FLIGHT OF THE CENTURY:
CELEBRATING 100 Years of Birds Georgia
It all began with a handwritten note tucked inside a copy of Chapman’s Handbook of Birds of Eastern North America:
“Anyone interested in birds call C. R. W. Hemlock 2134. Please do this.”
That simple message, written by Carter R. Whittaker, the first president of the Atlanta Bird Club, sparked a movement. On March 15, 1926, fourteen bird enthusiasts gathered in Whittaker’s home with a shared purpose: “For the protection and study of our native birds.”
Nearly a century later, that modest gathering has grown into Birds Georgia, the state’s longest continuously operating bird conservation organization. For 100 years, we have worked to protect birds, restore vital habitats, and inspire communities across Georgia to discover the joy of birding.
“Anyone interested in birds call C. R. W. Hemlock 2134. Please do this.”
That simple message, written by Carter R. Whittaker, the first president of the Atlanta Bird Club, sparked a movement. On March 15, 1926, fourteen bird enthusiasts gathered in Whittaker’s home with a shared purpose: “For the protection and study of our native birds.”
Nearly a century later, that modest gathering has grown into Birds Georgia, the state’s longest continuously operating bird conservation organization. For 100 years, we have worked to protect birds, restore vital habitats, and inspire communities across Georgia to discover the joy of birding.
Digital Experiences
To honor this legacy, we invite you to explore our story through the following interactive digital experiences:
In 2026, we invite you to celebrate this remarkable milestone with us. Our Centennial Celebration will be a year-long series of events honoring our legacy while launching the next 100 years of conservation. From guided birding trips and hands-on habitat restoration days to a special Centennial Bird Fest and Fall Flyway Festival, there will be opportunities for everyone to connect with birds, nature, and one another.
- Explore Our Centennial Timeline — Travel through nearly 100 years of Birds Georgia history, from our founding in 1926 to today. This interactive timeline features rare photographs and documents from the University of Georgia and Atlanta History Center archives and our own historic scrapbooks.
- Discover the History of Conservation in Georgia — Learn how bird conservation has shaped and been shaped by the broader conservation movement across the state, highlighting key places, species, and moments that continue to influence our work today.
- View the Our Flight of the Century Centennial Celebration Publication — Explore a beautifully designed digital booklet that brings Birds Georgia’s 100-year history to life through stories, photographs, and milestones from across the decades.
In 2026, we invite you to celebrate this remarkable milestone with us. Our Centennial Celebration will be a year-long series of events honoring our legacy while launching the next 100 years of conservation. From guided birding trips and hands-on habitat restoration days to a special Centennial Bird Fest and Fall Flyway Festival, there will be opportunities for everyone to connect with birds, nature, and one another.
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Photo captions: Berma Jarrard (Atlanta Bird Club President, 1933) with Eastern Screech Owl. Courtesy of Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library / University of Georgia Libraries;Atlanta Audubon Society Members at the official opening of the Elwyn Johns Wildlife Sanctuary; Atlanta Audubon Society Members at Christmas Bird Count, 1978; Joel Volpi, Rosalynn Carter, Mark Oberle, Jimmy Carter, Breeding Bird Survey, June 10, 1989
Centennial Patron Opportunities
In honor of our 100th anniversary, we invite you to become a Centennial Patron — a special group of supporters helping us soar into the next century of bird conservation. By becoming a Centennial Patron at the $1,000 level, you will enjoy exclusive access to meaningful experiences and benefits throughout our Centennial year. This is your all-in-one opportunity to engage deeply with Birds Georgia and celebrate this historic milestone.
Benefits include:
Note: Donors making gifts through donor-advised funds or qualified charitable distributions may not receive certain benefits. IRS regulations prohibit donors from receiving goods or services in exchange for grants recommended from donor-advised funds. If your gift was made through a DAF, you may choose to decline associated benefits or purchase them separately.
Benefits include:
- Signature Early Access: Priority access and patron-only opportunities connected to Birds Georgia’s major Centennial moments, including Georgia Bird Fest and Fall Flyway Festival
- Invitation-Only Events & Gatherings: Exclusive Patron gatherings featuring special speakers and community celebrations
- Seasonal Patron Experiences: Special Patron-focused moments tied to spring and fall migration
- Bird Conservation and Native Plant Experiences: Hands-on, place-based opportunities that highlight Birds Georgia’s conservation work, including exclusive trips to Georgia Birding Trail Sites
- Local Partner Perks: Unique experiences and special access made possible through Birds Georgia partner
- Discounts and Limited-Edition Centennial Keepsakes: Year-long discounts to our online store via Bonfire and exclusive Centennial swag items available only to Patrons
Note: Donors making gifts through donor-advised funds or qualified charitable distributions may not receive certain benefits. IRS regulations prohibit donors from receiving goods or services in exchange for grants recommended from donor-advised funds. If your gift was made through a DAF, you may choose to decline associated benefits or purchase them separately.
Become a Centennial Event Sponsor
We invite you to become a Centennial Event Sponsor and support a full year of signature programming that connects Georgians to birds, nature, and stewardship.
Centennial Sponsors receive year-round visibility and recognition across:
This partnership aligns your organization with a historic milestone while demonstrating a commitment to conservation, community engagement, and lasting impact across Georgia.
Join us in honoring our first 100 years and shaping the next century of conservation.
Centennial Sponsors receive year-round visibility and recognition across:
- Georgia Bird Fest and the Georgia Bird Fest Summit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Fall Flyway Festival and the Round Robin at the State Botanical Garden
- The launch of Georgia’s first statewide Birding Trail, our Centennial Legacy Project
- Exclusive Centennial events and special recognition opportunities
This partnership aligns your organization with a historic milestone while demonstrating a commitment to conservation, community engagement, and lasting impact across Georgia.
Join us in honoring our first 100 years and shaping the next century of conservation.
Georgia birding Trail
We’re also proud to announce the development of the Georgia Birding Trail, our Centennial legacy project. This statewide network of birding hotspots will protect habitats, boost eco-tourism, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
THANK YOU TO OUR
CENTENNIAL PATRONS
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Laura Adams and Andrew Feiler
Meg Anderson Harry Beardsley Meredith Bell William Bell and Sarah Catherine Tunkle Sally and Greg Bergquist Susan Berthelot Max and Carolyn Brown Kelly Burke Kathleen Casses and John Little Mike and Maxine Chriszt Kendall and Andrew Crosby Stephanie Dexter Linda DiSantis and Bob Kerr Courtenay & George Dusenbury Howell Conservation Fund Marc and Brynne Goncher John and Jean Hess Martha Hiatt and Michael Betuel Chris and Tes Hurst The Jackson Family Susan Jones Gus Kaufman Kim and David Kenley Mary Kimberly and Gavin MacDonald 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 |
