Oglethorpe 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.
Oglethorpe County
1) Chandler-Silver Road [N/A]
late Sp-Su, PM
[Delorme pg. 22, G-5]
Good open habitat, has hosted Dickcissel in 2005 & 2006. Located on Chandler Silver Rd in the northwest part of the county. From the Smithonia crossroad, take Collier Church Rd northeast, turn right onto Chandler Silver Rd at about 2 miles. The bird was about 0.2 mile down the road on the wires that run above a row of Leyland Cypress trees.
2) UGA Beef Cattle Pond [Aug 2006]
SBM
[DeLorme pg. 29, A-7]
If weather has been dry and water is down, exposed mud is good for shorebirds, White Ibis, waders, etc., in late summer-fall. If you're headed east on Hwy 78 from the town of Lexington, you'll come to an area of open pastures on both sides of the road. On the left will be a UGA sign marking it UGA Beef Cattle Research, Wilkins Unit. Almost directly across from it is the pond, on the right. This is just west of the Wilkes County line, around mile marker 18. There are cedars all along the fence row so as you drive by, it's hard to get a good look. Be careful if you park, traffic moves fast.
3) Long Creek wetlands [Aug 2006]
mid Sp-mid F
[Delorme pg. 22, H-5]
This is a really nice wetland with many snags and marsh vegetation. Good for waders, swallows at the bridge, or dabbling ducks in winter. It is usually a reliable place for Red-headed Woodpeckers, also waders, Northern Bobwhite may be heard. From the town of Lexington, head SE on Hwy 78, then turn right (south) onto GA Hwy 22 and in approx. 1.5 miles you will come to the wetlands where Long Creek crosses Hwy 22 (this is signed). There is a wider shoulder here to park and scan the area, but be very wary of traffic! DeLorme pg. 29, A-6. Just west of Lexington, on GA Hwy 77, there is another crossing of Long Creek with wetlands on both sides of the road. Not as many snags here for woodpeckers, but Wood Duck and waders may be present, or other dabbling ducks in winter.
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Copyright 2010 Ken Blankenship. All rights reserved.
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