Georgia offers a variety of excellent and diverse birding sites, from the mountain, to the coast, and everywhere in between. Birds Georgia leads birding field trips at many of these locations each year, with more trips offered during spring and fall migrations. Each of the locations represents a somewhat different habitat that attracts a variety of both local and migratory species.
I-285 & Northside-Powers Ferry Rd exit.
Riverside walk, marsh, and meadow: Wood Ducks, Herons, Woodpeckers.
Riverside walk, marsh, and meadow: Wood Ducks, Herons, Woodpeckers.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is comprised of a series of protected areas along the Chattahoochee River corridor in the metro Atlanta area. Each unit is maintained by the National Park Service. The Cochran Shoals Unit in Cobb County is used daily by runners and cyclists. It's also a favorite spot for birders and is worth the effort to make a few evasive maneuvers to see the birds.
The Cochran Shoals unit is one of the key metro Atlanta sites for spring and fall migration, second only to Kennesaw Mountain. Wetland warblers can be found here. During the height of migration, the species totals here reach the high 60s, with occasional major finds popping up such as Olive-sided Flycatcher and Lincoln's Sparrow in the fall and Connecticut Warbler in the spring. All of Georgia's woodpeckers except the Red-cockaded are found here.
Directions:
From this lot, a wide trail leads north along the river for about 1.5 miles before ending in a residential development. The trail loops around to come back out near the beginning point, for a nice overall 3-mile course. A wetland boardwalk and marsh trail are spurs off the main trail.
There is a $5 parking fee using the pay boxes in the parking lots or a $40 annual pass from the Park Service.
The Cochran Shoals unit is one of the key metro Atlanta sites for spring and fall migration, second only to Kennesaw Mountain. Wetland warblers can be found here. During the height of migration, the species totals here reach the high 60s, with occasional major finds popping up such as Olive-sided Flycatcher and Lincoln's Sparrow in the fall and Connecticut Warbler in the spring. All of Georgia's woodpeckers except the Red-cockaded are found here.
Directions:
- Cochran Shoals is located on the west bank of the Chattahoochee, just north of I-285, making it easy to find on the map at 10 o'clock" on the Perimeter.
- Take I-285 to the Northside-Powers Ferry Rd. exit (exit 22). If you are going west on I-285, turn right at the first light onto Interstate North Parkway.
- Stay on this road as it curves west, through an intersection and crosses the river.
- After crossing, the parking lot is an immediate right. If you are going east on I-285, continue east to the second light, then turn left (north) and cross the bridge over I-285 and continue through the traffic light on the other side onto Interstate North Parkway, then continue with instructions above.
From this lot, a wide trail leads north along the river for about 1.5 miles before ending in a residential development. The trail loops around to come back out near the beginning point, for a nice overall 3-mile course. A wetland boardwalk and marsh trail are spurs off the main trail.
There is a $5 parking fee using the pay boxes in the parking lots or a $40 annual pass from the Park Service.
Kennesaw, Cobb County
1.2-mile scenic walk up a paved road; Atlanta's best location for migratory birds.
1.2-mile scenic walk up a paved road; Atlanta's best location for migratory birds.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park has excellent birding habitat, but is best known as a rich migrant stopover. It is the best Atlanta location for observing fall raptor migration movements. Additionally, the tree lines up and down the paved road to the summit can yield an exciting passerine display, especially during migration. This is one of the best spots east of the Mississippi to see a migrating Cerulean Warbler.
The 3,000-acre Kennesaw National Battlefield Park is the first location in Georgia to be designated by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. (Photo by Robert Schwartz.)
Directions:
The 3,000-acre Kennesaw National Battlefield Park is the first location in Georgia to be designated by the Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area. (Photo by Robert Schwartz.)
Directions:
- Take I-75 to exit 269, Barrett Parkway.
- Go west on Barrett Parkway approximately two miles to Old Route 41 and take a left (look for a little brown sign on the right at that intersection pointing left to the Battlefield).
- Go 1.3 miles and turn right on Stilesboro Road, then a quick left into the Visitor Center parking lot.
- From the Visitor Center, walk the paved road to the summit. Checklists are available at the Visitors Center.
Clayton County
The drive around the treatment ponds is a prime spot for shorebirds and waterfowl.
The drive around the treatment ponds is a prime spot for shorebirds and waterfowl.
These sites, owned and operated by the Clayton County Water Authority, are the metro area's singular best all-around birding area if you are looking for variance in habitat and species. The Newman Wetlands Center has trails and boardwalks through wetlands and woodlands and yields a variety of birds, particularly during migration. The self-guided boardwalk tour through the wetlands can yield Prothonotary and Kentucky Warblers, and Louisiana Waterthrush during the breeding season. The E. L. Huie Ponds facility, located just down the street from the Newman Wetlands Center, is one of the best inland locations for shorebirds and waterfowl in the state. There are five ponds inside the facility, and birders can drive the dikes for good views at each pond. Access to the E.L. Huie Ponds requires a permit and has set viewing hours. Contact the Wetlands Center for more information about birding at both sites: 770-603-5606.
Directions:
Access to the E.L. Huie Ponds requires a permit and has set viewing hours. Contact the Wetlands Center for more information about birding at both sites: 770-603-5606.
Directions:
- Take I-75 south beyond I-285 to US 19/41 (Tara Blvd., exit 235); drive south for 8.2 miles to Freeman Road and turn left.
- The Clayton County Authority office is a quarter-mile down Freeman Rd. on the right. The pond complex is across the street. The Wetlands Center is farther down Freeman Road on the right, just beyond the bridge.
Access to the E.L. Huie Ponds requires a permit and has set viewing hours. Contact the Wetlands Center for more information about birding at both sites: 770-603-5606.
Decatur, Dekalb County
Beaver pond, upland and floodplain trails: Migrants, Herons, woodland birds.
Beaver pond, upland and floodplain trails: Migrants, Herons, woodland birds.
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve is a 28-acre property in the Medlock Park neighborhood of Decatur. The preserve opened in 1995 under the management of a neighborhood organization with the goal of preserving natural spaces in the South Peachtree Creek watershed.
The preserve includes wetlands, a four-acre beaver pond, emerging pine groves, wooded uplands, and floodplain bordering South Peachtree Creek. Wildlife habitat includes brush piles, deadfalls, dense brush, and the pond. These diverse habitats are home to beavers, foxes, turtles, snakes, frogs, rabbits, and dozens of species of birds.
Bird highlights include warblers, hawks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Hooded Merganser, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Great-horned Owl. Wood Ducks nest around the beaver pond and adults and ducklings are regularly seen in spring. Regulars in the summer include Wood Thrush, Orchard Oriole, and Indigo Bunting. In the spring of 2013, this site was a hot spot: a Least Bittern, Wild Turkeys, Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, and many warblers, tanagers, and grosbeaks were sighted.
An observation tower funded by a gift from Birds Georgia offers a great view of the pond area.
For more information, see CSNP website.
Directions:
The preserve includes wetlands, a four-acre beaver pond, emerging pine groves, wooded uplands, and floodplain bordering South Peachtree Creek. Wildlife habitat includes brush piles, deadfalls, dense brush, and the pond. These diverse habitats are home to beavers, foxes, turtles, snakes, frogs, rabbits, and dozens of species of birds.
Bird highlights include warblers, hawks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, Sedge Wren, Marsh Wren, Hooded Merganser, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, and Great-horned Owl. Wood Ducks nest around the beaver pond and adults and ducklings are regularly seen in spring. Regulars in the summer include Wood Thrush, Orchard Oriole, and Indigo Bunting. In the spring of 2013, this site was a hot spot: a Least Bittern, Wild Turkeys, Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoos, and many warblers, tanagers, and grosbeaks were sighted.
An observation tower funded by a gift from Birds Georgia offers a great view of the pond area.
For more information, see CSNP website.
Directions:
- From I-285, take exit #39A, (Highway 78, Stone Mountain Freeway west toward Decatur).
- Immediately after passing North DeKalb Mall, you'll see a QuikTrip (QT) on your right. About 340 ft after the QT turn right on Harrington Drive.
- Go 0.6 miles to Wood Trail Lane and turn right.
- Go 1000 ft to Pine Bluff Drive and the preserve entrance.
- From I-85 north or south take North Druid Hills exit #89 east toward Decatur. In approximately 3 miles, turn right on Highway 78 (Lawrenceville Highway) at North DeKalb Mall and follow the directions as above.
Roswell, Fulton County
127 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and river: migrants, residents
127 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and river: migrants, residents
The Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) sits on 127 acres adjacent to the Chattahoochee River and includes forest, wetland, and river habitats. The facility also includes a Wildlife Walk which showcases native raptors including bald eagles. CNC is a private, non-profit with 2.5 miles of trails, an interpretive center, and gardens. There is an admission fee to access the grounds, and the facility is open daily 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Saturday and 12:00 to 5:00 PM on Sundays. Free parking, restroom, and snacks available. Consider a visit to CNC for first-time birders and birding with children.
CNC is a great spot to view not only common yard birds in a beautiful and natural setting, but also great to view spring and fall migrants along the trails, and wading birds and winter ducks in the wetlands. Seasonal highlights include warblers, swallows, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, kinglets, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, herons, Wood Duck, and more. Many visitors also enjoy getting a chance to view and photograph native raptors in the Wildlife Walk.
CNC offers seasonal canoe trips to get visitors onto the river and gives birders a chance to bird on the river.
For more recent sightings, see eBird posts http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L668713?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec&hs_sortBy=date&hs_o=desc
Directions:
From GA 400:
From Marietta & West:
CNC is a great spot to view not only common yard birds in a beautiful and natural setting, but also great to view spring and fall migrants along the trails, and wading birds and winter ducks in the wetlands. Seasonal highlights include warblers, swallows, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, kinglets, Sandhill Crane, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, herons, Wood Duck, and more. Many visitors also enjoy getting a chance to view and photograph native raptors in the Wildlife Walk.
CNC offers seasonal canoe trips to get visitors onto the river and gives birders a chance to bird on the river.
For more recent sightings, see eBird posts http://ebird.org/ebird/hotspot/L668713?yr=all&m=&rank=mrec&hs_sortBy=date&hs_o=desc
Directions:
From GA 400:
- Exit 6 Northridge.
- Turn onto Dunwoody Place, continuing to the intersection of Roswell Road.
- Turn right. Cross over the Chattahoochee River and turn left onto Azalea Drive.
- At 2nd traffic light, turn left onto Willeo Road. We are located ½ mile on right.
From Marietta & West:
- Take GA 120 (also called Marietta Highway) east towards Roswell.
- Cross Johnson Ferry Road and travel about 4 miles to traffic light at the intersection of Willeo Road.
- Turn right at light. We are located 1 mile on right.
I-20 Exit 44, Douglas County
Creekside and upland trail system, lake: Migrants, Waterfowl.
Creekside and upland trail system, lake: Migrants, Waterfowl.
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a Georgia State Park located near metro-Atlanta. Seven miles of trails, shaded streams, and a lake, support some interesting species during migration and in the winter, including Red-breasted Merganser, Common Goldeneye, and Greater Scaup, for the rarer species. Occasionally, Bald Eagles and Ospreys are seen there.
An access trail leads to Sweetwater Creek itself and traverses a hardwood forest, leading to the creekside trail with its shoals area, extended trail system, and the ruins of an old Civil War mill. Birding is slower here in the summer since the main attraction at Sweetwater is the lake, bringing in the migratory and overwintering waterfowl.
Directions:
A map detailing the seven miles of woodland trails around the area is available at the office. There is a daily parking fee in all State Parks. Alternatively, you can purchase an 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.
An access trail leads to Sweetwater Creek itself and traverses a hardwood forest, leading to the creekside trail with its shoals area, extended trail system, and the ruins of an old Civil War mill. Birding is slower here in the summer since the main attraction at Sweetwater is the lake, bringing in the migratory and overwintering waterfowl.
Directions:
- From Atlanta, take I-20 west 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.
- 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.
A map detailing the seven miles of woodland trails around the area is available at the office. There is a daily parking fee in all State Parks. Alternatively, you can purchase an 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.
Multiple access points along 13.5 miles of a path along Big Creek in Fulton and Forsyth Counties.
Migrants and residents.
Migrants and residents.
Big Creek Greenway is a linear park in the city limits of Roswell and Alpharetta and into Forsyth County. The paved paths make handicapped access easy. The greenway follows Big Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River. The southern section of the greenway in Roswell/Alpharetta is good for flycatchers, vireos, raptors, woodpeckers, migrating warblers and tanagers, and common breeders like Indigo Bunting and Common Yellowthroat. The wetland areas in this section are good for some waterfowl (Mallard, teals, Hooded Mergansers) and waders (Great Blue Herons, Green Herons, and night-herons).
The northern section in Forsyth County is primarily bottomland hardwood forest, punctuated in several places by small pastures, seasonal ponds, permanent swamps, and successional scrub. This habitat is productive during spring and fall migration with an excellent diversity of neotropical migrants including over 20 species of warblers. Breeding birds include Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. Winter residents include Hooded Merganser, Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Rusty Blackbird as well as Fox, Field, and Swamp Sparrows.
The Roswell/Alpharetta section runs 7.2 miles between Big Creek Park in Roswell to Webb Bridge Rd. The Forsyth section runs 6.8 miles from McFarland Pkwy to Bethelview Rd. You can park at the start and finish of the trail as well as at Fowler Park. The two sections of the trail are not contiguous with each other. There are several entry points for the western section that have parking and restrooms. McFarland and Bethelview parking areas for the eastern section are gravel and only have portable toilets; parking area at Fowler Park has full restrooms and water fountains. Refer to the map in the link below for further information.
Directions: There are multiple ways to access the greenway. For information, check the Big Creek Greenway map.
The northern section in Forsyth County is primarily bottomland hardwood forest, punctuated in several places by small pastures, seasonal ponds, permanent swamps, and successional scrub. This habitat is productive during spring and fall migration with an excellent diversity of neotropical migrants including over 20 species of warblers. Breeding birds include Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Barred Owl, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Louisiana Waterthrush, Kentucky Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. Winter residents include Hooded Merganser, Hermit Thrush, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Rusty Blackbird as well as Fox, Field, and Swamp Sparrows.
The Roswell/Alpharetta section runs 7.2 miles between Big Creek Park in Roswell to Webb Bridge Rd. The Forsyth section runs 6.8 miles from McFarland Pkwy to Bethelview Rd. You can park at the start and finish of the trail as well as at Fowler Park. The two sections of the trail are not contiguous with each other. There are several entry points for the western section that have parking and restrooms. McFarland and Bethelview parking areas for the eastern section are gravel and only have portable toilets; parking area at Fowler Park has full restrooms and water fountains. Refer to the map in the link below for further information.
Directions: There are multiple ways to access the greenway. For information, check the Big Creek Greenway map.
Dunwoody, DeKalb County
135-acre multi-use park with a lake and woodland trails: waterfowl, migrants, residents.
135-acre multi-use park with a lake and woodland trails: waterfowl, migrants, residents.
Murphey Candler Park is a 135-acre multi-use park in northern DeKalb County. Multiple habitats (a lake, wetlands, hardwoods, pines) plus sports fields provide species diversity. It is a good site for Great Blue Herons, hawks, Belted Kingfishers, Eastern Bluebirds, Song Sparrows, Canada Geese, and Mallards year round; and Green Herons, Gray Catbirds, and Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallows in summer. While it is not a hotspot for migrating warblers, some are often seen in the area during migration.
Occasionally there are additional waterfowl species like Hooded Mergansers in winter, and sandpipers or other shorebirds in migration. Some of the trail is level, but there are several steep spots and a number of stretches where the surface is uneven and has exposed tree roots. Many parts of the trail are muddy and/or slippery after rains; plan your footwear accordingly. Restrooms are available.
Directions:
For more information, see the Murphey Candler Park Conservancy Website.
Occasionally there are additional waterfowl species like Hooded Mergansers in winter, and sandpipers or other shorebirds in migration. Some of the trail is level, but there are several steep spots and a number of stretches where the surface is uneven and has exposed tree roots. Many parts of the trail are muddy and/or slippery after rains; plan your footwear accordingly. Restrooms are available.
Directions:
- From I-285 on the N side of Atlanta, take exit 29.
- Go south on Ashford Dunwoody Rd. about 0.95 mile, then turn left onto W Nancy Creek Drive NE.
- Drive 0.6 mile to the second parking area on your left, across the dam and at the SE corner of the lake.
For more information, see the Murphey Candler Park Conservancy Website.
Midtown Atlanta, Fulton County
Open parkland, woodlands, wetlands, lake: migrants, residents, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and waders
Open parkland, woodlands, wetlands, lake: migrants, residents, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and waders
Piedmont Park is located approximately 2 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta in midtown Atlanta. Habitats here include open parkland, woodlands, wetland, a lake and a creek. The site is reliable for Red-Headed Woodpeckers in any season. Hawks are often seen in the open areas and in the woodlands. The lake is good for waterfowl in winter. A boardwalk leads through the Six Springs Wetland and is good for Red-winged Blackbirds, woodpeckers, and sparrows. Dark-eyed Juncos are plentiful in winter. The park is a good place to see resident birds.
Directions: The park runs along 10th Street (a block west of 10th & Monroe Avenue to a block east of 10th & Piedmont Avenue) and Piedmont Avenue (12th & Piedmont to just before 15th & Piedmont).
For more information, see the Piedmont Park Conservancy Website.
Directions: The park runs along 10th Street (a block west of 10th & Monroe Avenue to a block east of 10th & Piedmont Avenue) and Piedmont Avenue (12th & Piedmont to just before 15th & Piedmont).
For more information, see the Piedmont Park Conservancy Website.
East of Atlanta, DeKalb County
World's largest exposed granite monolith: migrants, residents.
World's largest exposed granite monolith: migrants, residents.
Stone Mountain is the world's largest exposed granite monolith. The Songbird Trail is on the site of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games venue for Archery and Cycling. The Songbird Habitat is managed in an early successional stage & is an excellent spot for Indigo Buntings, Yellow-breasted Chats, Sparrows, Blue Grosbeaks, and others. During migration many of the wood warblers and other migrants will be here, too.
Directions: Atlanta go east on Hwy US-78 to exit #8 (Stone Mountain Park entrance). There is a $10 daily parking fee to enter Stone Mountain Park. The annual parking pass is $35.
For more information, see Stone Mountain Songbird Habitat Trail.
Directions: Atlanta go east on Hwy US-78 to exit #8 (Stone Mountain Park entrance). There is a $10 daily parking fee to enter Stone Mountain Park. The annual parking pass is $35.
For more information, see Stone Mountain Songbird Habitat Trail.
I-20 Exit 68, Rockdale County
Creekside and upland trail system, lake: migrants, waterfowl.
Creekside and upland trail system, lake: migrants, waterfowl.
Panola Mountain is a small, pristine 100-acre granite outcrop similar to Stone Mountain. Its rare ecosystem has not changed for centuries. Habitats include a lake, forest, and grassland (Power of Flight area). The lake is good for waterfowl in winter and spring. The grassland is good for sparrows, especially in winter.
Directions: For directions, please visit the Panola Mountain Park website. If you intend to visit the Power of Flight area, please let the park office know you plan to go there when you enter the park.
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 about Georgia State Parks.
Directions: For directions, please visit the Panola Mountain Park website. If you intend to visit the Power of Flight area, please let the park office know you plan to go there when you enter the park.
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 about Georgia State Parks.
Dawsonville (north of Atlanta), Dawson County
Old fields, wetlands, freshwater ponds, and mixed pine/hardwood forests: migrants, residents, waterfowl.
Old fields, wetlands, freshwater ponds, and mixed pine/hardwood forests: migrants, residents, waterfowl.
Dawson Forest WMA is a large area of varied habitat near the Etowah River in Dawson County. The marshy wetlands hosts breeding species including Common Yellowthroat, Indigo Bunting, Blue Grosbeak, Orchard Oriole, and Yellow-breasted Chat. The forest edges is host all four common Georgia vireos - Red-eyed, White-eyed, Blue-headed, and Yellow-throated as well as Wood Thrush, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Ovenbird, Yellow-throated Warbler, Pine Warbler, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. In late fall and winter, a selection of sparrows including Chipping, Field, Savannah, Fox, Swamp, Song, White-throated, and White-crowned are all possible in the fields. There is a nice blind with a bench overlooking the pond where you can look for waterfowl and waders. Winter residents include Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, and plenty of Yellow-rumped Warblers.
Directions:
Directions:
- Head north from Atlanta on GA 400 for approximately 37 miles north of I-285 until you see the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall on your left.
- Turn left at a light just before the outlet mall, onto Dawson Forest Road.
- Go west on Dawson Forest Road for a total of 4.0 miles, where you will come to a stop sign at GA Hwy 9.
- Continue straight across GA Hwy 9 for another 1.5 miles until you reach the main gate for Dawson Forest WMA Atlanta Tract.
Coastal Georgia
In 2020, Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division launched a new website dedicated to birding and wildlife trails.
Kennesaw, Cobb County.
Wetlands and woodlands: migrants, residents
Wetlands and woodlands: migrants, residents
The Noonday Creek Trail is a multi-use trail in Cobb County. Habitats include woodlands and wetlands. Easy trail for beginning birders. Birds are mostly residents and breeding species.
Directions:
Directions:
- From I-75 take exit 269. Drive west on Ernest W Barrett Pkwy for 1.4 miles.
- Turn right and drive 0.3 miles on Cobb Pkwy NW to the KFC parking lot on your right.
- The trailhead is 180 feet west of the KFC parking lot entrance on Cobb Pkwy NW.
