Schedule:

Birding at Pole Bridge Creek
For Georgia Bird Fest Patrons Only

8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Leader: Patrick Maurice
Limited to 15 participants
Cost: $35/person
Location: Lithonia, GA (DeKalb County)
Difficulty Level: Moderate; no restrooms

The mixed habitat surrounding Pole Bridge Wastewater Treatment Facility has become a highly popular birding location among local birders in South DeKalb County, thanks in large part to a few rarities and several surprises that have been found here over the years. Although public access is limited, over 150 species of birds have been identified at this single location in the metro-Atlanta area. Join Patrick Maurice, one of the current Georgia Big Day record-holders, as we look for grassland birds such as Wild Turkey, Eastern Meadowlark, and possibly Bobolink. This is also a great opportunity to possibly find breeding American Kestrels, an uncommon sight in metro Atlanta. We will also look for migrating shorebirds, warblers, thrushes, and sparrows.

Raptor Walk at Chattahoochee Nature Center
For Georgia Bird Fest Patrons Only

1:00 to 2:30 PM
Leader: Kathryn Dudeck
Limited to 10 participants
Cost: $35/person(includes admission to Chattahoochee Nature Center
Location: 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, GA (Fulton County)
Difficulty Level: Easy

From owls to hawks, eagles to vultures, join Chattahoochee Nature Center for a guided tour of their Wildlife Walk, home to rehabilitated, non-releasable birds of prey. Get an up-close look at species of raptors found across Georgia with wildlife director and rehabilitator, Kathryn Dudeck, who will share their natural history, personal stories that brought them into CNC’s care, and introduce you to a special avian ambassador. Afterward, feel free to explore the 127 acres of Chattahoochee Nature Center’s property and the variety of birds that call it home.

Bird Banding at Oglethorpe University
For Georgia Bird Fest Patrons Only

Time: 10:00 to 11:30 AM
Event Leader: Roarke Donnelly
Limited to 20 participants
Cost: $35
Difficulty: Easy

This learning adventure will explore Oglethorpe University’s Nature Trail to discuss bird banding and the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Program (MAPS). Faculty and students completed their inaugural MAPS banding season last summer and will discuss their findings.