Georgia Bird Fest 2026: Flight of the Century Soars
Celebrating 100 years of conservation, community, and birds across Georgia
the summit in review
Our Summit on Sunday was a true highlight of Georgia Bird Fest, bringing our community together for a day of learning, inspiration, and connection. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, it was a joyful celebration of birds and the people who care about them.
Throughout the day, we heard from an incredible lineup of speakers:
The Summit also buzzed with creativity and connection. Artists like Chantelle Chapman and Raven Waters showcased stunning work, while Eagle Eye Books and Wild Birds Unlimited offered books and birding gear to explore. We also shared a preview of our upcoming limited-edition illustrated playing card deck. Our partners, including Georgia Rivers, Trust for Public Land, and the Georgia Native Plant Society, provided meaningful ways to get involved in caring for birds and habitats across our state.
As part of Georgia Bird Fest – one of our biggest events of the year – the Summit helps power our conservation, education, and outreach efforts across Georgia.
One theme echoed throughout the day: this community is something truly special.
In his remarks, Executive Director Adam Betuel reflected on the wonder and unpredictability of spring migration and how remarkable it is that birds (most weighing less than a cellphone!) make these extraordinary journeys year after year. It’s a powerful reminder of why our work matters.
Throughout the day, we heard from an incredible lineup of speakers:
- Giff Beaton on the history of birding in Georgia
- Susan Berthelot, Don Kopanoff, and Mahdi Woodard on the art and sport of bird photography
- Dr. Michelle Moyer on the importance of slowing down and truly listening to birdsong
- Alex Troutman on diversity in the birding experience
- George Armistead, whose moving keynote Walk with Me had us both laughing and reflecting
The Summit also buzzed with creativity and connection. Artists like Chantelle Chapman and Raven Waters showcased stunning work, while Eagle Eye Books and Wild Birds Unlimited offered books and birding gear to explore. We also shared a preview of our upcoming limited-edition illustrated playing card deck. Our partners, including Georgia Rivers, Trust for Public Land, and the Georgia Native Plant Society, provided meaningful ways to get involved in caring for birds and habitats across our state.
As part of Georgia Bird Fest – one of our biggest events of the year – the Summit helps power our conservation, education, and outreach efforts across Georgia.
One theme echoed throughout the day: this community is something truly special.
In his remarks, Executive Director Adam Betuel reflected on the wonder and unpredictability of spring migration and how remarkable it is that birds (most weighing less than a cellphone!) make these extraordinary journeys year after year. It’s a powerful reminder of why our work matters.
2026 Georgia bird fest t-shirt
Alexander Vidal is the artist for the 2026 Georgia Bird Fest T-shirts.
We're excited to launch our 2026 Georgia Bird Fest T-shirts featuring Atlanta's skyline and Piedmont Park, the city where it all started 100 years ago. This eye-catching design was created by Alexander Vidal. Check out Alexander’s work on his Instagram profile.
This year, we're distributing our T-shirts through Bonfire, and purchasers may choose to print this design on short- or long-sleeved T-shirts, with two different color options. Items will be directly shipped to you via Bonfire.
Special Note for Patrons and Trip Leaders: Birds Georgia no longer stocks T-shirts, and all inventory is now sold and managed via our online Bonfire store. Unfortunately, we can no longer provide complimentary T-shirts to patrons and field trip leaders. However, you are welcome to purchase a T-shirt in our Bonfire store.
This year, we're distributing our T-shirts through Bonfire, and purchasers may choose to print this design on short- or long-sleeved T-shirts, with two different color options. Items will be directly shipped to you via Bonfire.
Special Note for Patrons and Trip Leaders: Birds Georgia no longer stocks T-shirts, and all inventory is now sold and managed via our online Bonfire store. Unfortunately, we can no longer provide complimentary T-shirts to patrons and field trip leaders. However, you are welcome to purchase a T-shirt in our Bonfire store.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026
Centennial patrons
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Laura Adams and Andrew Feiler
Meg Anderson Meredith Bell William Bell and Sarah Catherine Tunkle Sally and Greg Bergquist Harry Beardsley Susan Berthelot Max and Carolyn Brown Kelly Burke Kathleen Casses and John Little Mike and Maxine Chriszt Howell Conservation Fund Kendall and Andrew Crosby Stephanie Dexter Linda DiSantis and Bob Kerr Courtenay & George Dusenbury Marc and Brynne Goncher John and Jean Hess Martha Hiatt and Michael Betuel Brett Howell Chris and Tes Hurst The Jackson Family Susan Jones Gus Kaufman Kim and David Kenley Mary Kimberly and Gavin MacDonald Melinda Langston Angela Lewis and Brian Keever |
Paige Martin and Arjun Srinivasan
Teresa and John Mayes Jennifer Johnson McEwen Ellen Miller Simon and Sandy Miller Sandy Murray and Michael Clifford Marilyn O'Dell Jay Pakchar Kim Payne Mac and Suzanne Peden Steve Phenicie and Lisa Slotznick Betsy Phillips Lisbet Ann Phillips Irena Rowe Georgann Schmalz Sally Sears and Richard Belcher Gloria Seymour Donna Shapiro Jensy Shell Melissa Sisson and Carol Hayes Annemarie and Kurt Smith Esther and Jim Stokes Michelle Thompson Wayne and Jane Thorpe Susan Utley Michael Weaver Winkler and Lynn Weinberg |
Thank you to our Legacy
Georgia bird fest Patrons
Michael Ayling
Mary Ellen and Neil Brigham
Diane Hawkins-Cox and Family
Erin and Anthony Masciotra
Jay Pakchar
Laura Stanford
Diana Worthington-White
Mary Ellen and Neil Brigham
Diane Hawkins-Cox and Family
Erin and Anthony Masciotra
Jay Pakchar
Laura Stanford
Diana Worthington-White
Thank you to our Sponsors
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