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.

Liberty County
1) St. Catherine's Island               [Oct 2006]                     
IBA, YR
[DeLorme pg. 55, 10-F, G, H]
A truly unique, magnificent, and protected biological sanctuary, St. Catherine's Island is off-limits to the public. You can visit a very informative webpage by Sherpa Guides HERE. The St. Catherine's Island Foundation was generous enough to offer a field trip to Georgia birders as part of the 2006 Colonial Coast Birding Festival. The following photos were taken during this wonderful adventure. View the checklist for the field trip HERE. Hopefully this partnership will continue for future festivals.
    
Text and photos by KB & RC.


2) Le Conte-Woodsmanston Plantation and Botanical Gardens             [N/A]
PM
This lovely property, recently accessible to the public, has something for everyone whether you're a wildlife enthusiatist, birdwatcher, nature-lover, or history-seeker! It is open Tue-Sun from 10am-3pm year-round or by appointment. Group tours are available (small fee - $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family). From the north, take I-95 south to Exit 76. Turn right onto GA Hwy 84, head west towards Midway. At the traffic light in Midway, turn left onto Hwy 17. Travel south about 2.5 miles. Turn right on Barrington Ferry Road. Travel south on it about 6 miles. Turn left at the sign for Le Conte-Woodmanston and follow the road to the entrance. From the south, take I-95 to Exit 67 and turn left at the bottom of the exit. Travel 3 miles to Sandy Run Road. Turn left and follow it to the stop sign at Barrington Ferry Road. Make a left and follow the signs to the site. The address is 4918 Barrington Ferry Road. The property features an old trunk canal, former rice fields, and cypress swamp. There is a nice nature trail through the property to explore, where one might find a nice selection of bird species especially during migration. The garden of Louis Le Conte was known to 18th century botanists and naturalists from all over the world. His collection of camellias and flowering bulbs was said to be extraordinary. The current formal garden contains historic, native and exotic plants. The gardens are currently being expanded throughout the meadows and upland woods of the property. Visit their WEBSITE.

3) Ft. Stewart (primarily in Bryan and Liberty Counties)                [N/A]
DETAILS COMING SOON - information needed!

4) Cay Creek Wetlands Interpretive Center                  [N/A]
DETAILS COMING SOON - information needed!