Newton County
Birding Locations |
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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.
Newton County
1) Lake Varner [June 2007] 
W for waterfowl, PM, SBM
[DeLorme pg. 27 C-8, 9]
This is a drinking water reservoir on the Walton-Newton County border that receives very little birding attention, and has good potential. From I-20 east of Atlanta, get off at Exit 92 (Alcovy Rd) and head north for a total of 3.6 miles coming from the west (or 3.3 miles coming from the east). You will see a large sign on the left (west) side of the road for Lake Varner, turn here (PHOTO 1). In 0.7 miles you'll note a small pay station (a mailbox) on the right; there is a $5.00 fee, but I am not sure if it is only for fishermen or if it is a general day-use fee. If you plan to stay for more than a quick scan, it's best to go ahead and pay the fee. Very soon after the mailbox, you'll see a sign pointing to the picnic area on the left, take this fork. Continuing straight will take you to the boat ramp, which does not have as good of a vantage point of the lake. Follow the road down to a small loop with concrete picnic tables right on the lake with small parking slots. This is the best point to scope the entire lake (PHOTO 2). There are a couple coves you cannot see into, but if you see something interesting you might try walking or driving around a little for other vantage points. Interesting birds seen since 2004 include Red-breasted Merganser, Snow Goose, Ruddy Duck, Bufflehead, Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, American Pipit, and Ring-billed Gull. A permanent flock of Canada Geese hangs out at the lake, often along the opposite shoreline that is a private pasture; you should always scan closely for other goose species from fall to spring. During shorebird migration you may see Solitary Sandpiper or Spotted Sandpiper around the edges of the lake. There is some good mixed-woods habitat along the approach road to the lake and around the public area on the lake itself that can be productive for passerines during migration. This is also a well-known fishing hole as well. In particular, the lake is known for a good population of Crappie and Hybrid Bass. It is notable that fishing from shore is very limited, and if you plan to take a boat you can only use electric power - no gasoline engines are allowed on the lake.
 
PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2
Text and photos by KB.
2) Gaither's Plantation [Aug 2006]
late Su-F for hummingbirds
[DeLorme pg. 27, F-9]
270 Davis Ford Rd. Covington, GA 30014. The highlight of this area is an incredible hummingbird garden, which hosts literally swarms (100's!!!) of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and butterflies in late summer and early fall. In addition, the awesome Georgia Hummers Hummingbird Festival is held here annually in August. Go to Rusty Trump's great websitewww.gahummer.org to find out more about hummers and the festival. From I-20 (east of Atlanta), take Exit 98 (GA Hwy 11). Take GA 11 south through Mansfield. Make a right on County Line Road (4th or 5th road after getting out of Mansfield). Make a right on Henderson Mill Road. Make a right on Davis Ford Road. Once on Davis Ford Road you should see Gaithers Plantation on the right.
3) Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center and PFA (also Jasper County) [Feb 2008] 
IBA, PM, W for waterfowl
[See Jasper County]
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Copyright 2008 Ken Blankenship. All rights reserved.
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