by Heather Levy, Conservation Program Manager

Our neighbor to the south, Florida, is undeniably one of the birdiest states in the country. If you have spent time there, you have likely noticed the large brown signs featuring a Swallow-tailed Kite and reading “Great Florida Birding Trail” posted along county highways and in parks and refuges. Texas was the first state to officially create a birding trail back in 1996, followed closely by Florida in 2000, and these two remain among the largest and most well-known trails. In the last 25 years, many states have followed suit and developed birding trails that either span the entirety of the state or are concentrated regionally.

To celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026 and to provide a lasting impact for our state’s communities and birds, Birds Georgia is excited to become one of the 25+ states with a statewide birding trail. This effort will build upon the regional trails developed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Despite the name, a birding trail is not a single, continuous trail but rather a collection of exemplary birding sites. Georgia’s trail will feature sites statewide — from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between — to celebrate and highlight our state’s biodiversity and natural resources. Individual sites will be grouped into regional sub-trails, providing opportunities to enjoy birding at a local level. In total, we envision a trail that spans more than 400 sites with over 50 sub-trails. The trail will connect nature-based tourism, education, and environmental stewardship and is geared toward birders and nature enthusiasts of all levels.

It is no secret that birding as a hobby has soared in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic. As people were forced to stay home, birds became a source of solace for many. More people are not only birding in their own yards and local patches but also traveling farther afield to find birds. Over 2 million visitors come to Georgia annually seeking opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. One of our staff’s favorite sayings is “birds mean business,” because it’s true. Annually, $10.6 billion is spent on wildlife watching in Georgia, bringing revenue to local businesses and communities. The development of a trail that highlights sites for both Georgians and travelers could have meaningful impacts on rural communities and local economies.

Our goal is to make the Georgia Birding Trail welcoming to all levels of birders and nature enthusiasts by strategically selecting sites that are easily accessible and have ample amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, visitor centers, and interpretive signage. While these types of sites will make up the majority of the trail, we will also include other top birding hotspots that may not be as easily navigable. To make your trip planning and visiting experience as informed as possible, we will be collecting information for each site about access, amenities, and relevant website links. A website is currently in development that will contain maps of the sub-trails and individual sites, as well as general information on Birding 101, birding and photography ethics, and birding by habitat.

By partnering with sites that offer educational opportunities through interpretation and nature walks, the trail will help amplify these efforts through collaboration. We want to foster a sense of stewardship and a deep appreciation for nature both near and afar, and learning is most effective when people feel comfortable and welcome. We are excited to offer continual bird walks, workshops, and talks geared toward a diverse range of audiences, and we hope to instill a feeling of community for like-minded folks and inspire the next generation of young environmental stewards.

The official Georgia Birding Trail logo features the Southeastern American Kestrel, an iconic cavity-nesting falcon species. This subspecies of the American Kestrel is a non-migratory resident across the Southeast and requires open, fire-maintained sandhills, savannas, and grasslands. They are declining due to habitat loss, habitat mismanagement, and a loss of natural nest sites. The kestrel symbolizes power, beauty, and the vital connection between habitat health and conservation. You can find kestrels throughout the state by exploring the right habitat and keeping your eye to the sky, and several of our trail sites will be located in kestrel habitat.

Partnerships are key for birding trails, and most statewide trail efforts are managed by multiple partners, including state agencies, state or local Audubon chapters, and state ornithological societies. We are excited to be partnering with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, local Audubon chapters, and Georgia tourism agencies to select, promote, and celebrate sites. Our growing list of partners is invaluable in helping with a project this large in scale, both geographically and conceptually. As we launch the trail next year, we will hold celebrations at select sites from each region to celebrate the trail, the local community and partners, and, of course, the birds. We will post event information on our website and in Bird Buzz. We look forward to birding with you at a trail site soon.

Birds Georgia has named Adam Betuel as its new Executive Director. Adam has been with the organization since 2015 and previously served as Senior Director of Programs and Director of Conservation.

As Executive Director, Adam will be responsible for enhancing Birds Georgia’s programs through organizational development, impactful advocacy, and continued growth. In addition to these strategic initiatives, he will oversee a roughly $2 million budget and ensure the long-term viability of the organization through successful fundraising, in cooperation with the board and staff, to meet the financial and strategic needs of the organization.

“Adam’s proven leadership in bird conservation and his deep commitment to Birds Georgia make him the ideal person to guide the organization into its next century,” says Marc Goncher, Chair, Board of Directors. “As we approach Birds Georgia’s 100th anniversary in 2026, Adam’s vision and dedication will help us celebrate a remarkable legacy while expanding our impact for the future of Georgia’s birds and communities.”

Adam Betuel has led Birds Georgia’s conservation efforts for more than a decade, transforming the program from a single part-time role into a statewide team of six full-time professionals. He has secured and managed more than a million dollars in grants, expanded habitat restoration work, and cultivated philanthropic partnerships to advance the organization’s mission. Adam spearheaded the development of Project Safe Flight and Lights Out Georgia, now among the strongest bird-collision prevention programs in the Southeast. Adam has represented Birds Georgia at state, regional, and national conferences, been featured in various media outlets, and led dozens of Birds Georgia travel programs to birding destinations around the world.

A trained ornithologist, Adam received his Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology and Animal Biology from The Ohio State University in 2007, and led a graduate study at Indiana State University from 2010 to 2015 on the molecular ecology and breeding behavior of the White-throated Sparrow. He just completed two terms as the second vice president of the Georgia Ornithological Society and is currently an official eBird Reviewer. He lives in Kennesaw with his wife and daughter.

“It’s an incredible honor to lead Birds Georgia at such a pivotal moment in our history,” says Adam Betuel. “I’m excited to continue growing our conservation impact, connecting more people with nature, and celebrating 100 years of protecting and enjoying Georgia’s incredible birds.”

Please join us in congratulating Adam on his new role!