Above: Birds Georgia Trip to Maine with Mt. Khatahdin in the background.
travel with BIRDS georgia
Birds Georgia was founded to foster the joy of birding and to protect bird-friendly habitat around the state. In the decades since our founding, the organization has evolved into one of Georgia's leading conservation and education organizations. The Birds Georgia Travel Program strengthens current goals to protect the region's birds by instilling a love of nature that will impact conservation, education, and community engagement on a local level.
Birds Georgia's Travel Program offers small-group travel with knowledgeable guides to exciting regional, domestic, and international locations. Special care is taken to develop custom itineraries for each tour that will appeal to all levels of bird and nature enthusiasts.
Current members of Birds Georgia and subscribers to our twice-monthly BirdBuzz e-newsletter receive the latest information related to upcoming trips and registration dates. Join Birds Georgia as a member (or renew your membership) or subscribe to the BirdBuzz e-newsletter to stay up to date.
Early Registration Access for Leadership Giving Circle members
By making a commitment of $1,000 or more each year, Leadership Giving Circle members help deepen our work to protect birds and habitat from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between. Leadership Giving Circle members receive exclusive benefits, including early access to our travel program registration, discounts on store purchases, and access to special Leadership Circle trips.
To learn more, visit our Leadership Giving Circle page.
Birds Georgia's Travel Program offers small-group travel with knowledgeable guides to exciting regional, domestic, and international locations. Special care is taken to develop custom itineraries for each tour that will appeal to all levels of bird and nature enthusiasts.
Current members of Birds Georgia and subscribers to our twice-monthly BirdBuzz e-newsletter receive the latest information related to upcoming trips and registration dates. Join Birds Georgia as a member (or renew your membership) or subscribe to the BirdBuzz e-newsletter to stay up to date.
Early Registration Access for Leadership Giving Circle members
By making a commitment of $1,000 or more each year, Leadership Giving Circle members help deepen our work to protect birds and habitat from the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between. Leadership Giving Circle members receive exclusive benefits, including early access to our travel program registration, discounts on store purchases, and access to special Leadership Circle trips.
To learn more, visit our Leadership Giving Circle page.
upcoming trips
St. Marks and the Florida Panhandle
February 6 to 8, 2026
Bald Eagle. Photo by Susan Berthelot.
Birds Georgia Guides: Sheridan Alford and Gabe Andrle
Group Size: Limited to 16 participants
Virtual Pre-trip Workshop via Zoom meeting: Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM
Registration:
Join Sheridan Alford and Gabe Andrle for a two and a half day trip exploring St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas in the Florida Panhandle.
Established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, St. Marks NWR is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This Globally Important Bird Area encompasses more than 70,000 acres of coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, supporting a diverse community of plant and animal life, including more than 300 species of birds. In addition to large numbers of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, we expect to see beautiful wading birds like Roseate Spoonbills, nesting Bald Eagles, and possibly even Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. In recent years, the refuge has also provided a winter home for rarities like Vermilion Flycatchers and Red-throated Loons.
Weather dependent, we have a chance to join local researchers on a nighttime survey for rails. We’ll also explore Wakulla Springs State Park, including a short riverboat tour of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. This wildlife viewing trip among majestic bald cypress trees offers great looks at waterfowl and wading birds, as well alligators, turtles, and possibly otters and manatees. We will also spend some time at Bald Point State Park for additional opportunities to view shorebirds, rails, and overwintering songbirds.
Group Size: Limited to 16 participants
Virtual Pre-trip Workshop via Zoom meeting: Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 PM
Registration:
- Birds Georgia Members: $400 per person
- Non-members: $460 per person (includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Join Sheridan Alford and Gabe Andrle for a two and a half day trip exploring St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas in the Florida Panhandle.
Established in 1931 to provide wintering habitat for migratory birds, St. Marks NWR is one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. This Globally Important Bird Area encompasses more than 70,000 acres of coastal marshes, islands, tidal creeks and estuaries of seven north Florida rivers, supporting a diverse community of plant and animal life, including more than 300 species of birds. In addition to large numbers of wintering waterfowl and shorebirds, we expect to see beautiful wading birds like Roseate Spoonbills, nesting Bald Eagles, and possibly even Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. In recent years, the refuge has also provided a winter home for rarities like Vermilion Flycatchers and Red-throated Loons.
Weather dependent, we have a chance to join local researchers on a nighttime survey for rails. We’ll also explore Wakulla Springs State Park, including a short riverboat tour of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. This wildlife viewing trip among majestic bald cypress trees offers great looks at waterfowl and wading birds, as well alligators, turtles, and possibly otters and manatees. We will also spend some time at Bald Point State Park for additional opportunities to view shorebirds, rails, and overwintering songbirds.
This trip is now full. Please join the wait list below. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
South Dakota: Badlands & Black Hills
May 31 to June 7, 2026
Black-backed Woodpecker. Photo by Nathan Hall, Audubon Photography Awards.
Guides: Gabe Andrle (Birds Georgia) with Steve Huggins, Red Hill Birding. Additional guide will be added pending final registration number.
Group Size: 13 people max
Fees:
Birds Georgia Member: $4500*
Non-member: $4560* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for a non-shared hotel room: $730/person
*Based on double occupancy and 13 participants. See more details below if traveling solo
*We will do our best to avoid this scenario, but depending on group construction, solo travelers may be forced to pay a single supplement. All efforts will be made to avoid this expense though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Pre-trip Meeting: TBD via Zoom
Questions? Please email Gabe Andrle
South Dakota encompasses a wealth of birding opportunities across landscapes of surprising diversity. Much of the state is grassland, or former grassland converted to crops and pasture, but hills, large reservoirs, and wooded areas provide contrast. The abundance of public lands, dotted with small towns and tourist attractions, provides a fantastic cross section of landscapes, birds, and Americana.
This trip will take participants from Badlands National Park, with its incredible rock formations, to the Black Hills, an outpost of the Rocky Mountains which reach an elevation of over 7,000 ft., and then on to the vast Great Plains north of the Black Hills. We'll also spend a couple of days in Northeastern Wyoming, exploring Thunder Basin National Grasslands, which lies between the Big Horn Mountains and Black Hills of South Dakota.
The state’s major icon is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which also sits amid some of South Dakota’s best birding. The rugged Black Hills host nesting birds such as Ruffed Grouse, Red-naped Sapsucker, Say’s Phoebe, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Dipper, Western Tanager, and Red Crossbill, to name only a few.
This trip will feature a variety of western birds, including species like American Dipper, Rock and Canyon Wrens, Lark Bunting, Ferruginous Hawk, and Burrowing Owl (not to mention bighorn sheep, bison, and other western mammals). We'll also encounter some eastern bird species at the western edge of their typical distribution, including birds like Brown Thrasher, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Orchard Oriole.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Group Size: 13 people max
Fees:
Birds Georgia Member: $4500*
Non-member: $4560* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for a non-shared hotel room: $730/person
*Based on double occupancy and 13 participants. See more details below if traveling solo
*We will do our best to avoid this scenario, but depending on group construction, solo travelers may be forced to pay a single supplement. All efforts will be made to avoid this expense though it cannot be guaranteed. Impacted travelers, should they decide to cancel, will be reimbursed following the cancellation policy below.
Pre-trip Meeting: TBD via Zoom
Questions? Please email Gabe Andrle
South Dakota encompasses a wealth of birding opportunities across landscapes of surprising diversity. Much of the state is grassland, or former grassland converted to crops and pasture, but hills, large reservoirs, and wooded areas provide contrast. The abundance of public lands, dotted with small towns and tourist attractions, provides a fantastic cross section of landscapes, birds, and Americana.
This trip will take participants from Badlands National Park, with its incredible rock formations, to the Black Hills, an outpost of the Rocky Mountains which reach an elevation of over 7,000 ft., and then on to the vast Great Plains north of the Black Hills. We'll also spend a couple of days in Northeastern Wyoming, exploring Thunder Basin National Grasslands, which lies between the Big Horn Mountains and Black Hills of South Dakota.
The state’s major icon is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which also sits amid some of South Dakota’s best birding. The rugged Black Hills host nesting birds such as Ruffed Grouse, Red-naped Sapsucker, Say’s Phoebe, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Dipper, Western Tanager, and Red Crossbill, to name only a few.
This trip will feature a variety of western birds, including species like American Dipper, Rock and Canyon Wrens, Lark Bunting, Ferruginous Hawk, and Burrowing Owl (not to mention bighorn sheep, bison, and other western mammals). We'll also encounter some eastern bird species at the western edge of their typical distribution, including birds like Brown Thrasher, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Orchard Oriole.
Please Note: Credit card processing fees are now included in the registration price.
Brazil 2026 - The World-Class Pantanal: Jaguars to Jabiru
With Optional Extension: Endemics in a Globally Endangered Biome
Main tour: July 10 to 20, 2026
Extension (optional): July 21 to July 25, 2026
Main tour: July 10 to 20, 2026
Extension (optional): July 21 to July 25, 2026
Hyacinth Macaw. Photo by Supreet Sahoo, Audubon Photography Awards.
Leaders: Adam Betuel (Birds Georgia Senior Director of Programs) and Xavier Muñoz (Neblina Forest)
Group Size: Main tour: 12 people (can be run with 10 or fewer at an elevated price)/ Extension: 11 people (can be run with 8 or fewer at an elevated price)
Fees:
Main tour
Member: $6,685*
Nonmember: $6,745* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia family membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $550/person
Extension
Member: $2,380*
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $150/person
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
Questions? Please contact Adam Betuel at [email protected]
As South Americas largest nation, Brazil is full of diverse habitats, cultures, and one of the worlds largest avian species list. One of Brazil’s most well-known regions from an ecological diversity perspective is the Texas-sized wetland complex known as the Pantanal. This ecosystem, roughly ten times larger than the Everglades, is the world’s largest freshwater wetland. It is comprised of a mix of savannas, woodlands, and various types of aquatic systems, all draining in to the Paraguay River. This mosaic provides a world-class backdrop for enjoying unfathomable bird life, South America’s “Big 5” of mammals, a sense of adventure as we venture down aquatic channels and into remote grasslands, and also connects us to the relaxed ranching communities that call the region home.
This trip is scheduled to occur during the dry season in the Pantanal, which should increase chances of wildlife viewing as concentrated water sources attract birds and mammals from the larger area. We will have great chances of seeing some of the regions most desired bird species including Toco Toucan, Hyacinth Macaw, Red-legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, and the Helmeted Manakin. Additionally, we expect a handful of kingfisher species, an abundance of wading species including Sunbittern, songbirds foreign to most North American birders such as Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Sayaca Tanager, Purplish Jays, and Orange-headed Tanager. These are just a few of the hundreds of species we expect to encounter.
While this tour is a birdwatchers dream, one cannot venture into the depths of the Pantanal and not commune with its breathtaking mammals and other non-avian wildlife. We will specifically target, and have a good chances at locating, the largest cat species in the Americas: The Jaguar! This region is a famous site to watch this species attempt to capture Yacare Caiman and other prey from the banks of the rivers and tributaries that drain through the Pantanal. While any Jaguar sighting will probably steal the show, we will also have chances to spot next-level wildlife including Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Brazilian Tapir, multiple monkey species, Capybara, Red Brocket Deer, Crab-eating Fox, and if we are really lucky, Maned Wolf.
On this adventure, we will stay on a houseboat hotel, drive to the literal end of the pavement, eat the famous Brazilian Churrascaria cuisine, take small boat excursions and safari-like drives, and enjoy the southern constellations under clear skies. Cattle Ranches will serve as our lodging on multiple occasions and will allow for some restful afternoons, unless you are busy chasing down the stunning photo opportunities at the nearby feeders. This will be an outstanding visit to one of the world’s great wild places, in safe and comfortable surroundings, with experienced guides. Don’t miss this amazing chance.
For those who want another taste of Brazil before heading home, we are offering an extension to the endemic rich Atlantic Rainforest north of Sao Paolo. The Atlantic Rainforest is one of the most imperiled habitats in the world and within these increasingly smaller and smaller forest patches occur some truly outstanding birdlife. We will visit low, mid, and higher elevation forests, each harboring different vegetative communities and associated bird species. Imagine the colorful jewels and amazingly unfamiliar birds that have filled your dreams: Red-breasted Toucan, Brazilian Ruby, Green-headed Tanager, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Blue-backed Manakin, Golden-chevroned Tanager, and so many more. This short but full extension will provide a perfect complement to the main expedition into the Pantanal.
Group Size: Main tour: 12 people (can be run with 10 or fewer at an elevated price)/ Extension: 11 people (can be run with 8 or fewer at an elevated price)
Fees:
Main tour
Member: $6,685*
Nonmember: $6,745* (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia family membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $550/person
Extension
Member: $2,380*
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $150/person
*Based on double occupancy. See more details below if traveling solo
Questions? Please contact Adam Betuel at [email protected]
As South Americas largest nation, Brazil is full of diverse habitats, cultures, and one of the worlds largest avian species list. One of Brazil’s most well-known regions from an ecological diversity perspective is the Texas-sized wetland complex known as the Pantanal. This ecosystem, roughly ten times larger than the Everglades, is the world’s largest freshwater wetland. It is comprised of a mix of savannas, woodlands, and various types of aquatic systems, all draining in to the Paraguay River. This mosaic provides a world-class backdrop for enjoying unfathomable bird life, South America’s “Big 5” of mammals, a sense of adventure as we venture down aquatic channels and into remote grasslands, and also connects us to the relaxed ranching communities that call the region home.
This trip is scheduled to occur during the dry season in the Pantanal, which should increase chances of wildlife viewing as concentrated water sources attract birds and mammals from the larger area. We will have great chances of seeing some of the regions most desired bird species including Toco Toucan, Hyacinth Macaw, Red-legged Seriema, Greater Rhea, and the Helmeted Manakin. Additionally, we expect a handful of kingfisher species, an abundance of wading species including Sunbittern, songbirds foreign to most North American birders such as Scarlet-headed Blackbird, Sayaca Tanager, Purplish Jays, and Orange-headed Tanager. These are just a few of the hundreds of species we expect to encounter.
While this tour is a birdwatchers dream, one cannot venture into the depths of the Pantanal and not commune with its breathtaking mammals and other non-avian wildlife. We will specifically target, and have a good chances at locating, the largest cat species in the Americas: The Jaguar! This region is a famous site to watch this species attempt to capture Yacare Caiman and other prey from the banks of the rivers and tributaries that drain through the Pantanal. While any Jaguar sighting will probably steal the show, we will also have chances to spot next-level wildlife including Giant Anteater, Giant Otter, Brazilian Tapir, multiple monkey species, Capybara, Red Brocket Deer, Crab-eating Fox, and if we are really lucky, Maned Wolf.
On this adventure, we will stay on a houseboat hotel, drive to the literal end of the pavement, eat the famous Brazilian Churrascaria cuisine, take small boat excursions and safari-like drives, and enjoy the southern constellations under clear skies. Cattle Ranches will serve as our lodging on multiple occasions and will allow for some restful afternoons, unless you are busy chasing down the stunning photo opportunities at the nearby feeders. This will be an outstanding visit to one of the world’s great wild places, in safe and comfortable surroundings, with experienced guides. Don’t miss this amazing chance.
For those who want another taste of Brazil before heading home, we are offering an extension to the endemic rich Atlantic Rainforest north of Sao Paolo. The Atlantic Rainforest is one of the most imperiled habitats in the world and within these increasingly smaller and smaller forest patches occur some truly outstanding birdlife. We will visit low, mid, and higher elevation forests, each harboring different vegetative communities and associated bird species. Imagine the colorful jewels and amazingly unfamiliar birds that have filled your dreams: Red-breasted Toucan, Brazilian Ruby, Green-headed Tanager, Black-and-gold Cotinga, Blue-backed Manakin, Golden-chevroned Tanager, and so many more. This short but full extension will provide a perfect complement to the main expedition into the Pantanal.
Please register to join the wait list. We will contact you if a space opens and will collect your payment at that time.
Evergreen birding in the pacific northwest
September 9 to 18, 2026
Townsend's Warbler. Photo courtesy Red Hill Birding.
Guides: Adam Betuel, Co-Executive Director, Interim, Birds Georgia & Steve Huggins, Red Hill Birding. An additional guide will be added depending on group size.
Group Size: 12 people
Member price: $6,030*
Non-member price: $6,090 * (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $890/person
*Based on double occupancy and 12 participants. See more details below if travelling solo
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to be in September. The tourist crowds are gone, the weather is dry, sunny, and lovely, and birds are pouring south along the Pacific towards their non-breeding grounds. This trip will feature some of the top resident birds and migrants in the region, during the peak of fall migration, and will also include a pelagic trip.
Among the beautiful scenery of the coastline, the Olympic rainforest, and the Cascade Mountains, the group will look for many classic Pacific coast birds. Along the coast, we will search for birds like Wandering Tattler, Pacific Loon, and Marbled Murrelet; in the forests we’ll effort for Sooty and Dusky Grouses, Pacific Wren, and White-headed Woodpecker; and we’ll scan for migrants like innumerable shorebirds, ducks, and seabirds.
Join longtime Birds Georgia guide, Adam Betuel, as well as Steve Huggins from Red Hill Birding, on this stunning and bird-rich itinerary.
Group Size: 12 people
Member price: $6,030*
Non-member price: $6,090 * (Includes a one-year Birds Georgia membership)
Single supplement for non-shared hotel room: $890/person
*Based on double occupancy and 12 participants. See more details below if travelling solo
The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place to be in September. The tourist crowds are gone, the weather is dry, sunny, and lovely, and birds are pouring south along the Pacific towards their non-breeding grounds. This trip will feature some of the top resident birds and migrants in the region, during the peak of fall migration, and will also include a pelagic trip.
Among the beautiful scenery of the coastline, the Olympic rainforest, and the Cascade Mountains, the group will look for many classic Pacific coast birds. Along the coast, we will search for birds like Wandering Tattler, Pacific Loon, and Marbled Murrelet; in the forests we’ll effort for Sooty and Dusky Grouses, Pacific Wren, and White-headed Woodpecker; and we’ll scan for migrants like innumerable shorebirds, ducks, and seabirds.
Join longtime Birds Georgia guide, Adam Betuel, as well as Steve Huggins from Red Hill Birding, on this stunning and bird-rich itinerary.
2 spots remain!
trips we're planning...
Be sure to join Birds Georgia as a member to ensure you receive all updates regarding the Birds Georgia Travel Program. Registration for the following trips will open later this year.
- Colombia
- Arizona
- India
