 Project Safe Flight volunteer Mary Kimberly surveys Cedar Waxwings who died after colliding with a building in metro Atlanta. Photo by Gavin MacDonald Project Safe Flight is a conservation initiative dedicated to understanding and reducing bird-building collisions across Georgia. Through monitoring efforts in Metro Atlanta, Brunswick, and Savannah, the program helps identify which species are most affected, where collisions are occurring, and what solutions can make our cities safer for birds.
During both spring and fall migration, dedicated Project Safe Flight volunteers patrol survey routes before dawn, documenting birds that have been injured or killed after colliding with buildings. The data they collect provides critical insight into one of the leading human-caused sources of bird mortality. During the Spring 2026 migration season, volunteers logged 133 hours surveying routes in Downtown Atlanta, Buckhead, Midtown, Dunwoody, Georgia Tech, Savannah, Brunswick, Georgia State University, the University of Georgia, the College of Coastal Georgia, and Drew Charter School. Over the course of the season, volunteers documented 202 bird-building collisions across Metro Atlanta and Coastal Georgia. While this total is within the range typically recorded in Georgia, it represents an increase from the 144 collisions documented during Spring 2025. The ten species most frequently affected by collisions this spring were:
Among the birds documented this season were two Swainson's Warblers that died after colliding with high-rise buildings in Midtown Atlanta. These records mark species number 142 in the Project Safe Flight Georgia dataset, meaning approximately one-third of all bird species recorded in Georgia have now been documented as collision victims. While the number of collisions recorded this spring is concerning, there is reason for optimism. Birds Georgia continues to expand its efforts to reduce bird-building collisions through education, outreach, and direct action. One key initiative is our Lights Out Alert program, which notifies subscribers of nights with high migration activity and encourages building owners, businesses, and residents to turn off non-essential outdoor lighting overnight. This spring, Lights Out Alert posts reached a record audience on social media, including one Facebook post that received more than 290,000 views. At the same time, the program experienced a 200% increase in subscribers compared to Spring 2025, helping expand awareness of the simple actions people can take to protect migrating birds. Birds Georgia and Wild Nest Bird Rehab are also partnering on a new collision-prevention initiative made possible through a grant from the Georgia Ornithological Society. The grant will fund 175 Feather Friendly DIY Kits. Each kit can treat approximately 16 square feet of glass when installed using the recommended two-inch by two-inch spacing. Beginning this fall, Wild Nest Bird Rehab will distribute these kits free of charge to homeowners who bring collision victims in for treatment and commit to making their windows safer for birds. Each kit will also include information about four simple actions people can take at home to reduce threats to birds. These actions address some of the most common causes of admission at Wild Nest and provide practical steps anyone can take to make a difference. This work is especially important because an estimated 42% of bird-building collisions occur at residential buildings. By helping homeowners identify and address collision hazards, we can prevent countless bird deaths before they happen. Every survey completed, every light switched off, and every window treated brings us closer to a future where birds can migrate safely through Georgia. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and supporters, Project Safe Flight continues to transform data into action and make Georgia a safer place for birds.
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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.  Birds Georgia is pleased to welcome Sarah Ann Hankamer and Mac Peden to its Board of Directors. Sarah joined the Board in May, and Mac joined in March. Both will serve three-year terms with the organization.
Sarah Ann Hankamer is a financial manager in Georgia Power Company’s Environmental Affairs Department, where she brings more than 24 years of experience supporting critical business functions across the organization. Throughout her career at Georgia Power, Sarah has provided financial leadership across all major areas of the company, including Generation, Transmission, Distribution, and Customer Service. Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Sarah holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Georgia State University. She is a graduate of the Signature Strive executive leadership program and Emory University’s Emerging Leaders program. Sarah has been an active volunteer with Community Consulting Teams, Citizens of Georgia Power, and A+ Youth Squash. She and her husband, Will, live in Atlanta’s Ormewood Park neighborhood. In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling and playing tennis. She is also a new member of Birds Georgia and looks forward to deepening her knowledge and appreciation of Georgia’s birds. Mac Peden is a retired corporate executive and timber farm owner in Georgia’s Hancock County. Since retiring from ADP in 2012 after a 37-year career, Mac has focused on managing and expanding his timber farm, portions of which have been in his family for more than 100 years. His approach balances economic return with sustainability, creating habitat where wildlife and biodiversity can thrive. Mac grew up in Hancock County, graduated from Georgia Tech, and has lived in the Atlanta area since completing service in the U.S. Army in 1971. In his spare time, Mac and his wife Suzanne enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren – preferably on the farm! He currently serves as vice chairman of the Georgia Forestry Foundation Board of Trustees. Mac has been a Birds Georgia supporter for more than 30 years and recently hosted a Georgia Bird Fest event at his farm. Birds Georgia is grateful for the experience, passion, and perspective Sarah and Mac bring to the organization as we work together to build places where birds and people thrive. MORE: Meet Our Board and Staff 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.
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.  JD Downs serves as Birds Georgia's Director of Finance and Administration. By Steve Phenicie
(This is the 70th in a series on Birds Georgia volunteers, board members, and staff.) The next time you give Birds Georgia a million dollars (or any lesser sum), your generous contribution is sure to pass through the hands of JD Downs, the organization’s new Director of Finance and Administration, who began work in March. JD sums up her job as follows: “We at Birds Georgia create places where birds and people thrive, and I am the kind of person who loves creating an environment within an organization where the folks within the organization can thrive.” She does everything from paying the bills to human resources to insurance matters and keeping track of spreadsheets, budgets, and grants. And don’t forget the internet technology work. “Anything to do with money or keeping the lights on (except during Lights Out!) ,” she said. For about nine months in 2024 she was systems coordinator for Birds Georgia. Birding? She wasn’t hired for that, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a birder. She’ll be taking the Master Birder class in the fall and eventually hopes to lead field trips. Right now she tends her backyard feeders, “befriends crows,” (a bird she holds special affection for) and enjoys watching live bird cams. Her business background, volunteer work, and interests are extensive. Among them: Directly before coming to Birds Georgia she was finance manager at PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill shelter that finds homes for about 1,000 dogs and cats per year. She was the founder of Atlanta Tech Citizens, a collective of volunteers who worked to deepen the connections between tech professionals and nonprofits. She also had a long career in tech and user experience design where she worked for local startups like MailChimp, volunteer think tank Points of Light, and was a designer on healthcare.gov. She has been a board member, director of operations and treasurer of Y’all Rock Camp, an Atlanta music day camp for girls, trans, and gender expansive youth that offers them a chance to form a band and perform at the end of the week. She’s been on the board of her neighborhood association and was president of a condo association. She is a long-time musician but now focuses on painting – mostly birds and dogs so far. JD, a native of Atlanta, holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies and finance from Southern New Hampshire University and also has studied at Georgia State University. She and her husband, Koby, who works for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, live in Decatur with their two rescue dogs, James and Icee, and have a 21-year-old daughter, Mason, who is studying computer science at the University of Florida.  Barred Owl. Photo by Steve Rushing, Birds Georgia Photographers Network 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.  Birders at Birds Georgia's Centennial bird walk on March 21, 2026.  Birds Georgia trip to Costa Rica in 2024. Photo by Susan Berthelot 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. 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. As we celebrate Bird Georgia's Centennial year in 2026, writer Steve Phenicie imagines what the celebration may look like 100 years from now. The date is Friday, March 15, 2126, and Birds Georgia is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a big wingding. The executive director begins the program with a few announcements (as executive directors always like to do):
So will it really be like this a century from now? You won’t know unless you attend! Save the date – Friday, March 15, 2126, 7 p.m. sharp!  L to R: Board Chair Marc Goncher, Board Vice Chair Esther Stokes, Board Member Jon Philipsborn, Communications Coordinator Brooke Michael, Executive Director Adam Betuel, Rep. Mary Frances Williams, Board Member Sally Sears Birds Georgia goes to Washington! (Kind of.)
The Georgia House of Representatives recognized 2026 as the Year of the Georgia Birding Trail in celebration of Birds Georgia's Centennial year. The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver and Rep. Debbie Buckner and introduced on the House floor by Rep. Mary Frances Williams on March 10, acknowledges the importance of birds, birding, and conservation to Georgia’s natural heritage and economy. The Georgia Birding Trail is the legacy project of Birds Georgia’s 100th anniversary. When complete, the trail will form a network of hundreds of birding hotspots organized into regional loops spanning the state – from the Appalachian Mountains to Georgia’s coastal marshes. Each location will be carefully selected for its accessibility, amenities, habitat quality, and diversity of birdlife. By guiding visitors to some of the state’s best places to experience birds, the Georgia Birding Trail will help showcase Georgia’s remarkable biodiversity while making birding more accessible to residents and visitors alike. “We’re grateful to Rep. Oliver, Rep. Buckner, and Rep. Williams for recognizing the importance of birds and conservation in Georgia, and to our Board member Sally Sears for championing this resolution,” said Executive Director Adam Betuel. “We’re excited to launch the Georgia Birding Trail in 2026 and help more people discover the remarkable birds and habitats that make Georgia so special.” In addition to connecting people with nature, the initiative aims to support local communities and conservation efforts across the state. Birding is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in the United States and generates significant economic benefits through travel and ecotourism. Stay tuned! We'll be announcing more updates on the Georgia Birding Trail this year. |
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