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.

Lumpkin County
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.