Field Trips
Winter residents from the north are enjoying the mild weather of the southeast, but even now in the throes of winter, species as varied as American Woodcocks, Great Horned Owls, Bald Eagles, and Mourning Doves are starting on their respective next generations. We have a few trips planned this winter and hope they will be well attended. Remember that all trips are held regardless of the weather—although groups and leaders are discouraged from going out during severe storms to look at birds.
Before you head out . . . Have field trip questions?
Email Rebecca Kerimbaev.
One is available here in PDF format!
Subscribe to the Georgia Birders Online listserv.
Check Birding Adventures' Arrival/Departure Dates for Atlanta Area Birds.Upcoming Field Trips at a glance...
Field Trip Details:
Saturday February 4
Carter's Lake & Re-Regulation Lake – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Carter's Lake & Re-Regulation Lake (Murray County)
Leader: Max Medley
Cell contact morning of walk: 706-618-5377
Birding Focus: Waterfowl/waders; Hidden Pond Trail for winter & resident woodland birds. Powerhouse Road area. Duration 4-5 hrs but you may leave any time.
Parking: Reregulation Dam Recreation Area parking lot. Drive all the way down to the last parking area adjacent to dam. Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Parking lot entrance: N 34 36.081 W 84 41.837
Directions: From I-75, get off at Exit 320 & head east on GA Hwy 136. At the intersection of US Hwy 411 (Ralston's Corner BP gas station here), go across the highway, pass over a RR crossing, & 0.4 miles from the intersection turn left onto Old Hwy 411 (brown sign marking Coosawattee WMA). Go 0.75 miles north on Old Hwy 411 to the parking area, which will be on your right (paved entrance) directly across from Hiawassee Rd (gravel road). Turn right and go to the very last parking lot. Restrooms are there.
Piedmont Park – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Piedmont Park (Fulton County)
Leaders: Coralee Kight and Steve Tillander (standing in for Rob McDonough)
Cell contact morning of walk: Coralee: 404-307-4373 Steve: 404-281-2951
Birding Focus: Migratory, permanent & winter residents. All levels welcome. Excellent for beginning birders or those desiring gentle terrain. Walk lasts ~ 3 hours with ~ 2.5 miles on foot.
Directions: From 10th St. & Peachtree, go east on 10th two blocks to Piedmont. Turn left (north) on Piedmont & pass 11th St. You'll see Quattro's and Willy's on your right. Meet in the parking lot directly behind this building, which also houses the Piedmont Park Conservancy. The park entrance is just past these restaurants on the right.
Parking: There is parking in the designated lot behind the Conservancy building, but there is also parking on 11th St. across Piedmont Ave. from the Community Center. The Atlanta Botanical Garden Parking Garage is an option (enter from Piedmont Ave. north of the Community Center across from the Prado; fee approx. $4 for two hours). From the Gardens, walk through Piedmont Park and around Lake Clara Meer on either side until you get to the Community Center on Piedmont Ave. across from 11th St. Google these coordinates for a map. Parking lot entrance: 33.783781, -84.379159
Restrooms: lake house, dog park, tennis courts, and Bot Gardens
Cochran Shoals – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leader: Liz Hornsby
Cell contact morning of walk: 678-761-0952
Birding Focus: Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, other winter and permanent residents, and any waterfowl and herons that might be on the river or wetland areas.
Parking: Meet at the trailhead near the fee machine at back of the South parking lot. There is a daily parking fee of $3 (or $25 annual pass). Bring cash for $3 fee. Alternatively, you can purchase the $25 annual pass with a credit card at the automated machine on site. Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear for walking on wet grass if desired. Restrooms are at the parking area.
Directions: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22).
Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Parking lot entrance: N 33 54.105 W 84 26.634
Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay in the middle lane of this road and go straight through the traffic light. After the road crosses the river, make an immediate right into the parking lot marked by "Cochran Shoals Unit."
Going east on I-285, take the Northside-Powers Ferry Road exit (#22) on the right and stay in the left lane of the exit ramp. Go to the second light, then turn left (north). Stay in the middle lane of this road as it crosses the bridge over I-285 and veer to the right to get into the middle lane as the road bends to the left and passes through a traffic light. At this point you are on Interstate North Parkway. Continue with instructions above.
Panola Mountain State Park – 10:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leader: Phil Delestrez
Cell contact morning of walk: 404-218-4425
Birding Focus: Migratory, permanent and winter residents of wetlands and forest, including sparrows, blackbirds, woodland birds, raptors, waterfowl, and if we're lucky, woodcock.
Parking: Meet at the Alexander Lake Parking area. Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS: N 33 37.953 W 84 08.851
Note: Bring $5 cash for the daily parking fee. Alternatively, you can purchase a $50 annual parking pass good at all State Parks. If you have a library card to any Georgia public library, you can "check out" a ParkPass ahead of time, exempting you from parking fees. For full details go to: Things to Know.
Directions: From I-20 East take exit 68 for Wesley Chapel Rd toward Snapfinger Rd. Turn right onto Wesley Chapel Rd. Go 0.3 miles and turn left onto Snapfinger Rd. Continue on Snapfinger Rd (which becomes GA-155 S) for 7 miles, then turn left onto Alexanders Lake Rd SW. Drive 1.9 miles and then turn left onto Flat Bridge Rd SW. Parking lot entrance will be 300 ft up Flat Bridge Rd on the right.
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (DeKalb County)
Leader: Liz Hornsby
Cell contact morning of walk: 678-761-0952
Birding Focus: Winter & permanent resident wetland & woodland birds plus possible early spring migrants. Duration of walk 2-3 hours, but you may leave early at any time.
Parking: Park on Pine Bluff Drive, on the street, just outside the Park entrance. See directions below. Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS: N 33 48.352 W 84 17.031
Directions: From I-285 N or S: Take highway 78, Stone Mt. Freeway exit west toward Decatur. Immediately after passing North DeKalb Mall on your right, you'll see a QuikTrip (QT) on your right. About 340 ft after the QT you'll immediately see Harrington Dr. on your right. Turn onto Harrington & go 0.6 miles to Wood Trail Ln. Turn right on Wood Trail Ln & go 1000 ft to Pine Bluff Dr. Park here on street at this corner where the group will assemble. From I-75 - I-85 N or S: I-85 north or south take North Druid Hills exit east toward Decatur - Approx. 3 miles, go right on Hwy 78 (at North DeKalb Mall) and follow directions as above.
Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve/Chicopee Lake – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Chicopee Woods Aquatic Center (Chicopee Lake) 2080 Calvary Church Road
Gainesville, GA 30507
(Hall County)
Leader: Peter Gordon, Education Director, Elachee Nature Science Center Cell contact morning of walk: 678-617-8826
Birding Focus: Chicopee Lake is a good spot to see wintering ducks including American Black Ducks, Gadwall, Mergansers, Mallards and Wood Ducks. Walks through the adjoining forests and wetlands should turn up raptors, herons, sparrows, woodpeckers, kinglets and other short-range wintering migrants.
Parking: Chicopee Woods Aquatic Center at Chicopee Lake - no parking fees Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS: N 34 13.608 W 83 49.475
Directions: I-85 North to I-985 North towards Gainesville. Take Exit 16 - Oakwood. Turn Right off the ramp onto Hwy 53 - Mundy Mill Road/Winder Hwy. Turn Left at 2nd stoplight on to Atlanta Hwy (Hwy 13). Turn right at first stoplight - Poplar Springs Road. Turn left onto Poplar Springs Church Road. Turn left onto Calvary Church Road. The entrance into the Aquatic Studies Center will be on the left at the bottom of a hill. Watch for white fence and entrance into the parking lot.
Notes: We will bird at the lake for approximately an hour before hiking along the West Lake Trail to a bluff at the rear of the lake. The hike to the bluff and back is about 1.5 miles. Duration of walk is approx. 3 hours. There are no open restrooms on site, so please use restrooms available at fast food and convenience stores along Exit 16 prior to arrival.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Sweetwater Creek State Park
1750 Mount Vernon Road, Lithia Springs, 30122 (Douglas County)
Leader: Phil Delestrez and Marge Igyarto
Cell contact morning of walk: 404-218-4425
Birding Focus: Migratory, permanent and winter residents of wetlands and forest, including herons, wood ducks, warblers, thrushes, and vireos. With its falls, overlooks, and lake, Sweetwater Creek State Park is Georgia's most-visited state park and is the closest state park to the city of Atlanta. It offers a diverse birding habitat of woodlands, streams, wetlands, grasslands and a large lake.
Parking: Meet at the Office/Interpretive Center inside the Park (has restrooms). Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Office/Interpretive Center:
N 33 45.203 W 84 37.712
Note: Bring $5 cash for the daily parking fee. Alternatively, you can purchase a $50 annual parking pass good at all State Parks. If you have a library card to any Georgia
public library, you can "check out" a ParkPass ahead of time, exempting you from parking fees. For full details go to: Things to Know.
Directions: Take I-20 west from Atlanta, to Exit #44 at Thornton Road, which is the third exit west of I-285. Turn left onto Thornton Road and go 1/4 mile. Turn right on Blair's Bridge Road, and after 2.1 miles at a 4-way stop, turn left on Mount Vernon Road and proceed to park. Go 1.3 miles on Mount Vernon Rd then take a left onto Factory Shoals Road. Go 0.6 miles to the end of Factory Shoals to the parking lot at the Office/Interpretive Center.
Great Backyard Bird Count Walks – 9:00AM (see Google calendar event)
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and the Atlanta Audubon Society invite you to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a four-day event in which bird enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels can help create an up-to-date, accurate picture of where birds are found throughout the United States and Canada .
Guided walks will begin at the pavilion at 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15. Craft tables will be open to kids of all ages, weather permitting. A brief tutorial by an AAS naturalist will provide tips on how to identify bird species by sight and sound and how to conduct your own 15-minute GBBC at home. Reservations are required; please call 678-538-1200 to make your reservation.
Note: The bird walks and tutorial are geared toward beginner birders and children ages 7 and up, however all are welcome to attend. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
Location: Meet at the pavilion at the Johnson Ferry unit, North entrance, located across from Columns Drive on Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta GA 30068. There is a $3 daily park entrance fee. Click here for detailed directions.
Facilities: Restrooms and water fountains are available at the pavilion.
Cochran Shoals – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leader: Herb Wollner
Cell contact morning of walk: 770-617-1505
Birding Focus: Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, other winter and permanent residents, and any waterfowl and herons that might be on the river or wetland areas.
Parking: Meet at the trailhead near the fee machine at back of the South parking lot. There is a daily parking fee of $3 (or $25 annual pass). Bring cash for $3 fee. Alternatively, you can purchase the $25 annual pass with a credit card at the automated machine on site. Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear for walking on wet grass if desired. Restrooms are at the parking area.
Directions: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22).
Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Parking lot entrance: N 33 54.105 W 84 26.634
Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay in the middle lane of this road and go straight through the traffic light. After the road crosses the river, make an immediate right into the parking lot marked by "Cochran Shoals Unit."
Going east on I-285, take the Northside-Powers Ferry Road exit (#22) on the right and stay in the left lane of the exit ramp. Go to the second light, then turn left (north). Stay in the middle lane of this road as it crosses the bridge over I-285 and veer to the right to get into the middle lane as the road bends to the left and passes through a traffic light. At this point you are on Interstate North Parkway. Continue with instructions above.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Hard Labor Creek State Park
5 Hard Labor Creek Rd. Rutledge, 30663 (Morgan County)
Leader: Phil Delestrez
Cell contact morning of walk: 404-218-4425
Birding Focus: Hard Labor Creek SP is the 2nd largest acreage-wise in the GA State Park system. It boasts a variety of habitats, and has a history of birds like Loggerhead Shrikes, American Kestrels, and a variety of waterfowl on Lake Rutledge. We'll look for woodland birds, waterfowl, gulls, and raptors.
Parking: Meet at the "Trading Post" Visitor Check In building (has restrooms). Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Trading Post Check In: N 33 39.841 W 83 36.362
Note: Bring $5 cash for the daily parking fee. Alternatively, you can purchase a $50 annual parking pass good at all State Parks. If you have a library card to any Georgia public library, you can "check out" a ParkPass ahead of time, exempting you from parking fees. For full details go to: Things to Know.
Directions: From Interstate-20 going east or west, take the #105 exit north onto Newborn Rd toward Rutledge. Go about 2.1 miles to the fork with Hawkins Ave, and veer to the left to continue following Newborn Rd. Cross Atlanta Hwy and continue until Newborn dead ends into W Dixie Hwy. Take a left on W Dixie and then an immediate right onto Fairplay St. Drive 2.6 miles on Fairplay and then take a left onto Knox Chapel Rd. Go 0.4 miles and take a right onto Hard Labor Creek Rd. The Trading Post will be about 400 feet on your right.
Bartow County Loop – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leader: Ken Blankenship
Cell phone morning of walk: 770-317-8486
Birding Focus: Wintering and permanent resident open grassland species and waterfowl. Sparrows (Savannah, White-crowned, Field, Vesper, etc.), ducks (Gadwall, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, etc.), geese, raptors (American Kestrel, Red-tailed Hawk), Eastern Meadowlark, Horned Lark, blackbirds (Brewer's possible), and more.
Notes: Expected duration of walk is 4-5 hours, mostly car birding with little walking. We will carpool to minimize vehicles, as much of this route involves parking on the shoulder of country roads. Restrooms in McDonald's and BP while traveling. For more details on the venue/habitat/birds go to: Bartow County Birding Sites
Parking: Fairfield Inn parking lot. Google these coordinates for map or program your GPS: N 34 10.489 W 84 45.818
Directions: Take I-75 to Exit 288 and turn West onto E Main St. After about 0.28 miles turn right at the McDonald's onto Canyon Parkway. Fairfield Inn lot will be 500 ft down on the left.
Constitution Lakes – 9:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leaders: Joy Carter and Jay Davis
Cell contact morning of walk: Joy: 404-822-0030 Jay: 404-644-6798
Birding Focus: Winter and permanent resident woodland birds and potential waterfowl/ waders/shorebirds on the wetlands.
Parking: Meet in the gravel parking loop at the end of S River Industrial Blvd SE. This road intersects Moreland Ave and extends on both the west and east sides of Moreland. Parking lot drive is the leg east of Moreland Ave.
Google these coordinates for map or program your GPS N 33 40.961 W 84 20.670
Directions: From I-20 take Exit 60 going south on Moreland Ave. Drive 5.7 miles to intersection with S River Industrial Blvd SE and take a left turn. Parking lot will be all the way at the end of this road. There are no restrooms so be sure to prepare ahead of time.
Heritage Park, Mableton, GA – 9:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leader: Marge Igyarto
Cell phone morning of walk: 404-345-7207
Birding Focus: Winter and permanent resident woodland birds.
Notes: Heritage Park is located at the corner of Fontaine and Nickajack Roads. Its 1.7 mile walking trail has an elevated boardwalk over wetlands, travels through forests along Nickajack Creek, passes the ruins of concord woolen mills and is near the historic concord covered bridge. Heritage Park is a soft surface walking trail, essentially flat with a short hilly area by the ruins. Dress warmly and wear supportive footwear. Duration is approx. 1.5 hours.
Directions and Parking: Take I-285 west to South Cobb Drive. Head towards Smyrna, and take the East/West Connector left. A Texaco Gas Station is an easy landmark. Go 2.3 miles to Fontaine Road. Go left and in a short distance there's a 4 way stop sign at Nickajack Rd. The Park is on the right. Parking and restrooms are right in the front of
the park. Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS: N 33 50.350 W 84 32.490
Hard Labor Creek State Park – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Hard Labor Creek State Park (Morgan County)
Leader: Phil Delestrez
Cell contact morning of walk: 404-218-4425
Birding Focus: Hard Labor Creek is the 2nd largest GA State Park. It boasts a variety of habitats and has a history of birds like Loggerhead Shrikes, American Kestrels, and a variety of waterfowl on Lake Rutledge. We'll look for woodland birds, waterfowl, gulls, and raptors.
Parking: Meet at the "Trading Post" Visitor Check In building (has restrooms). Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Trading Post Check In: N 33 39.841 W 83 36.362
Note: Bring $5 cash for the parking fee. Alternatively, you can purchase a $50 annual parking pass good at all State Parks. If you have a library card to any Georgia public library, you can "check out" a ParkPass ahead of time, exempting you from parking fees. For full details go to: Things to Know.
Directions: From Interstate-20 going east or west, take the #105 exit north onto Newborn Rd toward Rutledge. Go about 2.1 miles to the fork with Hawkins Ave, and veer to the left to continue following Newborn Rd. Cross Atlanta Hwy and continue until Newborn dead ends into W Dixie Hwy. Take a left on W Dixie and then an immediate right onto Fairplay St. Drive 2.6 miles on Fairplay and then take a left onto Knox Chapel Rd. Go 0.4 miles and take a right onto Hard Labor Creek Rd. The Trading Post will be about 400 feet on your right.
Piedmont Park – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Piedmont Park (Fulton County)
Leader: Rob McDonough
Cell contact morning of walk: 404-754-8159
Birding Focus: Migratory, permanent & winter residents. All levels welcome. Excellent for beginning birders or those desiring gentle terrain. Walk lasts ~ 3 hours with ~ 2.5 miles on foot.
Directions: From 10th St. & Peachtree, go east on 10th two blocks to Piedmont. Turn left (north) on Piedmont & pass 11th St. You'll see Quattro's and Willy's on your right. Meet in the parking lot directly behind this building, which also houses the Piedmont Park Conservancy. The park entrance is just past these restaurants on the right.
Parking: There is parking in the lot behind the Conservancy building. There is also parking on 11th St. across Piedmont from the Community Center. The Atlanta Botanical Garden Parking Garage is an option (enter from Piedmont Ave. north of the Community Center across from the Prado; fee approx. $4 for two hours). From the Gardens, walk through Piedmont Park and around Lake Clara Meer on either side until you get to the Community Center on Piedmont Ave. across from 11st St. Parking lot entrance: 33.783781, -84.379159
Restrooms: lake house, dog park, tennis courts, & Bot Gardens
E. L. Huie/Newman Wetlands Center – 8:30AM (see Google calendar event)
E. L. Huie Land Application Facility (Clayton County)
Newman Wetlands Center (Clayton County)
Leaders: Charlie and Tracey Muise
Cell contact morning of walk: 678-967-9924
Note: This is a walk for children & beginners, but all are welcome to attend. We'll be driving very slowly & getting out at key spots to scope the water. We will do a little walking along the perimeter & in a small, scrubby area. Walking is easy, tennis shoes sufficient, but if rainy with 24 hrs, you can wear waterproof shoes/boots. After 1-2 hrs here, we will drive a couple of miles to Newman Wetlands Center, where we will walk the 0.5 mile easy loop on a boardwalk through a pond/swamp. Bring snacks and drinks in case the walk runs past lunchtime. Restrooms & water available at Newman but not Huie.
Birding Focus: waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, raptors, songbirds
Parking: Meet at the brick building at the entrance to E.L. Huie. GPS of meeting place: 33.48005, -84.33299
Directions: Take I-75 south beyond I-285 to U.S. 19/41 (Tara Blvd., exit 235); drive south for 8.2 miles to Freeman Rd and turn left. Go 0.25 miles & turn left onto Dixon Industrial Blvd. In 0.22 miles turn left onto the upward-sloping paved driveway, through the gate, and park near the bldg at the top of hill.
Call the Wetlands Center for info about birding at both sites: 770.603.5606
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve (DeKalb County)
Leader: Liz Hornsby
Cell contact morning of walk: 678-761-0952
Birding Focus: Winter & permanent resident wetland & woodland birds plus possible early spring migrants. Duration of walk 2-3 hours, but you may leave early at any time.
Parking: Park on Pine Bluff Drive, on the street, just outside the Park entrance. See directions below. Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS: N 33 48.352 W 84 17.031
Directions: From I-285 N or S: Take highway 78, Stone Mt. Freeway exit west toward Decatur. Immediately after passing North DeKalb Mall on your right, you'll see a QuikTrip (QT) on your right. About 340 ft after the QT you'll immediately see Harrington Dr. on your right. Turn onto Harrington & go 0.6 miles to Wood Trail Ln. Turn right on Wood Trail Ln & go 1000 ft to Pine Bluff Dr. Park here on street at this corner where the group will assemble. From I-75 - I-85 N or S: I-85 north or south take North Druid Hills exit east toward Decatur - Approx. 3 miles, go right on Hwy 78 (at North DeKalb Mall) and follow directions as above.
Cochran Shoals CRNRA – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Cochran Shoals CRNRA (Cobb County)
Leader: Chris Lambrecht
Cell contact morning of walk: 770-891-0955
Birding Focus: Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, winter & permanent residents, & any waterfowl & herons that might be on the river or wetlands.
Parking: Meet at the trailhead near the fee machine at back of South parking lot. There is a daily parking fee of $3 (or $25 annual pass). Bring cash for $3 fee. Alternatively, you can purchase the $25 annual pass with a credit card at the automated machine on site or online by clicking here. Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear for walking on wet grass if desired. Restrooms are at the parking area.
Directions: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22).
Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Parking lot entrance: N 33 54.105 W 84 26.634
Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay in the middle lane of this road and go straight through the traffic light. After the road crosses the river, make an immediate right into the parking lot marked by "Cochran Shoals Unit."
Going east on I-285, take the Northside-Powers Ferry Road exit (#22) on the right and stay in the left lane of the exit ramp. Go to the second light, then turn left (north). Stay in the middle lane of this road as it crosses the bridge over I-285 and veer to the right to get into the middle lane as the road bends to the left and passes through a traffic light. At this point you are on Interstate North Parkway. Continue with instructions above.
Lullwater Conservation Park – 8:30AM (see Google calendar event)
Lullwater Conservation Park (DeKalb County)
1446 Clifton Rd. NE, Emory University, Druid Hills, GA, 30329
Leaders: Jay Davis and Laura Hardy
Cell contact morning of walk: 404-644-6798
Birding Focus: winter residents, Red-headed woodpecker, Hooded merganser, Belted kingfisher, Palm warbler, Pine warbler
Note: Duration 3-4 hrs; 2-3 miles walking.
Meeting place: main gate of Park at 1446 Clifton Rd. NE, Druid Hills, GA 30329. From deck, walk down Michael St. toward Clifton Rd. NE & Park will be across Clifton at gate.
Parking: Free parking in parking deck on corner of Michael St. & Houston Mill Rd. Use entrance on Houston Mill Rd. only. GPS of deck entrance: 33.796629, -84.325162
Directions: From I-85 take exit 89 (N Druid Hills Rd). Go SE on N Druid Hills Rd 1.7 miles to Lavista Rd. Take right on Lavista and go .45 miles to Houston Mill Rd. NE. Take left on Houston Mill and go 1.4 miles to parking deck entrance on left.
Cochran Shoals CRNRA – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Cochran Shoals CRNRA (Cobb County)
Leaders: Allyson Read, Biologist, CRNRA and Liz Hornsby
Cell contact morning of walk: 770-318-3801
Birding Focus: Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, winter & permanent residents, & any waterfowl & herons that might be on the river or wetlands. Interesting plants & wildlife sightings will be incorporated into the walk too!
Parking: Meet at the trailhead near the fee machine at back of South parking lot. There is a daily parking fee of $3 (or $25 annual pass). Bring cash for $3 fee. Alternatively, you can purchase the $25 annual pass with a credit card at the automated machine on site or online by clicking here. Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear for walking on wet grass if desired. Restrooms are at the parking area.
Directions: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22).
Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Parking lot entrance: N 33 54.105 W 84 26.634
Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay in the middle lane of this road and go straight through the traffic light. After the road crosses the river, make an immediate right into the parking lot marked by "Cochran Shoals Unit."
Going east on I-285, take the Northside-Powers Ferry Road exit (#22) on the right and stay in the left lane of the exit ramp. Go to the second light, then turn left (north). Stay in the middle lane of this road as it crosses the bridge over I-285 and veer to the right to get into the middle lane as the road bends to the left and passes through a traffic light. At this point you are on Interstate North Parkway. Continue with instructions above.
Allatoona Corps Property & Lake Acworth – 7:30AM (see Google calendar event)
Allatoona Corps Property & Lake Acworth (Cobb County)
Leader: Ken Blankenship
Cell contact morning of walk: 770-317-8486
Birding Focus: coming soon, check back
Parking: coming soon, check back
Directions: coming soon, check back
Notes: coming soon, check back
In the meantime, check out wingsoverga.com at:
http://wingsoverga.com/CobbCountyBirdingSites.html
Cochran Shoals CRNRA – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Cochran Shoals CRNRA (Cobb County)
Leader: Allyson Read, Biologist, CRNRA and Liz Hornsby
Cell contact morning of walk: 770-318-3801
Birding Focus: Sparrows, woodpeckers, raptors, winter & permanent residents, & any waterfowl & herons that might be on the river or wetlands. Interesting plants & wildlife sightings will be incorporated into the walk too!
Parking: Meet at the trailhead near the fee machine at back of South parking lot. There is a daily parking fee of $3 (or $25 annual pass). Bring cash for $3 fee. Alternatively, you can purchase the $25 annual pass with a credit card at the automated machine on site or online by clicking here. Wear comfortable, waterproof footwear for walking on wet grass if desired. Restrooms are at the parking area.
Directions: Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22).
Google these coordinates for a map or program your GPS. Parking lot entrance: N 33 54.105 W 84 26.634
Going west on I-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate North Parkway. Stay in the middle lane of this road and go straight through the traffic light. After the road crosses the river, make an immediate right into the parking lot marked by "Cochran Shoals Unit."
Going east on I-285, take the Northside-Powers Ferry Road exit (#22) on the right and stay in the left lane of the exit ramp. Go to the second light, then turn left (north). Stay in the middle lane of this road as it crosses the bridge over I-285 and veer to the right to get into the middle lane as the road bends to the left and passes through a traffic light. At this point you are on Interstate North Parkway. Continue with instructions above.
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge – 7:30AM (see Google calendar event)
Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge (Jones County)
Leader: Lloyd "Pappy" Snyder
Cell contact BEFORE 7 a.m.: 678-296-4463 Home: 770-478-1961
Birding Focus: Endangered Red-cockaded woodpeckers & Bachman's sparrows
Parking: Meet at the River Park in Juliette, GA. GPS: 33.107605, -83.796879
Directions: Take I-75 to exit 186 (Juliette Rd) & go east on Juliette Rd 9.5 miles to River Park. Turn right into parking lot just after RR tracks & just before river.
Note: We will leave the River Park promptly at 7:45 a.m. to caravan to the NWR. If you are late, I won't have cell phone coverage at the River Park or refuge so if you call me after 7 a.m., it ain't gonna go through. Do not give up and go home, 'cause I'm gonna give you catch-up directions:
Directions after 7:45 a.m.: Leave River Park & turn right. Go 1.1 miles to Barron Russell Rd. & turn left. Go 2.4 miles to a creek bridge; you should find us there. GPS: 33.121114, -83.742739
If you're really late & we're not at bridge: Turn around and go 50 yards & turn right into refuge. Go 1.6 miles & turn right. This will take you to pond 2A. Cross over the dam & you should find us there. GPS: 33.14813, -83.75069
Piedmont Park – 8:00AM (see Google calendar event)
Leader: Rob McDonough
Birding Focus: Migratory, permanent and winter residents. All levels welcome. Excellent for beginning birders or those desiring gentle terrain. Walk can last approx. 3 hours with approx. 2.5 miles on foot.
Directions: From 10th Street and Peachtree, travel east on 10th St. two blocks to Piedmont. Turn left (north) on Piedmont and pass 11th St. You will see Quattro’s and Willy’s eateries on your right. We will meet in the parking lot directly behind this building, which also houses the Piedmont Park Conservancy — the park entrance is just past these restaurants on the right.
Parking: There are parking spaces in the designated lot behind the Conservancy building, but there is also parking available on 11th St. across Piedmont Ave. from the Community Center. The Atlanta Botanical Garden Parking Garage is also an option (enter from Piedmont Ave. north of the Community Center across from the Prado — fee approx. $4 for two hours). From the Gardens, walk through Piedmont Park and around Lake Clara Meer on either side until you get to the Community Center on Piedmont Ave. across from 11th St. Google these coordinates for a map. Parking lot entrance: N 33 47.025 W 84 22.746
Restrooms: lake house, dog park, tennis courts, and Bot Gardens