley that is the first watershed of the Chattahoochee River. In this area, especially in coves with lots of deciduous trees, you will start to hear Black-throated Blue Warblers singing. In areas of conifers, listen for Yellow-throated Warblers or Pine Warblers. The road will meander down into the valley along a couple feeder creeks of the river, where there are many nice "unofficial" primitive campsites. Acadian Flycatcher and Louisiana Waterthrush breed along these creeks and can be heard singing - the flycatchers all day, but the waterthrush more often early morning or at dusk. At the bottom of the valley exactly 4.7 miles from Hwy 17/75 is a very large "official" campground, the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground (PHOTO 7). This area is better for family camping because there is room for bikes, badminton, frisbee, etc. and there are several chemical toilet facilities for privacy. Drive through the campground to the very end where there is a day use parking area along a loop. The campground is a good area to listen for Northern Parulas, and there are plenty of Louisiana Waterthrush and Acadian Flycatchers on the Chattahoochee River, which flows through the campground and is really just a pretty mountain stream at this point. The river here is stocked with Rainbow Trout for fishing opportunities. If you are up for a hike with your fishing gear, following a gated dirt road that is on the right in the middle of the campground will take you up to the highest tributaries of the Chattahoochee River where Brook Trout may be found; this is one of only a handful of creeks in Georgia with this species so catch and release is required. Back at the day use parking area on the loop, take a short trail to enjoy a view of Horsetrough Falls (PHOTO 8). When you're done at the campground, turn right back onto Wilks Rd and you'll soon cross the river on a little concrete bridge (PHOTO 9). The road will start back up the other side of the valley, and you will come into an open meadow area on your left where the road makes a long, tight curve into a creek valley. I think this area looks good for Black-billed Cuckoo but have never found one here. There are also a lot more "unofficial" primitive campsites in this area. At the tight curve, park at a gated road that is labeled as Poplar Stump Rd in the DeLorme Atlas (PHOTO 10). In the thickets in this area you may hear Kentucky Warblers mixing in with the species already mentioned. Poplar Stump Rd is a very interesting area that needs more exploration. Rachel and I hiked in about 2 miles (PHOTO 11) and found some good habitat and some cool birds but never gained the highest point on the ridge because it was getting late in the day. If you look in the DeLorme Atlas (or Google Earth), it appears that you can access the Appalachian Trail and a very high point called Horsetrough Mountain (4,045 feet), so who knows what could be up there - Canada Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Dark-eyed Junco and even Winter Wren are all possibilities but it's not clear how close to the summit the road/trail goes and it may require some bushwhacking. When you're finished exploring Poplar Stump Rd, you can either continue birding on Wilks Rd all the way back down to Robertstown, or leave the area the way you came in, coming back out on GA Hwy 17/75.
     
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6
    
PHOTO 7 PHOTO 8 PHOTO 9 PHOTO 10 PHOTO 11
Text by KB; photos by KB & RC
2) Smithgall Woods Conservation Area [Sept 2007]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 15, E-9]
This beautiful multi-use area encompasses 5,664 acres of mixed habitat and is dominated by Dukes Creek, its tributaries, and the surrounding mountains. The property features good mountain birding for typical higher-elevation breeding birds as well as open wildlife plots, two ponds, riparian habitat, and a wetlands and related scrubby habitat that can be very productive in migration. Though a good-quality gravel road (paved in several areas) runs throughout the property, all birding must be done on foot or bike; in fact, this is a great bike-birding destination to cover the most ground. From downtown Helen, GA (from the bridge over the Chattahoochee River), head north on GA Hwy 17-75 for 1.4 miles, and turn left (SW) onto ALT 75; there is a brown sign for the area pointing to this turn. In 2.4 miles you will come to the main entrance to the visitor center (PHOTO 1) on your left, with stone entrance walls. Park here and go in to pay a $3.00 vehicle fee, and check out the gift shop and a few cages with re-habilitated raptors and owls behind the building. Bird your way through the open areas on the road that accesses the property beyond the visitor's center. You will enter a hardwood-dominated area on the road, with Duke's Creek running along to your right. The birding may be slow here; some flocks may be working the high canopy above but viewing is difficult. You may have Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, or (rarely) Swainson's Warbler in the thick undergrowth; Louisiana Waterthrush may be seen at tributary crossings. At 1.5 miles from the visitor's center you will reach the best birding area on the property, an open valley dominated by a wetlands, open fields, and scrubby alder and willow habitat. You will see a picnic pavillion on the right and a covered bridge just past it (PHOTO 2). Bird the edges of a large open field (PHOTO 3), looking for birds like Chestnut-sided Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Canada Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Ruby-throated Hummingbird (especially fall), White-eyed Vireo, and (more rarely) Golden-winged Warbler. From the field, follow a boardwalk (PHOTO 4) through a good area of river birch and willows to a platform that overlooks the wetlands and more alders (PHOTO 5). The woods in this area can produce several species of Empidonax flycatcher, including Acadian, Least, and the rarer Yellow-bellied; do your research or try to get a photo of these tricky guys to help make that 99% call turn into a definite ID, but this is not to be expected. Make your way back to the field, and cross the road near the picnic shelter to a nice view across Duke's Creek into the canopy (PHOTO 6); there are several trees here with productive virginia creeper vines that may attract a variety of thrushes (Swainson's, Wood, Hermit, Veery) and vireos (Red-eyed or Blue-headed, others possible). Almost directly across the street from the picnic shelter, you'll find a path that will take you through the wetlands to a smaller field that is planted will all sorts of flowering and seeding plants for wildlife, bordered by more great alder and willow-dominated scrubby habitat (PHOTO 7). When you're done chasing flocks in these areas, you may wish to backtrack and walk the Wetlands Loop, which will take you around the area but higher up on a ridge. There are many trails on the property to explore which access higher elevations, where you may find a different mix of wood warblers in migration and a few breeding species; a few possibilities include Black-throated Green, Black-throated Blue, Pine, Blackburnian, Black-and-white, Northern Parula, Blackpoll, Ovenbird, or (rarely) Cerulean Warbler. Ruffed Grouse is a rarely-seen permanent resident, and sometimes the escaped exotic Golden Pheasant is spotted wandering around, especially in an area called Laurel Ridge near the visitor's center. While birding the property, keep an eye overhead for Broad-winged Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, or (rarely) Common Raven soaring. When you're done exploring the wetlands area and surrounding trails, you may wish to extend your visit by hiking or biking all the way to the end of the road (3.5 miles from the visitor's center), where there is a youth group-only camping area called Fish Camp. This area has a nice mix of open scrubby habitat, a powerline cut, and two ponds that can be very productive as well (PHOTOS 8 & 9). When you're done, you must leave the way you came by heading back to the visitor's center. IMPORTANT: You must call ahead to see if a quota deer, turkey, or small game hunt is being conducted on the day you plan to visit. During these hunts the property cannot be accessed, and some birders have arrived simply to be turned away. In addition to the birding, Duke's Creek offers some of the best trophy Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout fishing in the state, and is agressively managed for this purpose. This being said, fishing access is limited and by reservation only, with several strict regulations that you must read up on before you put together your gear collection and hit the stream. Visit the area website.
        
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6 PHOTO 7 PHOTO 8 PHOTO 9
Text and photos by KB. |
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Copyright 2009 Ken Blankenship. All rights reserved.
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