People aren’t the only ones who love a spring vacation to the barrier islands and sandy beaches of coastal Georgia. Shorebirds, small long-legged birds such as sandpipers and plovers often use our beaches as a “stop-over” site (area where they refuel on their long-distance migration journey). Upwards of 300,000 shorebirds will visit the Georgia coastline each spring, most of which are traveling here from South America. Many spend about 1-3 months here, utilizing our remote and protected foraging sites, however, their journey doesn’t stop here. These birds will continue north, sometimes flying several days without another stop until they reach their breeding grounds above the Arctic Circle. Red Knots will fly a straight-line distance of over 9,000 miles from the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego to High Arctic Canada! 

​As if the sheer distance of these migrations isn’t impressive enough, shorebirds may complete their journey with as few as 3-4 spring stops along the entire flyway. With so many miles of coast and so few stops along the way, you may be asking yourself “why Georgia”? The answer is complicated but the main attraction is horseshoe crab eggs. The horseshoe crab, a species of marine arthropod, spawns on the Atlantic Coast of the United States and the Gulf of Mexico. In the spring when the waters of the Atlantic warm they come into shallow water to spawn and lay their eggs in the sand or mud of coastal marshes and beaches. This creates a buffet for shorebirds like the Red Knot, Ruddy Turnstone, and Semi-palmated Sandpiper.
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Another spring has passed this year and our shorebirds are on their Arctic breeding grounds, incubating the next generation of long-distance flyers. Although these birds spend relatively short periods of time on our coast, the time they do spend here is critically important. Next spring, consider lending a helping hand to our champion migrators. You can help by flipping over-turned horseshoe crabs on beaches and help them back into the water, reporting horseshoe crab spawning sites, keeping dogs on leash or off the beach during this time, volunteering for shorebird counts, or by spreading the word of this symbiotic relationship between arthropod and bird. You can follow the movements of Red Knots tagged in the Southeast at this link: https://www.scshorebirdproject.com/redknotracking

By Sarah Cantwell, Coastal Conservation Coordinator ​

If the Southeastern American Kestrel isn’t a bird you often think about or are even familiar with, that might be about to change.

Birds Georgia is introducing a Georgia Birding Trail of premier birding sites throughout the state and has chosen this bird, an iconic cavity-nesting species that is a subspecies of the American Kestrel, to adorn its logo. An Atlanta-based firm, Radical Designs, came up with the artwork that will be used in Georgia Birding Trail signage, stickers, and patches.

The SEAK, an unofficial name for this bird, is a non-migratory resident across the Southeast, particularly in Florida, and usually requires open, fire-maintained sandhills, savannahs, and grasslands. The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida says they can sometimes be found in pastures and open fields near residential areas as well.

According to Brooke Michael, Birds Georgia’s communications coordinator: “They are
declining due to habitat loss, habitat mismanagement, and a loss of natural nest sites. You can find kestrels throughout the state by exploring in the right habitat and keeping your eye to the sky, and several of our Georgia Birding Trail sites will be in kestrel habitat.”

As for the bird itself, it is the smallest falcon in the United States – about the size of a
Mourning Dove. It measures 7 to 8 inches long with a wingspan of 16½ to 18 inches,
about one-quarter smaller than its cousin, the American Kestrel. The male has blue-
gray wings and a rusty back, a blue-gray crown with a small, rusty “cap,” no spots on its
breast, and only a few on its belly. The female is larger and has a more uniformly rufous
back and wings and more breast streaking. Both sexes have a black-and-white facial
pattern with perpendicular lines extending below the eye and a black band on a rufous
tail. Their alarm call, given in flight, is “killy, killy, killy.”

The breeding season in Georgia begins in late March or April when the male escorts the
female to potential nest sites within his territory. This bird traditionally uses a tree cavity,
usually an abandoned woodpecker home, but will also move into a nest box or the
hollow cross-member pipes on power poles, where they often displace European
Starlings.

The kestrels are insulated from excessive heat in the metal pipes by the nesting
material the starlings brought in, allowing them to incubate eggs and rear young in
these structures. Unfortunately, when older structures are replaced, the new ones often
don’t have any hollow cross arms, robbing the bird of a place to nest. The power
companies have sometimes mitigated this by providing nesting boxes, however. Mostly the female will incubate four to six white to pale brown eggs, spotted with brown and
gray, for 29 to 30 days, and both parents raise the young.

As for its feeding habits, the SEAK typically swoops from a perch on a tree, post or
power line to grab insects and lizards. It also eats small rodents, birds and other
reptiles.

Some of the current sites on the birding trail that have the kestrels as a "featured bird" include Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center in Mansfield, Clybel Wildlife Management Area,
also in Mansfield, Di-Lane Wildlife Management Area in Waynesboro, Euchee Creek
Greenway in Grovetown, E.L. Huie Ponds in Clayton County, Shamrock and Blalock
Reservoirs and Recreation Area in Jonesboro, and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in
Augusta. Many more Georgia Birding Trail sites will be added in the coming months that will also feature kestrels.

By Steve Phenicie, writer and Birds Georgia member

This spring, Birds Georgia joined Westminster Schools in celebrating the opening of Kingfisher Pond Reserve, a two-acre habitat restoration area that demonstrates how even overlooked spaces can become thriving habitat for birds and people.

What was once a conventional retention pond used to store water for athletic field irrigation is now an outdoor classroom, birding hotspot, and community gathering space.

The project began with a vision from Westminster teacher Clark Meyer and his eighth-grade Meet the Wild elective course, and grew through a Glenn Faculty Grant and a collaborative partnership between students, faculty, facilities staff, and Birds Georgia. Since conversations first began in 2024, the goal has been to create a healthier, more biodiverse landscape while giving students meaningful, hands-on conservation experiences.

When Birds Georgia first visited the site, the area was dominated by closely mowed, non-native turf grasses. Over the past three semesters, Birds Georgia staff worked alongside students to improve the habitat through the selective removal of invasive species and the planting of native grasses, sedges, and wildflowers. Species such as purpletop, broomsedge, and Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon digitalis) are already increasing plant diversity and supporting the insects that birds depend on.

The wildlife response has been immediate. Great Blue Herons, sparrows, warblers, and Red-shouldered Hawks have all been observed using the habitat, and the site has been added as a vital spot during the annual Atlanta Christmas Bird Count. The reserve has also become a valuable resource for students participating in Georgia's Youth Birding Competition.

Beyond the birds, Kingfisher Pond Reserve has become a place for discovery, learning, and connection. By bringing habitat restoration directly onto campus, students can see firsthand how native plants support wildlife and how conservation action can create measurable change. The project is also helping cultivate the next generation of conservationists by connecting students to the natural world in their own backyard.

Kingfisher Pond Reserve is a powerful example of what can happen when schools invest in habitat restoration. Retention ponds and other underutilized green spaces exist on campuses across Georgia, and with native plants, community support, and a shared vision, they can become thriving habitat that benefits wildlife while enriching the lives of the people who share those spaces.

At Birds Georgia, we believe conservation starts close to home. The transformation of Kingfisher Pond shows how restoring habitat in everyday places can create lasting benefits for birds, inspire community stewardship, and help build a future where birds and people thrive.

by Sheridan Alford

Each spring, Georgia Bird Fest brings people together through a shared appreciation for birds, nature, and community. This year, our Centennial celebration was no exception. From mountaintop hikes to coastal paddles, art showcases to conservation conversations, Bird Fest 2026 was a true reflection of how far this community has come and where we’re headed next.

A Month of Birds, Community, and Discovery
Over the course of the festival, 40 events took place across the state, offering something for every level of birder and nature enthusiast. Participants explored Georgia’s diverse landscapes through guided field trips, including birding by boat, canoe, and kayak; overnight hikes; and visits to habitat restoration sites.

We were proud to collaborate with incredible partners like Georgia Rivers, the Trust for Public Land, the Georgia Native Plant Society, Jekyll Island Authority, and Ocmulgee Audubon Society to expand opportunities for people to engage with birds and conservation in meaningful, place-based ways. We also celebrated alongside the Atlanta History Center in their own Centennial year, marking a unique moment of shared legacy.

From artist talks and creative showcases to hands-on conservation experiences, this year’s Bird Fest highlighted the many ways people connect with birds and with each other.

The Summit: A Day to Gather and Reflect
Our Bird Fest Summit, held at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, was a standout moment of the festival. Set against a vibrant spring backdrop, the day brought together birders, artists, conservationists, and curious newcomers for a shared experience rooted in learning and connection.

Throughout the day, speakers offered a wide range of perspectives that deepened our understanding of birds and the communities that surround them.

• Giff Beaton explored the rich history of birding in Georgia
• Susan Berthelot, Don Kopanoff, and Mahdi Woodard shared insights into the art and sport of bird photography
• Dr. Michelle Moyer reminded us of the importance of slowing down and truly listening to birdsong
• Alex Troutman spoke on diversity and representation in the birding experience
• And George Armistead delivered a keynote, Walk with Me, that was both thoughtful and engaging

Beyond the stage, the Summit buzzed with creativity. Artists Chantelle Chapman and Raven Waters showcased their work, while Eagle Eye Book Shop and Wild Birds Unlimited offered books and birding gear for attendees to explore. We also shared a preview of an upcoming limited-edition illustrated playing card deck, an exciting glimpse at what’s ahead.

Our partners were present in full force, providing tangible ways for attendees to stay engaged in conservation efforts across Georgia.

Why It Matters
As one of our largest annual events, Georgia Bird Fest plays a vital role in supporting Birds Georgia’s conservation, education, and community engagement work. Every field trip, workshop, and conversation helps build momentum toward a future where both birds and people can thrive.

A theme that carried throughout the Summit, and the festival as a whole, was the strength of this community. In his remarks, Executive Director Adam Betuel reflected on the wonder of spring migration: that birds, many weighing less than a cellphone, undertake extraordinary journeys each year. It’s a reminder of both the resilience of these species and the importance of protecting the habitats they depend on.

Looking Ahead
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who participated in Georgia Bird Fest 2026, whether you joined us for a single hike or followed along for the entire month. A special thank you goes to our Centennial Patrons, whose support makes this work possible and sustains the festival's growth year after year.

Bird Fest is more than a series of events; it’s a community in flight. And if this year is any indication, the future is full of possibilities.

Birds Georgia is proud to announce the newest site enrolled in our Habitat Stewardship Program: the Chick-fil-A Support Center.

Spanning more than 70 wooded acres, the Chick-fil-A Support Center is an ArbNet-certified arboretum and serves as the company’s headquarters. The campus features extensive botanical gardens, walking trails, streams, ponds, and specialized tree collections, all designed to foster a “work full of life” environment.

As part of maintaining both native and curated plantings, the site incorporates native trees such as magnolia, oak, and pine, along with native shrubs and wildflowers that provide valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife. Plans are also underway to install and maintain bird and bat boxes to further support native species.

The Birds Georgia Habitat Stewardship Program partners with public and private landowners and managers to advance conservation through practical, science-based habitat improvements. The program connects participants with educational resources, technical assistance, cost-share opportunities, and other tools that help make stewardship efforts both impactful and sustainable.

We are delighted to welcome the Chick-fil-A Support Center as a Habitat Steward and applaud their commitment to building places where birds and people thrive.

by Steve Phenicie

Little did the Barred Owl know that it was participating in a historic occasion.

One hundred years to the day after the Atlanta Bird Club held its first bird walk on March 21, 1926, Birds Georgia held a centennial walk to commemorate the event.

The place was the same – Emory University – although the walk a century ago didn’t
start until 9:30 a.m., a bit late by today’s standards.

On this year’s walk, the Barred Owl was perched only about 10 feet above the ground
and just few feet from the path. It was quite willing to pose for pictures as the
approximately 15 birders led by Bert Pearce oohed and aahed about it. The birders also
saw about 30 other species, including a couple of Wood Ducks, a Pied-billed Grebe or
two, and an early Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. As the group was tallying its totals, a Great
Blue Heron flew overhead as if to say “Don’t forget me,” and later a Mallard appeared at
the last moment.

So how has birding changed in the last century?

Technology, of course, has made a difference. Remember being in the middle of a mosquito-infested swamp when it was raining and windy and you just had to know right then whether Roseate Spoonbills nest in North Carolina? You hauled out your dog-eared field guide – perhaps kept in a plastic bag – and started thumbing through it as the rain pelted your face (and the book). No more. You reach for your phone and quickly get your answer from apps such as Merlin and Audubon. By the way, Roseate Spoonbills don’t nest in North Carolina.

​Another significant change is how we count birds. In the old days, we used paper
checklists such as the local “Checklist of the Birds of Atlanta.” It’s possible that the
birders on that first walk in 1926 just wrote down what they saw on a tablet, but paper
checklists have been around a long time. Thomas Jefferson came up with what is likely
the first published birding checklist in his 1785 book, “Notes on the State of Virginia,”
which included 125 species he had observed.

Nowadays, of course, we have eBird, which is good not only for enumeration but terribly
handy when you want to know whether there have been any Ruddy Ducks around
Murphey Candler Park lately or who is seeing what at Constitution Lakes.

And today we don’t even have to leave our homes as video cameras focused on nests
provide close-ups of birds going about their business.

Birders of 1926 had a chance to see some birds that we can’t see today because they
are extinct. The Carolina Parakeet and the Passenger Pigeon were already gone by then, but the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, last seen in the U.S. in 1944, and the Bachman’s
Warbler, which disappeared in the 1980s, were hanging on.

Some things haven’t changed so much.

Binoculars were around in 1926, of course, with one source saying that their origins effectively go back to the invention of corrective eyeglasses in late 13th century Italy. Ones specifically designed for birding began appearing late in the 19th century. Spotting scopes for birders, although they have become more sophisticated, have existed since about 1893. Finally, birding’s mid-winter extravaganza, the Christmas Bird Count, was well-established by 1926, having been started in 1900.

We're excited to share that Birds Georgia has been named a 2026 Global Vision Award winner by Travel + Leisure.

The Global Vision Awards recognize individuals and organizations around the world that are leading the way in sustainable and environmentally responsible travel. We’re honored to be included among this year’s winners.

Since our founding in 1926, Birds Georgia has worked to protect birds and the places they need while helping people discover the joy of birding and the outdoors. Our Travel Program is a natural extension of that mission.
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Through small-group trips led by expert guides, we create meaningful opportunities for people to experience birds and wildlife in remarkable places. Seeing migration in action, exploring diverse habitats, and sharing those moments with fellow nature enthusiasts often sparks a deeper appreciation for conservation and the natural world.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from Travel + Leisure,” said Adam Betuel, Executive Director of Birds Georgia. “Experiencing birds and their habitats firsthand creates powerful connections to nature and inspires people to protect the places wildlife depends on.”

This award reflects the passion of our staff, guides, partners, and travelers who believe that experiencing nature firsthand inspires lifelong conservation values.

Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards will be featured in the magazine’s April 2026 issue. View a full list of winners here.

We’re grateful for this recognition and excited to continue creating travel experiences that connect people and birds.