Coastal Plain
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Appling Clinch Grady Montgomery Thomas
Atkinson Coffee Houston Peach Tift
Bacon Colquitt Irwin Pierce Toombs
Baker Cook Jeff Davis Pulaski Treutlen
Ben Hill Crawford Jefferson Quitman Turner
Berrien Crisp Jenkins Randolph Twiggs
Bleckley Decatur Johnson Richmond Ware
Brantley Dodge Lanier Schley Washington
Brooks Dooly Laurens Screven Wayne
Bulloch Dougherty Lee Seminole Webster
Burke Early Long Stewart Wheeler
Calhoun Echols Lowndes Sumter Wilcox
Candler Effingham Macon Tattnall Wilkes
Charlton Emanuel Marion Taylor Wilkinson
Chattahoochee Evans Miller Telfair Worth
Clay Glascock Mitchell Terrell
The Coastal Plain Province is a low, flat region of well-drained, gently rolling hills and poorly drained flatwoods. The Coastal Plain extends east and south of the Fall Line Hills, the old Mesozoic shoreline still marked by a line of sand hills. In Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean forms the eastern border of the Coastal Plain. The southern border of this province is formed by the Gulf of Mexico, in the State of Florida. The entire eastern Coastal Plain stretches from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas, excluding the southern tip of Florida. Its soils, sands, and sandy clays are of marine origin and are usually acidic. They possess a low native fertility due to excessive leaching. Georgia's Coastal Plain is as much as 300 km wide (200 mi). Its elevation ranges from sea level to 225 m (750 ft). The Coastal Plain is subdivided into the Fall Line Hills, five distinct upland districts, the Okefenokee Basin, and the Barrier Island Sequence. The Coastal Plain also is sometimes divided into upper and lower sections, the upper section being near the Fall Line and the lower section being the mainland along the Atlantic coast. An important district of the Lower Coastal Plain is the Okefenokee Basin, an area of low relief and swamps. It probably formed when a bay of the Atlantic Ocean was cut off from the ocean by a barrier island. Much of the basin is now a national wildlife refuge and wilderness area. On well-drained soils of the Coastal Plain, the dominant plant species are Long-leaf Pine, Loblolly Pine, and several species of oak. On poorly drained soils, the dominant species are Long-leaf Pine and Slash Pine with a dense ground cover of Saw Palmetto, Gallberry, and Wire-grass. These plants are adapted to a humid subtropical climate of mild winters, hot summers, high rainfall, and frequent ground fires. Where the soil is poorly drained, Pond Pines are dominate. The Southern Mixed Hardwood community includes oaks, Sweet Gum, magnolias, Red Bay, and Pignut Hickory. Such hardwood communities are found bordering freshwater streams and floodplain swamps and in low, fertile areas near the coast. Wooded areas composed of Cypress, Tupelo, and Red Maple trees are found adjacent to swamps, ponds, and lakes as well as along sluggish, meandering streams.
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.
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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.
Appling
1) Moody Forest Natural Area [N/A]
PM, May-June for RCW's and Bachman's Sparrow
[DeLorme pg. 53, C-8, 9]
Important birds include Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Bachman's Sparrow. Along the Altamaha River and managed jointly by the Nature Conservancy and The Georgia DNR, the 4,500-acre Moody Forest preserve contains the only known example of the longleaf pine-blackjack oak forest. As many as 300 to 350 acres of the property contain longleaf and slash pine trees that are 200 to 300 years old. Other special areas on the property include forests found on bluffs overlooking the floodplain, cypress-tupelo sloughs that contain trees over 600 years old, and bottomland hardwoods. 1. Drive approximately seven miles north of the town of Baxley on US-1/GA-15. 2. Turn right onto Lennox Road (at the BP Station). 3. Proceed down Lennox Road and turn left onto Spring Branch Road. 4. Continue on Spring Branch Road to a T-intersection with East River Road. 5. Turn right onto East River Road and drive for approximately one mile. 6. The Upland Loop Trailhead is on the left, just before the intersection with Jake Moody Road. 7. The Moody Forest Natural Area office is approximately one mile down East River Road. If you have any questions about planning your visit to Moody Forest, call preserve manager Scott Saucier at (912) 366-9549. Visit the area website.
2) Cattle Ranch [N/A]
SBM
[DeLorme pg. 53, H-10]
Migrating shorebirds; Baird's sandpiper 2004. Located along the west side of GA 15/GA 121 south of where the two routes split in extreme southern Appling Co. As you pull into the driveway of the ranch, there is a pile of silage and a few mud puddles on the left side of the main driveway, and a pond on the right side of the driveway. IMPORTANT: You must check in at the white building and get permission to bird along the driveway and pond.
Atkinson
1) Vickers Lake [N/A]
mid F-mid Sp for waterfowl and waders
[DeLorme pg. 60, C-2]
Waterfowl, waders. Located in the community of Leliaton, at the intersection of US 82/GA Hwy 520 and County Rd 39.
Bacon
1) Bar-O-Ranch Lake [N/A]
mid F-mid Sp
[Delorme p. 53, G-7]
Waders, waterfowl. Head north from the town of Alma on Hwy 1, turn/bear right on Hwy 1 when Hwy 23 splits off to the left. Turn right on Meadowlark Rd, you'll see a small pond on the left. Then turn left on Springfield Church Rd and you'll go over the dam of Bar-o-Ranch Lake. You can also turn right after this on Wren Rd for another view of the lake on the right and a shallow arm of the lake may be visible on the left.
Baker
1) Elmodel WMA [N/A]
PM, W for sparrows
[DeLorme: p. 57, grid C-7]
This extreme SW Georgia site is a great spot for tromping around for sparrows in winter. Lots of Vesper Sparrow, good numbers of White-crowned Sparrow, and has hosted more rare spp. like Clay-colored and LeConte's Sparrow; also Sedge Wren, raptors, Northern Bobwhite, etc. From the town of Camilla, take Hwy 37 NW to the town of Elmodel, the WMA is on the left side (south) of the road.
2) Open Field [N/A]
PM, W for sparrows, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 57, E-6]
The edges of this field are often productive for winter sparrows, including White-crowned and Vesper, Clay-colored possible but rare; also a winter Dickcissel record. The field is located about a quarter of a mile north of where GA 253 dead ends into GA 91. From this intersection go north on an unnamed paved road to the first field on the right.
Ben Hill
1) Fitzgerald West Lake / Dorminy Marsh [N/A]
W for waterfowl, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 51, F-9; the black hospital cross is the Medical Center]
This has great marsh habitat and lots of wintering waterfowl; good for waders; in summer Least Bittern and Purple Gallinule are possibilities. This is located in the southern part of the town of Fitzgerald, behind Dorminy Medical Center off of Perry House Rd. IMPORTANT: A note from Jim Flynn. As of June 2006, the lake was dry due to a breach of the dike by earth-moving equipment and was full of cattails. Though it had been repaired, the lake had not re-filled. Let's hope this area is able to rehabilitate.
Berrien
1) Paradise Public Fishing Area [Dec 2007] 
PM, W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 59, B-8]
There are several lakes in the area with good gravel roads weaving through mixed forest for good passerine birding as well as potential wintering waterfowl and waders. Interesting species seen in a quick visit in Dec. 2007 included lots of sparrows such as Field, Song, Swamp, White-throated, Chipping, and a rare wintering Lincoln's Sparrow; species seen in Aug. 2006 include Great Egret, Tricolored Heron, Snowy Egret, Northern Bobwhite, Prairie Warbler. From I-75 in Tifton, take Exit 62 and head east on US 82/GA Hwy 520 and follow signage for the PFA, located south of the highway between the towns of Brookfield and Enigma.
Bleckley
1) Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area [Feb 2007]
W for waterfowl, PM
[DeLorme pg. 43, E-7]
Georgia's newest PFA located in this tiny rural county in the center of the state just opened to the public in June 2006. It remains to be seen how productive it will be for birding, but the potential is very high as it lies right on the Ocmulgee River. The lakes seem to be drawn down in winter, as the photos below indicate. In mid-Feb 2007 species seen included Great Egret, Double-crested Cormorant, Purple Martin, Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Bobwhite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Hermit Thrush, etc. The cluster of lakes, totalling 106 acres, should host some interesting winter waterfowl in years to come and the surrounding open pine-dominated woods offer good opportunities for passerine migrants in spring and fall. The fishing is already great; you can read an article about opening day HERE. From the town of Hawkinsville, take US Hwy 341 towards Eastman, then turn left on GA Hwy 26 towards Cochran. Travel only approximately 0.25 miles, then turn left on Upper River Road, go about 6 miles and make a left onto Allison's Landing Road, then make a right into the PFA at the sign. The area can also be accessed via several exits off of I-16 about 20 miles east of Macon, use your DeLorme Atlas to create a convenient route; note that Albert Jenkins Rd is accurately drawn on the map, but is not passable in a passenger vehicle (the northern and southern portions are paved, but there is a long stretch of this road that is clay and very rutted). NOTE: For you "county birders," it is notable that while the DNR literature states that the PFA is located in Bleckley County, satellite images refute this and show that the lakes lie inside Pulaski County; perhaps Bleckley County manages the property or something, but unless the county lines have been re-drawn you are "technically" birding in Pulaski.
  
Text and photos by KB.
Brantley
Need birding sites!
Brooks
1) Lakes SW of Quitman [N/A]
W for waterfowl, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 66, D-5]
There are a few ponds within 2-3 miles of the Florida state line, all located on Hwy 221/76. Though the area makes a nice route for birding, in fall 2007 just about all the ponds had dried up and/or were full of lily pads due to drought. In August 2006 photos were taken of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks with ducklings in tow. This constitutes the first breeding record of this species in Georgia; a resident population is also established at Altamaha WMA in McIntosh County. All the ponds are good for waders and winter waterfowl; Wood Stork, Purple Gallinule, Least Bittern are possible in summer. Traveling south on Hwy 221 from Quitman, turn right onto Ramsey Road (about 1 mi. north of the Florida state line). Travel about 1/4 mile down Ramsey and look for views of the pond on your right through a canopy of live oaks. A scope is recommended. The birds/pond may also be viewable from Hwy 221. Along this same stretch of of Hwy 221, there may be other ponds to scope as well. Be very careful pulling onto the shoulder to scope; be wary of fast-moving traffic.
2) Clyattville / Nankin Rd [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 67, D-7, D-8]
Text by Dot Freeman
Good birding can be had along Clyattville/Nankin Rd, and also ajoining public dirt roads, Rocky Ford Rd and Garret Rd. An immense private plantation, River Bend, straddles these roads. River Bend Plantation is clearly posted, but the roads mentioned in this description are public. River Bend Platation appears to be managed for hunting, most probably for Northern Bobwhite quail. The entire area is a mature long-leaf pine forest. It is beautiful. Birds seen in late September 2007 included Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Yellow-throated and Pine Warblers, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, White-eyed Vireo, Northern Flicker, Pileated, Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Summer Tanager, White-breasted Nuthatch, Carolina Wren,Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Blue Jays, Red-shouldered Hawk, Gray Catbird, Eastern Towhee, Eastern Phoebe, and Northern Mockingbird. This type of habitat, which has been in decline for many years, is the preferred habitat of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers and Bachman's Sparrows; though they have not yet been detected they may be present as well. This site is less than 20 minutes from Exit 5 of I-75 in Lowndes Co. Drive west on Clyattville Rd (County Rd 376) to its intersection with County Rd 31 in Clyattville. Turn left here to head south, then turn right on Main St, which becomes Clyattville/Nankin Rd. Continue on Clyattville/Nankin Rd to the Withlacoochee River which is the Brooks Co line. A brief stake-out at the bridge may produce fly-overs of Mississippi or (more rarely) Swallow-tailed Kites. Rocky Ford Rd is 0.1 mile past the bridge on the left. It runs about a mile within the forest before it reaches a group of private residences. Garret Rd is off Clyattville/Nankin Road and on the right, 1.7 miles west of Rocky Ford Rd. Both Rocky Ford and Garret are well-graded dirt roads. Birds can be easily observed from the roadways. The forest is private property so remain on the road or the shoulder. River Bend Plantation extends to Nankin at the GA Hwy 333 intersection.
Bulloch
1) Titan Turf Farm (formerly East Georgia Turf Farm) [April 2006] 
SBM
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 46, grid E-3]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
Updates... in addition to the name change, it appeared in spring 2006 that part of the farm had been sold to a residential developer. Birding the area should still be pretty much the same but there is less good sod, and if you haven't been there since the construction, you may be surprised to see a small neighborhood occupying a previously sodded area.
2) Pecan Groves [Feb 2007]
W for orioles
[DeLorme pg. 46, C-3]
Orioles are known to winter in south Georgia, though in small numbers. They are the subject of John Parrish's winter oriole surveys. They tend to roam around a fairly large area, often in pecan orchards, so while the directions that follow will take you a an exact spot that has been good for Baltimore Orioles, and even a rare Bullock's Oriole in winter 2005 and 2006-07, you should spend some time in the general area, and listen for oriole call notes to locate groups of Baltimore Orioles, which may (rarely) contain a Bullock's. From I-16 SE of Macon, get off at Exit 116 and head north on Hwy 301/25 for 9.2 miles. Here at a light, turn left onto the US 25 Bypass. In exactly 2.6 miles, turn left onto Westside/Main St. After 1.2 miles, you'll see Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church on your right; turn right here onto Banks Dairy Rd. Follow the road for 3.1 miles, and turn right onto a packed sand road called J.R. Chester Rd. You'll pass an older pecan grove on your right, a pasture and pond on your left, and shortly you'll notice a small white house on your right and a much younger pecan grove on your left. Park on the shoulder and scan this younger pecan orchard for both Baltimore Orioles and the rare Bullock's Oriole. You may see the birds all along this stretch of road, until it intersects PB Brannen Rd about 1/2 mile down the road.
Text and photo by KB.
Burke
1) Corn Field [N/A]
late Su
[DeLorme pg. 37, F-10]
Notable because a flock of 30 Bank Swallow was observed here mixed with other swallows Aug. 22, 2005 (could they stop over here reliably?). This is in Burke County along GA 56 just north of Scotts Corner.
Calhoun
Need birding sites!
Candler
Need birding sites!
Charlton
1) Spanish Creek Rd / Prospect Rd [N/A]
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 70, 1-A, B, C]
This is a great area that should always be visited in combination with a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp. If you are headed to the east part of the swamp from Waycross (and other points north), you can use it as an alternate or "short cut," connecting US 1 to GA Hwy 23/121 just north of the east access point of the swamp. It passes through farmlands, creeklands, old pecan orchards, pinewoods, etc. and has several cross roads for exploring. It features a mix of habitat for anything from passerine migrants like warblers (in particular near its intersection with Grace Chapel Rd), to waders, to raptors, and possible Bachman's Sparrow in open pine areas. There is a great section on birding in and around the Okefenokee Swamp in Beaton's Birding Georgia.
2) Cypress Swamp [N/A]
mid F-mid Sp
[DeLorme pg. 70, A-1]
Located just a few miles north of the town of Folkston on US 1, at the junction with Macks Island Creek bridge (formerly one of the Spanish Creek bridges), is a small cypress "swamp" that is on the NE side of the road. Just north of Mattox Junction, DeLorme. It's quite an open area and has been clear-cut all around. This is often a good spot for Wood Ducks, Anhinga, Wood Storks, Great Egret, Little Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, etc.
3) Okefenokee Swamp NWR [N/A] 
IBA, mid F-mid Sp
See Beaton's Birding Georgia for more details on birding the refuge itself and more surrounding sites. A massive forest fire moved through the area in spring 2007, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the birds and other wildlife. Fire has played a historic natural role in this swamp habitat so in the long run it could be beneficial. If you have visited Okefenokee since the fires, please send an update to the online ListServ GABO-L or email me with updates.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Photos by Steve Barlow
Chattahoochee
1) Boat Ramp Road / Pet Cemetery Area [Sept 2008]
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme: pg. 40, E-2]
Reported from often by experienced west Georgia birder Walt Chambers, this area can be great for migrating woodland species, and is also noted for bottomland breeding birds - Swainson's Warblers, Prothonotary Warblers, Hooded Warblers, Acadian Flycatcher, etc. From I-85 (west of Atlanta), take 185 south towards Columbus. Get off at Exit 1B which will automatically put you on US Hwy 27 / 280 west. From the point where you merge onto this road, continue for 1.3 miles to a light where you will turn left onto Ft. Benning Rd. In 2.3 miles, you will need to check in at the Ft. Benning Office on your left. Take your driver's license and vehicle registration and tell them you plan to do some birdwatching along the river where local folks often go to fish - the Birding Community knows it as Boat Ramp Rd but it seems the fort calls the area "Pet Cemetery" because there may be one at the end of one of the muddy roads in the area; either way, it is no big deal and you will usually get a full day or even 24-hour pass that you will need to present to the guard at the checkpoint just beyond the office along with your driver's license. Just beyond the checkpoint, reset your odometer at a light with Custer Rd and go straight, crossing Upatoi Creek on a bridge. Exactly 0.6 miles after the light, take the first available right onto 10th Mountain Division Rd, which is not marked. Continue 0.9 miles down this road to a wide asphalt turn on your right and turn here; it is pretty steep. Very soon the road will turn to gravel/dirt, take the fork to the left - this is known as Boat Ramp Rd. You can drive along with windows down in this good bottomland habitat (PHOTOS 1-2), parking on the side to walk around, listening and looking for birds. One of the best ways to locate either Prothonotary or Swainson's Warbler is to familiarize yourself with their song and listen carefully for them along the road. Swainson's Warblers can be found in the dense thickets which border the road, while the Prothonotary Warblers will be back in the sloughs and swampy areas (PHOTO 2); please do not use any audio recordings here - if you arrive early in May or early June you will hear birds singing on territory with no problem. The road deadends at a boat ramp (PHOTO 3) and a fishing area that offers a nice view of the river (PHOTO 4). When you're done here, backtrack to the fork in the asphalt section and turn left. You can take the first fork on the left to more similar habitat and another more open view of the river to watch for Mississippi Kites in season (PHOTO 5) but be very careful because the road quality is much worse here. The roads beyond this point merit more exploration on foot or with a mountain bike to see just how many Swainson's Warblers may breed here. The whole area may be tough going in a passenger car after heavy rain - use your best judgement!
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text by Walt Chambers and KB; photos by KB
Clay
1) Lake Walter F. George (Dam & deep lake area) [Jan 2007]
IBA, YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme: pg. 48, G-1]
When someone says about a location that a scope would be "helpful," he is not talking about Lake Walter F. George. "Necessary" is a much better word. In fact, don't even try to bird this lake without a scope, and I would even venture to say with a minimum of 20-30X at that. In addition, it is an awesome in-the-field test of the quality of optics as well. Take my word for it, a nice $500 scope that serves very well in most conditions will wither next to an 80mm Leica or Swarovski HD, and this can also make the difference between a 99% and 100% ID of a tricky bird. I suppose it's just as big as other reservoirs, and that the birding is quite similar. But for whatever reason, my experiences here have always been more difficult than at West Point, Carter's or other large bodies of water. Who knows, maybe I've just been "burned" a couple times :) At any rate, when you are standing on the dam looking north (upstream) into the main body of the lake, gulls, terns, loons, ducks, grebes, and other waterfowl can sometimes be literally a couple miles away from you. Many species are identifiable, though the look you get isn't very satisfying. If you are patient you may get better looks as groups of birds move around the lake and closer to the dam. But be prepared to settle for some "almost certain" ID's as well. This can be especially tough if it's a rare bird... which this lake has hosted plenty of in recent years. Good birds in 2004-2006 include Canvasback, Red-necked Grebe, Black Tern, Common Tern, Ross' Goose, Pacific Loon, and a mega-rarity Western Grebe in Dec 2006. Photos below show views from the dam (1 & 2) and a view from Sandy Beach Park on the Georgia side(3).
  
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3
Text and photos by KB
2) Days Crossroads Pond(s) [Jan 2007]
W for waterfowl, PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 48, F-1]
There is a pond in the middle of a peanut field that has yielded both interesting winter waterfowl and also some flocks of gulls, and a Caspian Tern showed up in April 2005. This is located along CR 135 in Clay Co. west of Days Crossroads. It appears from DeLorme that you can use this road and several others in this grid block along the lake to complete a loop and return to GA Hwy 39. Other areas to bird along this loop are mentioned in Beaton's Birding Georgia on pp. 133-135.
Clinch
1) Sparrow Habitat [N/A]
May-June for Bachman's Sparrow, W for other sparrows, PM
[DeLorme pg. 69, D-6, 7]
In particular, a good area for Bachman's Sparrow; also good for other interesting wintering sparrow species. Take the section of GA #177 that extends towards the Okefenokee Swamp Park (this heads NE from US 441, just south of the town of Fargo). Not long after crossing a railroad track you will find some dirt roads on the right (north) to Double Branches that can be good. And you can also continue a bit farther on the paved road to a roadside display within a power cut right-of-way that can be good for other wintering sparrows, such as Henslow's.
Coffee
1) Heron/Egret Rookery [N/A]
late Sp-Su
[DeLorme pg. 60, A-3]
A large rookery of at least 1,000 nests has been established immediately adjacent to a road in Coffee Co. within the city limits of Douglas. The rookery is on a wetlands which local conservationists, led by Dr. Guy Moorman, fought hard to save from proposed use as a road bed. Most nests are Cattle Egrets but Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, Little Blue Herons, Green Herons and White Ibis have all been seen there regularly. Estimates are that it contains at least a thousand nests. They are everywhere! The rookery is on private land but roadside views are spectacular. The rookery is on West Walker St., head west on this road from downtown Douglas.
2) Kite foraging site [N/A]
late July-Aug
[DeLorme 52 E-2]
The pasture is located on the west side of the highway approximately 0.2 mi. south of the intersection of US 441 and State Highway 107 East.
3)
Ocmulgee
River
Bridge and River Landings [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 52, E-2, 3]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: This major river forms the extreme northern border of the county approximately 16 miles from
Douglas. Highway 441 North is the most direct route.
Access: Multiple public access points. Try the
Ocmulgee
River
Bridge south of Jacksonville, Georgia, and the several public boat landings like
Jacksonville, Barr Bluff and Flat Tub. The latter is now part of a newly created Flat Tub Wildlife Management Area, reportedly a good area in which to see Wild Turkeys.
Highlights: This slow moving river is flanked by large wetland areas where various herons, egrets, and ibis can often be seen. The river is the best location in the county to have a chance to see Mississippi Kites and their scarce cousin, the Swallow-tailed Kite. The river edge is also the home of the Belted Kingfisher and Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, while the surrounding forest is the realm of the Pileated Woodpecker, the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and the Red-eyed Vireo. The river also acts as a channel and stop over point for several migratory species.
4) Broxton Rocks [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 52, G-3]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: Seven miles north of Broxton on Rock Rd. There is a locked gate where the property starts. You must have permission to enter the property. Visit the Broxton Rocks website.
Access: Private. The site is a Nature Conservancy Preserve and access is limited. Tours can be arranged through the City of Douglas Welcome Center or the Georgia Chapter Office of the Conservancy in
Atlanta. Tours are usually offered several times a year for a small entry fee.
Highlights: The wonderful sandstone rocks and the unique plant life they support are the true highlights at this special site. Upon visiting the Broxton Rocks, one will spend far more time looking down than up. Having said that, the average birder can still see and hear a variety of birds at the location, everything from Downy woodpeckers to Barred Owls to Red-tailed Hawks have been seen regularly there. During migration, the Rocks have been a stopover for huge flocks of American Robins, various warblers, and Eastern Towhees.
5) Coffee
High School Campus /
Douglas
Municipal
Park [N/A]
PM, W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 52, H-3]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: Take Highway 441 North about one mile from Douglas, turn left on Van Davis Rd to enter the park area. There is a large sign on the highway.
Access: Highly accessible public park. No fee. Several parking areas next to two large ponds surrounded by both wooded and open areas, sports practice fields, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
Highlights: The mixture of birding micro-environments has caused this site to actually be one of the best places to go birding near the city. Waterfowl, waders, vultures, hawks, kestrels, shrikes, woodpeckers, and songbirds have all been repeatedly seen on the grounds of the park and high school campus.
6) Bay Meadows [N/A]
PM, late fall-winter for waders and waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 60, A-2]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: Several entrances on the south side of Highway 158. Approximately six miles southwest of
Douglas
Access: Public roadways/Private home sites
Highlights: Bay Meadows is a large residential suburb that has managed to keep both areas of woodlands and wetlands relatively untouched, while also creating ponds and lakes. Bay Meadows is home to a variety of birdlife, from the standard backyard species to wading birds. Great Egrets, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Great Blue Herons are regularly seen along the shorelines of the many bodies of water and several raptor species, including the American Bald Eagle, have been viewed soaring above.
7) Douglas Greenway Trail (Rails to Trails Pathway) [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[Delorme pg. 60, A-3]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: This paved path nearly runs the length of the city. It starts at the southern end of
South Georgia
College and heads northward to the Old Shop Pond / 20 Mile Creek wetlands at Chester Avenue.
Access: Free to the public. Open sunup to sundown.
Highlights: The trail follows the old
Georgia and Florida Railroad rail line, and its depot (now a museum) and the foundations of the railcar repair buildings can be seen along its route. There are many micro-habitats with various trees, urban areas, low brush, and a swamp-like pond. The northern end of the trail, near the wetland known as the Old Shop Pond, is an excellent place to see a wide variety of bird life, including the Downy Woodpecker, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Northern Flicker, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, and White Ibis. There is new construction on the northern end of trail through the wetlands.
8) City of
Douglas Cemetery [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 60, A-3]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: At the northern end of Gaskin Avenue inside the
Douglas city limits.
Access: Public cemetery, so be quiet and respectful when visiting here. Closes at sundown.
Highlights: The cemetery has a variety of trees, including Italian Poplar, which it turn provides roosting and feeding locations for many birds. The oldest mausoleums in the county are also located here, including the Ashley mausoleum, the final resting place of the county’s first millionaire. Hawks have been seen here preying on rabbits. Birds like Chipping Sparrows, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, and Northern Mockingbirds live here. Twenty-Mile Creek lies just through the trees to the north of the cemetery.
9) General
Coffee
State Park [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 60, A-4]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: East of
Douglas off of the Nicholls Highway about 5 miles from the city.
Access: A public
Georgia
State Park, however, there is a parking free. Open daily. Visit the park website.
Highlights: GCSP opened in the early 1970’s and is home to the Heritage Farm, a group of historic farm buildings including the 1834 Meeks Cabin. The farm is located next to a large pond and bog site. The center of the park is dominated by a forested wetland area that features a boardwalk that links to a network of trails. The Park often hosts large groups of Canada Geese, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Eastern Kingbirds.
10) Douglas
Municipal
Airport / old WWII Airbase [N/A]
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 60, A-3]
Text by Todd Womack
Location: Inside the city limits on the west side of Highway 441 South across from the Pizza Hut.
Access: The public may drive/walk around the old barracks buildings up to the fence that surrounds the tarmac. This is a working airport and a homeland security landing field; do not cross the fence line without permission. There is also a small roadside park/picnic area near the highway.
Highlights: The site is covered with a stand of mature pines coupled with the open fields around the runways. The white buildings are what remains of an important wartime flight school and now is home to the
WWII
Flight
Training
Museum. Many of the typical backyard birds can be seen here, like Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens, and Blue Jays, as well as Downy woodpeckers, American Crows, Northern Mockingbirds, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and the occasional Loggerhead Shrike and Eastern Bluebird has also be recorded.
Colquitt
1) Reed Bingham State Park [June 2006]
YR, late Sp-Su for breeding birds, W for waterfowl
[See Cook County]
Cook
1) Reed Bingham State Park [June 2006] 
YR, late Sp-Su for breeding birds, W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg.59, E-6 & F-6]
Located 6 miles west of Adel on Ga. Hwy. 37 via I-75 exit #39, and 14 miles east of Moultrie from U.S. Hwy. 319. This park has hosted Limpkins (most recently in June 2007 and even in winter 2007-08), and also has great habitat for other water-relating species like Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule, Prothonotary Warbler; an active Bald Eagle nest was also observed in 2006. Along Hwy 37 as you head west from I-75, there are several large sod farms worth checking out in migration for shorebirds. Also, if you're hungry don't miss Fuller's Catfish House just outside the entrance to the park! Assisstant Manager Chet Powell is a great contact for this park, and can be reached at (229) 896-3551; he took birders on personal boat tours up the lake and river to view Limpkins and other great birds in summer 2006. Visit the park webpage.
Crawford
Need birding sites!
Crisp
1) Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park [Dec 2007]
Details coming soon!
2) Mile Pond Rd [N/A] 
late Sp-Su
[DeLorme pg. 50, B-3]
Purple Gallinule July 2004. Take Hwy 280 west out of the town of Cordele, GA. Soon after crossing the RR tracks, turn right onto Coney Rd. At its intersectoin with Mile Pond Rd, turn left. The pond should appear on your right just past Eaton Rd on the right (if this road is signed).
Decatur
1) Lake Seminole WMA (also Seminole County) [April 2006]
IBA, W for waterfowl, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
Dodge
1) Dodge County Public Fishing Area [N/A]
PM, W for Waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 43, H-10]
This very little-birded area in rural Dodge County is located SE of the town of Eastman, on US Hwy 341-23. It may be worth a quick check in winter for waterfowl, or a walk during migration for passerines as well. A list of birds seen during a fall visit included Pied-billed Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Egret, Wood Duck, Mallard, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Phoebe, Tennessee Warbler, Northern Parula, Black-throated Green Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Pine Warbler.
Dooly
1) Sod Farm [N/A]
SBM
[DeLorme p. 42 grid H-2]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
Migrating shorebirds. Located in Dooly Co. along GA 230 southwest of Byromville, the sod farm is on the west side of GA 230 just south of the 'GA 230' icon.
Dougherty
1) Chickasawhatchee WMA [N/A]
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme: page 57, grid A-7 and 8]
This WMA has hosted Limpkins in summer from 2005-2007! The W.M.A. is located west-southwest of Albany on the south side of State Highway 62. Gate 15 (Mud Creek Road gate) is approximately 10 miles west-southwest of the airport which is on the southwest side of town. The Limpkins were found on the north side of the third bridge (east to west) in a series of wooden bridges over the Chicasawhatchee Creek between intersection H and intersection B as shown on the DNR map. Enter the W.M.A. at Gate 15 on the south side of Highway 62. Proceed on the graded road approximately 2.7 miles to Intersection G and turn right (west). Proceed along this graded road for 1.1 miles to Intersection H. Bear right (northwest) and follow the graded road about 0.8 mile to the creek. There are many side roads so don't turn until you get to the marked intersections.
Early
Need birding sites!
Echols
Need birding sites!
Effingham
Need birding sites!
Emanuel
1) Jennings Sod Farm [Aug 2008] 
SBM
[DeLorme pg. 45, C-7]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
Good for migrating shorebirds, has hosted American Golden Plover (fall 2005), Black Terns Aug. 2006 on the irrigation pond on the east side of US 221 just before the sod is visible. From I-16 Exit 78, proceed north on US 221 about 5 miles to the community of Norristown, located just north of the Emanuel/Treutlen Co. line. Take a right onto Norristown Covena Rd. The sod farm is in this immediate area, and is also viewable from US 221 just before its intersection with Norristown-Covena Rd. There is a small section of sod on the north side of Norristown-Covena road across from the main sod as you come from US 221.
Evans
1) Evans County Public Fishing Area [N/A]
PM, SBM, W for waterfowl and sparrows
[DeLorme pg. 46, H-4]
The Evans Co. Public Fishing Area is a nice birding spot with the three ponds and various types of habitats such as swamps, pine forests, mixed hardwoods and grassland. Also there are good areas of neddle rush and other water plants that may harbor rail species. Waders, waterfowl, Wilson's Snipe, American Pipit, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Henslow's Sparrow; a wintering Green Heron in 2007; also good for migrating shorebirds. This is located east of the town of Claxton, at the fish icon 2108 southeast of Claxton. As you enter the PFA, the largest of its three lakes, Bidd Sands, is the first that you will come to. You can see the earthen dam in the distance which separates Bidd Sands from Woody Lake. Follow the road around Bidd Sands, you'll pass the new office/restrooms/learning center, travel through some woods, pass the access road to the dam between Bidd Sands & Woody, shortly after which it will open up again on the right with a fallow field (this is where Henslow's Sparrow or Grasshopper Sparrow may be found in winter). If you continue along the road, you will come to a very large mowed field and the last lake, Longleaf.
   
Text by Gene Wilkinson and Jim Flynn; Photos by Bob Zaremba.
Glascock
Need birding sites!
Grady
Need birding sites!
Houston
Need birding sites!
Irwin
Need birding sites!
Jeff Davis
1) Bullard Creek WMA [N/A]
PM, Sp-Su for breeding birds and kites
[DeLorme pg. 53, C-6, 7]
This WMA offers several boat ramps along the Altamaha River to scan for both Swallow-tailed and Mississippi Kites. View an area map here.
Jefferson
Need birding sites!
Jenkins
1) Pond [N/A]
W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 38, G-2]
Small pond on the southeast corner of the intersection of GA Hwy 23 and Bypass 21, just northeast of the town of Millen, GA. May hold waterfowl or waders in winter; also seen - Wilson's Snipe, Palm Warbler, American Kestrel.
Johnson
Need birding sites!
Lanier
1) Banks Lake NWR [N/A]
IBA, PM, W for waterfowl
[DeLorme pg. 60, G-1]
Woodland migrants, waterfowl. Just SW of the town of Lakeland on GA Hwy 122.
2) Grand Bay WMA (also Lowndes County) [N/A]
IBA, YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 67, A-10]
Laurens
NOTE: A very useful book for birding this county was created by Tommy Patterson - Birds of Laurens County. After joining GOS in 1974 Tommy was encouraged and inspired by Dr. J. Fred Denton to keep records of his sightings in Dublin and nearby areas. What resulted is best described by the following quote from the book’s Foreword by Giff Beaton. “He sought out and identified some good areas of diverse habitat, created an interesting route to follow, and then proceeded to bird this area at least twice a week for almost 30 years! He not only ran the route but kept impeccable records.” His book conveys in a very readable manner data describing birdlife in this Middle Georgia area. You can purchase this book from GOS Publications .
1) River Bend WMA [June 2007] 
PM, May-June for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 44, D-3]
This is some of the easiest-to-access bottomland habitat where one might drive in to find special breeding birds like Swainson's Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Hooded Warbler, and Acadian Flycatcher. As such, it demands the respect of the Birding Community, and you should avoid playing audio of any species in this area. From I-16, get off at Exit 58 (GA Hwy 199) and head south for only about 0.2 miles to a small brown sign reading "W.M.A. Check Station" on your right and turn on the gravel road just beyond (PHOTO 1); the larger sign for the WMA is visible a little further down Hwy 199. You will immediately enter oak and pine habitat with a fairly thick, tangled understory. Listen and look for Kentucky Warbler, Northern Parula, Red-eyed or Yellow-throated Vireo, and other passerines during migration and breeding season. You will come into an area of small buildings that make up the game check station, and some good open habitat as well (PHOTO 2). Look here for Blue Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, Indigo Bunting, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Bluebird, sparrows, and more. You'll come into an open pine habitat next, with a few smaller fields mixed in as the road winds through the property. This is a good area for Pine or Yellow-throated Warblers along with more sparrows, and a good place for nuthatches and woodpeckers as well. A bit further down the road and you'll come into damp bottomland habitat (PHOTO 4); start listening for singing Swainson's Warblers among particularly dense thickets in the understory, the best time of year is May to early June. You may also encounter Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, and plenty of migrants in season. At dusk and just before dawn the place is great for Barred Owl. At the end of the gravel road you will find a parking area and a boat ramp to access the Oconee River. This is a very reliable spot for Prothonotary Warbler and Louisiana Waterthrush, and you may find some cool waders out in the swamp (PHOTO 5) as you explore several roads that are closed to vehicles but open to foot travel. When you are done, you can return to I-16 the way you came; it is notable that another section of the WMA is further south on GA Hwy 199 and deserves further exploration.
    
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5
Text and photos by KB.
2) Beaverdam WMA [N/A]
YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia or Patterson's Birds of Laurens County
[DeLorme pg. 44, A-2]
3) Laurens County Loop [April 2006]
SBM, W
See Beaton's Birding Georgia or Patterson's Birds of Laurens County
Lee
1) The "Prison Loop" [Jan 2007]
YR, a pretty quick route
[DeLorme pg. 49, E-9, 10 and F-10]
Waders, shorebirds, gulls, swallows, waterfowl, open habitat; Wood Storks 2005; breeding Purple Gallinules reliable for many years, including 2005 & 2006; wintering waterfowl, Brewer's Blackbirds, gulls, or (rarely) Boat-tailed Grackle possible in winter. Head north on US 19 just out of the town of Leesburg. Turn left on Lagg Rd., and scan these pastures for shorebirds, Ibis, Cattle Egret, etc. (PHOTO 1) This area, and other open pastures, could have Brewer's Blackbirds in winter. When you deadend into Jordan Rd, turn right. There are large numbers of swallows in spring and fall on the wires along this road - mostly Barn and Northern Rough-wing but worth looking closely for Bank Swallow in migration. When you deadend into Prison Rd. (also called Pinewood Rd.), turn left. You will pass through two areas of pecan trees; in winter, it is worth stopping here briefly (be careful with traffic) to listen for Baltimore Orioles. At the first unnamed gravel road at the end of the second pecan grove on the left, turn left and scan the pasture to your right. You can continue on this road for a while and there may be Ibis, shorebirds, and swallows in the pastures; Ring-billed Gull likely, and Brewer's Blackbirds possible in winter. It is not clear if this is a public or private road so stay out of the way of farm workers and politely leave if asked. Get back to Prison Rd and turn right. Pass Jordan Rd and soon on the right is a large pond that is choked up with lilly pads (PHOTO 2 - but note this is in winter so it will look more lush and green in other seasons). Park in a white gravel area on the right with a small white sign reading "GDC Guard Line." Scope the lake carefully for Purple Gallinules, Least Bittern, waders, etc. in spring and summer. The same pond may have waterfowl and waders in winter. Also in winter, many Ring-billed Gulls and a few Herring Gulls congregate in this area in pastures. Just down the road on the opposite side from the pond is a weedy field that usually has a few White-crowned Sparrows in winter; listen for their pretty song. Be aware of blackbirds in this area in winter as well; this is a unique location for finding inland Boat-tailed Grackles, and Brewer's Blackbird may be present as well. When done, keep going past the prison itself on the right and you will hit US 19; turn right to return to Leesburg.
 
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2
Text and photos by KB.
2) Pond [N/A]
SBM
[DeLorme pg. 50, F-1]
Migrating shorebirds; has hosted Stilt Sandpiper. The Graves Springs Rd. pond is located near the intersection of Graves Springs Rd. and GA 32 in southeastern Lee Co.
Long
1) Kite foraging fields [N/A]
late Su-early F
[DeLorme pg. 54, D-3]
Both Mississippi, and good numbers of Swallow-tailed Kites have been seen here as recently as Aug 2006. Located in Long County on GA Hwy 196. From the town of Glennville, head south on US 301/25 and turn left to split off east onto Hwy 196. Continue on Hwy 196, and one field is across the road from the Hot Spot Convenience Store (I think this is a BP gas station?). Continue east on Hwy 196 a short distance to Marcus Nobles Rd and turn right to a residence on the right [name Foster at #2455], continuing on to Lane Burkhalter Rd. In this area are more fields; up to 30 STKI have been seen in these areas foraging!
Lowndes
1) Langdale Park [N/A] 
PM, late Sp-Su for breeding birds
[DeLorme pg. 67, A-8]
Woodland and wet habitat migrants in season; American Woodcock, waders, Mississippi Kite, Swallow-tailed Kite (Apr 2005). From I-75 (south of Atlanta), get off at Exit 22 (Shiloh Rd) and head east on Hwy 41 towards downtown Valdosta. The park is off Hwy 41 where it crosses the Withlacoochee River, look for signage. Trails, picnic tables, boat ramp.
2) Grand Bay WMA (Lanier and Lowndes Counties) [N/A]
IBA, YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 67, A-10]
3) Ocean Pond [N/A] 
mid Sp-mid F
[DeLorme p. 67 D-10]
Least Bittern, Purple Gallinule summer 2004. A quick stop right off I-75, lake is viewable from the south side.
Macon
1) Super Sod Farm (SW of Marshallville) [Sept 2008]
SBM
[DeLorme: p. 42, grid D-2]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
The specialties of this sod farm are fairly reliable Upland Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, and other shorebirds during migration. A very nice perk here is that the farm operators seem to be birder-friendly. I was approached in August 2007 and told that as long as we stayed off the sod, we could use any of the dirt tracks that cut through the sod areas on foot or in our car. Still, I encourage you to park on Felton Rd and walk these roads because after rain or watering they can be muddy and tricky and we don't need a birder getting stuck out there. The best time to bird seems to be Aug-Sept, but the Uppies are also found here in spring. Other good birds seen here since 2006 include Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Mississippi Kite, Horned Lark, Baird's Sandpiper, Bank Swallow, and plenty of other shorebirds like Pectoral Sandpiper, peeps, and droves of Killdeer. From I-75 in Perry, GA, take GA 127/224 (Exit 135) west toward Marshallville. Follow GA 127 through Marshallville (where it joins with GA Hwy 49). Approximately 4 or 5 miles outside of Marshallville, near mile marker 21, look for Felton Rd (County Rd 37). Turn left on Felton Rd. (PHOTO 1), which takes you along the east side of the sod farm (PHOTO 2). After scanning here, continue until the road deadends (2.0 total miles from Hwy 127) into Winchester Rd (County Rd 38) and turn right. This will take you past the "back fields" on your left (PHOTO 3); it is possible to drive a sandy perimeter road that is almost directly across the street from Felton Rd if you see birds way out, but you can usually do just fine from the "main" road. Take a look at all swallows on the wires during migration for interesting spp. Keep heading down the road, and 0.7 miles from Felton Rd you'll come to a nice wetlands on your right (PHOTO 4) that can be great for swallows and waders, and possibly waterfowl; there is a similar wetland on the same side 0.7 miles further down. You can make a loop by continuing on Winchester Rd until it hits GA 127/49, then turn right. Continue 1.9 miles and turn right at the main entrance to the farm and the equipment area and office. Stay out of the way of any farm operations, and you can get a few more angles on the main sod area (PHOTO 5). While you're doing your shorebirding, keep an eye on the sky in late summer and early fall for flocks of foraging Mississippi Kites; a quick foray down GA Hwy 127 where it splits from Hwy 49 near the sod offices will bring you to a bridge over the Flint River, which is a good place to stake out kites for a little while - careful on the shoulder! Other birds of note for the area include Blue Grosbeak, Yellow-breasted Chat, Barn Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Summer Tanager, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Field Sparrow, and more.
    
Text and photos by KB.
2) Turf Grass Group Sod Farm (NE of Marshallville) [Sept 2008]
SBM
[DeLorme pg. 42, D-3]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
Good for migrating shorebirds; Buff-breasted Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper, Cattle Egret, Mississippi Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove; a Ruff showed up in 2001! Power lines in the area are fairly reliable for Bank Swallow in migration, August seems best. From I-75 (Exit 135) take GA 127 west almost into Marshallville. Turn sharp right on Juice Plant Rd and go 1.3 miles and turn right on Vegetable Rd., fields will be on both sides (PHOTO 1). NOTE: as of July 2006, Juice Plant Rd is not signed. Look for a sharp right turn as you come west on Hwy 127 in the middle of some peach orchards. If you pass the sign reading "Entering Marshallville City Limits" you have just missed it.
Text and photo by KB.
Marion
Need birding sites!
Miller
Need birding sites!
Mitchell
Need birding sites!
Montgomery
Need birding sites!
Peach
1) Perry Super Sod Farm [Sept 2008] 
SBM
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme: p. 42, C-4]
Read about Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
From I-75 Exit 142, head east on GA Hwy 92 for just 0.2 miles and turn right onto Sod Farm Rd. You will see the vast fields to your left (PHOTO 1). You may pull to the side and walk around while you scope, but it is very important to stay out of the way of farm equipment and stay off the sod! This farm is birder-friendly but things can change quickly with any bad judgement on a birder's part. You can keep going down this road, and you'll come to the buildings related to operating the farm. This area and more fields that seem often left to the weeds can produce more interesting birds; a family of Brown-headed Nuthatches often works the large pines here. By carefully following the road to its end (preferably on foot to be safe), you'll be able to quickly scan a small pond for waterfowl or waders (PHOTO 2). Head back to Hwy 92 and turn right. In 0.5 miles, turn right onto Smyrna Church Rd. This will give you another vantage point of the sod and perhaps bring your closer to some birds (PHOTO 3). The large weedy area nearby has had calling Northern Bobwhite quail on at least two occasions, and you should briefly scan the scrubby edges opposite the sod for interesting birds in migration.
  
Text and photos by KB.
Pierce
Need birding sites!
Pulaski
1) Ocmulgee Public Fishing Area [Feb 2007]
PM, W for waterfowl
[See Bleckley County]
Quitman
1) Eufaula NWR (Bradley Unit) and Lake Walter F. George [Oct 2007]
IBA, YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[See Stewart County]
Randolph
Need birding sites!
Richmond
1) Phinizy Swamp Nature Park [Feb 2008]  
IBA, YR
[DeLorme: pg. 31, G-7]
This wonderful area is great in all seasons, perhaps best known in winter for waterfowl, rails, and sparrows and in migration for many species of neotropical migrants; there is also a very productive sparrow field for many species, including rarities like LeConte's Sparrow. It makes a great compliment to other areas detailed in Beaton's Birding Georgia if you plan to bird the Augusta area - such as Merry Brothers Brickyard Ponds and Lover's Lane/Augusta Levee. From I-20, get off at Exit 196-A and to head east on I-520 for 9.8 miles. Get off at Doug Barnard Pkwy (Exit 10), and turn right to head south for 1.0 mile total and turn left onto Lock and Dam Rd (you will pass a water treatment facility on the left just before the turn; also look for a small airport on the left, the turn left is the last street before you are alongside the fence for the runway). After 0.6 miles, turn left into the park - you will pass the "Mayor's Fishing Pond" on the left just before the turn, and then the entrance will be on your left (DeLorme pg. 31, G7 - but it's NOT the area marked as Phinizy Swamp WMA, even though this is adjacent). Park in the lot on the left where you see silos. These silos, or their side shafts, sometimes host Barn Owls but you must NOT approach them in daylight; instead, try arriving just before dawn or checking at dusk to see the birds coming to or going from their roost - do not disturb their daytime rest (plus, there are cameras so don't trespass). Near the car entrance to this lot is the trailhead of a boardwalk through a cypress swamp (PHOTO 2 below). This area is reliable for Rusty Blackbirds in winter and has hosted literally hundreds of this species! Look for their noisy flock foraging on the floating mats of vegetation. Carefully scan the back creek of this swamp (looking north) for wintering waterfowl like Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Black Duck, etc. Also here you may see Swamp Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, and various waders. Continue on and when the boardwalk ends you will come to the Nature Center buildings, with restrooms and exhibits when open. Even if not open, get a map and bird checklist for the area at the IBA information sign. Almost directly across the road from these buildings, another dirt road descends into a large area of open fields, called the "sparrow fields" for good reason (PHOTO 3 below). Make sure you are wearing briar-proof clothing if you plan to tromp around flushing sparrows in the winter - Swamp, Song, and Savannah are common but you never know what may turn up (LeConte's has been found) and Sedge Wrens are also here. A rare Short-eared Owl was flushed here during the 2005 CBC! As of October 2006, a path was mowed around the field allowing for much easier access, but you may also want to make your way zig-zag through the area, and notice the swampy marsh to your left and the dike (road) also to the left. The woods at the back of the field are also productive for woodland migrants. You can access the woods at any point but at the far end of the field (behind a small pond that is surrounded by alders and other bushes) it is more interesting, with several sloughs in the woods that may hold Wood Ducks or other waterfowl. Be aware that closer to the dike (and along the edge of the woods at the far end of the field where the sloughs are), it can be very wet - from muddy to nearly a foot of water. If you plan to follow the route I drew in red on the map below you should have knee-high waterproof boots. If you keep walking along the main road from the buildings instead of going into the sparrow fields, you will come into a series of wetland projects (numbered "cells") with dikes running between them for good walking and viewing opportunities. The prime targets here are wintering waterfowl and rails (PHOTOS 5 &6 below). Both King and Virginia rails will be here in winter, along with Sora. If you're very lucky you may see an American Bittern flush as you walk along the dikes. Most waterfowl will be Ringed-neck Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Pied-billed Grebe, and American Coots but scan carefully because anything can show up; a female Common Goldeneye wintered on the Equalization Pond in 2005-2006 and was seen briefly in 2007. As you come around the south side of the Equalization Pond, you will see a wooden stairway. Take this trail to descend into a nice bottomland forest with mixed pines and deciduous trees. This is a good area for neotropical migrants in migration, and you may have Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, or a less common Brown Creeper here in winter. When you reach Butler Creek, turn left to a bridge over the creek (PHOTO 4 below); this is the same creek that forms the wetlands at the beginning of your walk. You should definitely check out the many trails throughout the entire area once you get a map. I have included an edited version of the official map below, including a route I use to bird the area. Visit the nature park website.
     
MAP PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6
Photos by Lois Stacey, map edited by KB (acquired from Phinizy website)
2) Merry Brothers Brickyard Ponds [Feb 2008] 
YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 31, F-7]
This is a wonderful area to visit at any time of year, with great waterfowl and gull possibilities in winter, interesting breeding species, and plenty of migrants in spring and fall. The description and map in Birding Georgia are still very accurate. UPDATES: Long Ponds Road was closed for several years but is now open to vehicular traffic; this is good because sometimes if the brick company is not working they will close the gate on Mining Haul Rd and you can only access the inner ponds via this route. In general, the only thing I wish would be better was access for passenger cars. This is still a working brickyard, with huge clay trucks rumbling around the property on slick, mucky, clay-covered roads. No matter when you are there, be aware of them and stay out of the way without parking your car in a muddy, rutted area. In wet weather, you simply cannot drive a smaller vehicle anywhere other than Inner Plant Rd - even the short stretch from this road to the Fish Shack could get you stuck. This can be frustrating because while you can park on the shoulder of Inner Plant Rd and walk in for some great birding in migration, in winter you can't really do a "quick check" in wet conditions. I missed a Tundra Swan in January 2006 simply because it was raining and I could only attempt to scope the area briefly from the shoulder of I-520 (do not attempt this, trust me); I could not drive on Mining Haul Rd due to mud. Even in drier weather, some of the approach roads can be tricky. In the past few years Foster's Road has been connected to Fish Shack Rd. However, Foster's Road is impassable when wet, and when extremely dry it has deep sandy patches that have sent my Honda Accord sliding around pretty bad. If you have an SUV or, better, a 4-wheel drive vehicle you'll be fine. Otherwise, use good judgement because I'm sure the local towing companies would be happy to charge you a pretty penny to get you out! A few recent notable sightings include Cave Swallow and Snow Goose winter 2005; Painted Bunting July 2006; Tundra Swan Jan 2006; Glaucous Gull Nov-Dec 2005. Typical winter waterfowl include Ring-necked Duck, Hooded Merganser, Northern Pintail, American Black Duck, Northern Shoveler, Bufflehead, etc.
PHOTO 1
Photo by Bob Zaremba
3) Augusta Levee [Oct 2006]
PM
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 31, G-7]
Details coming Fall 2007!
Schley
Birding sites needed!
Screven
Birding sites needed!
Seminole
1) Lake Seminole WMA (also Decatur County) [April 2006]
IBA, W for waterfowl, Su for breeding birds
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 64]
Stewart
1) Eufaula NWR (Bradley Unit) [Oct 2008] 
IBA, YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[DeLorme pg. 48, B-1]
"The Bradley" is an incredible birding destination, located right on the Chattahoochee River (a major migrant flyway), and featuring a great variety of habitats including flooded areas, marshes, overgrown fields, areas of pines, and bottomland forest. In migration it produces an array of neotropical migrants, in summer interesting breeding birds like Least Bittern, Black-necked Stilt, and Purple Gallinule may be found, and in winter it is one of the best places to find waterfowl and sparrows anywhere in the state. Rarities show up almost annually, such as Greater White-fronted Goose, Vermilion Flycatcher, American White Pelican, and an amazing report of a Eurasian Wigeon in February 2005. An alternate route (if you don't mind driving through Alabama instead of through Georgia - and it saves some time)... From I-85 (west of Atlanta), take 185 south towards Columbus. At Exit 10, get off and head SW on US 80 towards Phenix City, AL. This highway will deadend into US 431/280. Exit and head SE on this highway (turn left at the bottom of the exit). You will pass through a developed area with shopping, restaurants, and fast-food; make note that you really won't have this convenience once you're beyond this point so a pit stop isn't a bad idea. At the southern edge of Phenix City, pay attention and exit right to follow US 431 south. In 2-3 miles, look closely for AL Hwy 165 on the left and turn here to continue south. After a while (+/- 20 miles), look for an intersection with AL Hwy 208 heading off to the left; this can be easy to miss - look for a small Pure gas station (Kite's Grocery) on the right, which is the closest spot to the Bradley Unit for cold drinks, gas, etc. (PHOTO 3). Turn left here, and soon you will cross the Chattahoochee River back into Georgia, where the road becomes GA Hwy 39 Spur. The large over-grown field down the road embankment on the right just after the last span of the bridge has had Short-eared Owl patroling at dusk in some winters, but it has been a few years. If you ever stop here to scan for them and Northern Harriers (more commonly seen), pull well off the road and be extremely careful as traffic can be fast with large trucks. While you're waiting on the road shoulder to see Short-eared Owls over the fields, you may be treated to both Great Horned and Barred Owls calling from the woods as it gets dark. About a mile further down the road, look out for GA Hwy 39 on your right, and turn here. Be sure to stop to quickly scan the river at Florence Park Marina on the right on your way (PHOTOS 4 & 5); look for waterfowl, waders, or divers; Bald Eagle and Osprey are seen regularly, and it's worth a stop because rarities have shown up (Red-necked Grebe). The Bradley Unit is several miles down the road on the right, with an obvious brown forest service sign. You may flush several sparrows along the road as you drive in. When you park, you'll see the game station (PHOTO 1). The route described here starts just inside the gate by turning to the right and walking down the gravel-covered dike (PHOTO 2). Prothonotary Warblers, Common Yellowthroat, and Green Heron may be seen and heard in spring and summer along the first few hundred yards of this road in the swampy area on the right (PHOTO 6), in migration the same area is good for Yellow Warbler, and American Bittern and Swamp Sparrow may be seen here in winter. Continue next to a good field for Sedge Wrens and sparrows in fall and winter on the left (PHOTO 7), and then you'll continue along a nice scrubby hedgerow that is good for migrants; Yellow-breasted Chat breeds in open areas like this in summer, but is more often heard than seen. Next, you'll come to the first "major" gravel road intersection at a sharp left (PHOTO 8). By turning down this road, you'll see two silos in the distance (PHOTO 9). Bird along the road, along the tree lines for passerines in migration and especially for sparrows in winter. The whole property is awesome for sparrows in fall and winter, and in addition to its specialty Le Conte's Sparrows you may find Swamp, Song, Savannah, White-crowned, Vesper, and Dark-eyed Junco. In fall and winter you'll find plenty of Sedge Wrens, some Marsh Wrens, an occasional Winter Wren, and there are good numbers of Carolina and House Wrens, so here's a great chance to practice your wren ID skills. At the next road you come to on the right, turn and you'll come to a perennial spot for Le Conte's Sparrow in winter, the huge field all along the left side of this road (PHOTO 10). This is an opportunity to practice your sparrow tromping skills. The best method is to get a line of birders and walk along spaced a few yards apart, with binoculars in hand (go ahead and pre-focus them on a weed stalk about 20 yards away). As soon as a bird is flushed, stop and try to pinpoint the spot where it lands and search for it in binos. If the bird cannot be seen, rush quickly to the spot, forming a semi-circle as you approach, in an attempt to encourage the bird to climb a high weed stalk for better views. When you're finished chasing sparrows, head back to the main dike and head towards the silos. Listen for King Rail or Sora in the marshy areas on both sides, and keep a sharp eye out for American Bittern (winter) or Least Bittern (summer). When the water is low and mud is exposed, this is a great area for shorebirds including Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Wilson's Snipe, Solitary Sandpiper, Spotted Sandpiper, Least Sandpiper, etc. In the immediate area around the silos, a female Vermilion Flycatcher wintered in '05-06 and '06-07 and was re-located in October 2007; the bird was not seen on 10/19/08, however. Hopefully she will spend another winter here in Georgia; look for her flycatching from high, obvious perches on nearby trees, along with Eastern Phoebes. All the flooded impoundments you are now approaching will hold interesting waterfowl in fall and winter, so approach with care and quietly set up your scope as soon as you can see a raft of ducks because they may take off at any moment. Typical birds you may see include Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall, Mallard, American Wigeon, Pied-billed Grebe, Blue-winged and Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail, and more. When the road dead-ends, turn left. This stretch along the Chattahoochee River can be awesome for passerine migrants and breeding birds; look for Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Northern Parula, American Redstart, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-eyed and White-eyed Vireo, and both Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush in wet areas. American Goldfinches can often be heard and seen cruising overhead and perching near the tops of trees; in irruptive years the area can also be good for Purple Finch or Pine Siskin. The road will eventually curve to the left, passing through an area where you can view a wide shallow expanse of the river to your right. In winter look for Canada Geese, Snow Goose, or Greater White-fronted Goose (latter two are rare, but possible). You may see Least Bittern, Wood Stork, moorhens, or rails here along with more waterfowl depending on the water level. This road eventually enters a wooded, swampy area where noisy mixed flocks of Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, and Rusty Blackbird roam in winter. Your loop is complete as you see the game station and parking area ahead. It is notable that you can explore this property a great deal more than the route described above if you're up for more hiking, and bikes are allowed - see the map below. If you're looking for a good lunch in the area (and don't mind a little drive)... turn right out of the Bradley Unit onto Hwy 39. When it deadends into Hwy 27, turn right to go to Georgetown. You will deadend into US 82, turn right. Continue on across the lake into Alabama. You may notice gulls, terns, or waterfowl at the lake in winter, but you can't stop to look at them! Stay on US 82 into downtown Eufaula, AL. When you see a statue of a man, get in the left turn lane just before you pass him and turn left onto this cross-street. Just a couple blocks down on the right you will find Phil's BBQ in a red building - great sandwiches with several varieties of pork, ribs, chicken, great sides, and homemade sauces for your personal BBQ taste. View the NFWS map of the area here.
         
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2 PHOTO 3 PHOTO 4 PHOTO 5 PHOTO 6 PHOTO 7 PHOTO 8 PHOTO 9 PHOTO 10
Text and photos by KB & RC
2) Lake Walter F. George (Dam and deep lake area) [Jan 2007]
IBA, YR
See Beaton's Birding Georgia.
[See Clay County]
3) Wetlands / Heron Rookery [July 2006]
mid Sp-Su
[DeLorme pg. 40, H3; upper righthand corner of this grid square]
Located on US Hwy 27 heading south from Columbus. It is just inside Stewart County, at mile marker 20, and just north of the town of Louvale. You can stop in the emergency lane (be careful!) and scan a wetlands on both sides of the highway. Several abandoned heron/egret nests were observed in the trees on the east side of the road late July 2006, it would be interesting to see how many pairs are here summer 2007.
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