ANNOUNCING
The Georgia Ornithological Society’s
Fall Meeting
2-4 October 2015
Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center
1175 Beachview Drive Jekyll Island, Georgia 31527
SATURDAY NIGHT’S KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
"Today’s Office" by Sharon Stiteler (aka The Birdchick) Minneapolis, Minnesota
REGISTER
Sharon Stiteler was given Peterson’s A Field Guide to Birds when she was seven years old and she snapped. She loves birds…it’s just the way she’s wired. Since 1997, she has made it her goal to get paid to go birding. She runs the popular birding blog, Birdchick.com and has been in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, All Things Considered, and on NBC Nightly News, as well as making regular appearances on Twin Cities’ TV and radio stations. She’s an international speaker and her writing can be found in print and on the internet: WildBird Magazine, Outdoor News, Birds & Blooms, Minnesota Public Radio, and National Audubon. She wrote the books Disapproving Rabbits, City Birds/Country Birds, and 1001 Secrets Every Birder Should Know. She’s #32 in the Geek a Week Trading Card set and works as a National Park Ranger. When she’s not digi-scoping or banding birds, she’s a blue ribbon beekeeper. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram under Birdchick. |
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Meeting Hotel Details
Villas by the Seas Resort and Conference Center
1175 Beachview Drive
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Call (800) 841-6262 or (912) 635-2521 for reservations.
Website: Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center Home Page
Mini Villa/Studio Villa - $99.00
One Bedroom Villa - $119.00 Islandside / $129.00 Oceanside
Two Bedroom Villa - $149.00 Islandside / $159.00 Oceanside
Three Bedroom Villa - $179.00 Islandside / $189.00 Oceanside
Use the group code “GOS” to receive the group rate. A two-night minimum is required for the GOS rate.
Cut-off date for GOS rate is 2 September, 2015.
FRIDAY NIGHT’S PRESENTATION
Felicia Sanders
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The Cape Romain region of South Carolina has the largest wintering concentration of American Oystercatchers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. For the past 10 years Felicia and her research team have examined nesting, feeding habitats, nocturnal roosts, and movement patterns of this charismatic shorebird. Felicia Sanders has a B.S. in Zoology from Duke University and M.S. in Biology from Clemson University. She joined the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources in 2001 and leads South Carolina’s Coastal Bird Projects. She has worked on many avian species including red-cockaded woodpeckers, bald eagles, and wood storks, but currently is focusing on shorebirds and seabirds. Felicia is an Assistant Professor (adjunct) at Clemson University and the College of Charleston and works with many coastal bird research projects.
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SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE |
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Friday, 2 October 2015Meet Field Trip Leaders on Your OwnDinner on Your OwnRegistration and Flocking (cash bar) 6:30 to 7:30 PM7:30 to 8:30 PM - Felicia Sanders “American Oystercatcher: 10 Years of Monitoring in the Cape Romain Region, South Carolina”8:30 to 8:45 PM - Discussion of Saturday Field Trips
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Saturday, 3 October 2015Breakfast on Your Own6:15 AM – First Field Trip Departs2:30 PM – Field Trips Return
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Sunday, 4 October 2015Breakfast on Your Own6:45 AM – First Field Trip Departs |
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Field Trips
Note: Unless otherwise noted, all times are departure/return times to Villas by the Sea Resort and Conference Center.
*For all Friday field trips, please meet your Field Trip Leader at the birding location at the designated start time.
*For all Sunday field trips, there will be no return trips to the hotel.
*For your personal comfort, safety, and enjoyment, always bring your binoculars, spotting scope, sturdy walking shoes, layers of clothing, rain gear, insect repellent, sun screen, water, and a sack lunch or snacks on all field trips. Be advised that most trip destinations do not have bathroom facilities.
FRIDAY October 2
GLENNVILLE WATER TREATEMENT FACILITY
Leader: Gene Wilkinson.
Meet Gene at the water treatment facility at 9:00 AM. Trip ends at 1:00 PM. Limit: 15. Cost: $0.00.
Join Glennville resident Gene Wilkinson for a two-mile hike around the impoundments of this wonderful birding site. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn left onto US-17 S and travel approx. 5.4 miles to I-95 N. Turn right to merge onto I-95 N, then continue on I-95 N for approx. 28.8 miles to exit 58 for GA-57 W/GA-99 N toward Townsend Rd / Eulonia. Continue on GA-57 W for approx. 42.6 miles, then turn right onto Pecan Rd. Continue on Pecan Rd. for 0.8 miles, then turn left into the Water Treatment Facility. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.913, -81.926”.
JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION
Leader: Evan Pitman
Meet Evan at JIBS at 7:30 AM. Trip ends at 10:30 AM. Limit: 15. Cost: $0.00.
The Jekyll Island Banding Station is a non-profit all volunteer bird banding station operating on the south end of Jekyll Island since 1978. Dedicated licensed banders and bird enthusiasts band Neotropical passerines during fall migration for scientific study and education. Visitors will have excellent photo opportunities and will be given a tour of mist netting operations. Bring adequate water, bug repellent, snacks, a spotting scope, and comfortable hiking boots. Trip rigor: Easy. Note: Managers of JIBS greatly appreciate donations to cover annual costs of nets and other costs.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto S. Beach View Dr. Go 2.6 miles, turn left onto Macy Lane. Park by other cars at the end of the road on the right side.
CORPS OF ENGINEERS DISPOSAL SITE, JASPER COUNTY, SC
Leader: Steve Calver.
Meet Steve at the entrance road to the spoil site at 7:00 AM. Trip end at 12:00 PM. Limit: 20 people and five SUV-type vehicles. Cost: $0.00 Join Steve for a rare chance to bird this restricted area. The site is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge spoil facility. Habitats include grassy levees, mudflats, and impoundments. This area holds ducks, shorebirds, waders, sparrows, and raptors. Expect to sign a few waivers at the site before entry. Trip rigor: Moderate with a good deal of walking.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn left onto US-17 S. Turn right to merge onto I-95 N. Take I-95 N to I-16 E. Take the US-17 N exit. Continue on US-17 North, cross the Talmadge Bridge, then cross the Back River Bridge, then turn right into a small parking area immediately after you enter South Carolina. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “32.105, -81.084”.
SAPELO ISLAND
Leaders: Malcolm Hodges and John Mark Simmons. Directions to the dock.
Meet Malcom and John at the Meridian dock at 8:00 AM. Ferry leaves Sapelo at 5:30 PM. Limit: 15 people. Cost: $25.00 (paid with your registration) plus a $5.00 ferry fee (paid at the dock).
Although this island is known to birders as the only Georgia location for the much sought after (and elusive) Plain Chachalaca, this 16,000 acre, 11-mile long island has a rich history and a diverse assemblage of birds within its pristine maritime forests, marshes, and beaches. Trip rigor: Moderate, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for 20.1 miles to GA-99 N. Turn right onto GA-99 N and continue for 8 miles to Landing Rd. Turn right onto Landing Rd for 0.5 miles. Continue onto Sapelo Dock Rd., then turn right. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.454, -81.365”.
ST. CATHERINES ISLAND - This trip has been filled.
Leaders: Rachel and Steve Holzman.
Assemble at the dock at 7:45 AM. Return: 5:00 PM. Limit: 8 people Cost: $35.00 (all funds will be transferred to the SCI Foundation).
The St. Catherines Island Foundation owns this island and operates it for charitable, scientific, literary, and educational purposes. The Foundation aims to promote conservation of natural resources, the preservation of historic sites, and to expand human knowledge in the fields of ecology, botany, zoology, natural history, archaeology, and other scientific and educational disciplines. Wildlife abounds due to miles of unspoiled beaches, dense maritime forest and interior wetlands. We'll tour most habitats on the island including beach, pine flatwoods, maritime forest, and salt marsh. Trip rigor: Moderate, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: From I-95 N take Exit 76 (GA-84, Midway). Drive east on US-84 for approx. 7.5 miles. Turn right onto Kings Rd. Continue on Kings Rd for 0.9 miles, then turn right onto Camellia Rd. Continue on Camellia Rd. for 0.2 miles, then turn left into a dirt driveway. There are two mailboxes, one with a small St. Catherines sticker at this intersection. Park anywhere, remembering to stay off the road which circles the parking lot. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.701, -81.275”.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
ANDREWS ISLAND CAUSEWAY
Leader: Chris Depkin.
Meet Chris on the Andrews Island Causeway at 8:00 AM. Return: 2:00 PM. Limit: 24. Cost: $0.00.
Andrews Island is currently managed by the Department of Transportation and access is restricted, so take advantage of this opportunity! The causeway leading to the Spoils Site is a special treat with frequent sightings of Roseate Spoonbills, Clapper Rails, American White Pelicans, American Avocets, and Ammodramus sparrows. The Spoils Site serves as a depository for dredged spoil from nearby waterways and attracts a wide range of migrating, breeding, and wintering birds. When water is plentiful, shorebirds, wading birds, and ducks are present in large numbers. At high tide, many shorebirds use it as a resting site when their usual feeding areas in the surrounding channels are flooded. We are seeking permission to carpool into the Spoils Site, but walking may be necessary. Come prepared.
Directions: -Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E and continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for approx. 2.3 miles. In Brunswick, turn left onto 4th Ave. Turn right onto Newcastle St. Turn left onto 1st Ave. Turn right onto Bay St. Continue on Bay St., then US-341 past the marina, then turn left onto Andrews Island Causeway (first gravel road past the marina). If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.163, -81.500”.
ALTAMAHA SOUND BOAT TRIP
Leaders: Tim Keyes and Captain Phillip.
Meet at the Champney Island boat dock no later than 9:45 AM. Return: 5:00 PM. Limit: 35. Cost: $65.00.
Join Tim and Capt. Phillips as you cruise around Wolf, Rhetts, Little Egg, and Little St. Simons Islands looking through flocks of shorebirds that roost in the Altamaha Sound. Trip rigor: Easy, but be prepared for rough water. Note: The boat will depart from the Champney Island dock promptly at 10:00 am.
Directions: -Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E and continue to US-17 N. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for approx. 20 miles (go PAST the restaurant on the right, over the bridge to the Champney Island Boat Ramp on your right). If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.33606, -81.44867”.
ALTAMAHA WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT AREA
Leader: Chris Thornton.
Meet Chris at the Old Dairy Barn at 8:00 AM. Return 2:00 PM. Limit: 20. Cost: $0.00.
The 27,000 acre Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area near Darien consists of 3,154 acres of managed freshwater and brackish waterfowl impoundments, bottomland hardwoods, and cypress-tupelo swamps. It is one of the premier waterfowl migration areas in Georgia. It also provides habitat for a tremendous diversity of other birds including Wilson’s Snipe, Common and Purple Gallinules, White and Glossy Ibises, numerous species of egrets and herons, Black-necked Stilts, migratory shorebirds, and a wide range of raptors, falcon, and owls. Birding is from the dikes or observation towers. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking. Note: You must possess a GORP pass to access this WMA. Passes can be purchased online for $3.50 for a three-day pass or $19.00 for an annual pass. For more information or to purchase and print GORP pass, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/Georgia-Outdoor-Recreational-Pass.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E. Continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway, then turn right onto US-17 N. Continue on US-17 N for approx. 18.5 mi, then turn right into the old dairy barn parking lot across the road from the main WMA complex. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.350, -81.446”.
CANNON’S POINT, ST SIMONS ISLAND
Leader: Bob Sattelmeyer.
Depart 7:00 AM. Return 1:00 PM. Limit 15. Cost: $0.00.
Join Bob at this newly acquired conservation area. The 608-acre tract comprises maritime forest, salt marsh, and tidal creeks and will be managed as a nature preserve. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: -Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N. Turn right the F.J. Torras Causway. Continue onto Kings Way. Veer left onto Sea Island Rd. Turn left onto Frederica Rd. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Lawrence Rd. Continue on Lawrence Rd. until you see the Cannon’s Point sign on the right. Turn right and follow the road to the entrance gate. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.254, -81.350”.
JEKYLL ISLAND BIRD SANCTURARY FEEDER WATCH
Leader: Lydia Thompson.
All day. Limit: no limit. Cost: $0.00
Meet Lydia at the Jekyll Island Campground Bird Sanctuary. She will be conducting an all-day-long feeder watch for passerines. Drop in for a few minutes or a few hours. Trip rigor: Easy.
Directions: -Turn right out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. Continue on Beachview Dr. for approx. 1.5 mi., then left onto Claflin Rd. Continue on Claflin Rd. and find pullouts on the side of the road in which to park. The bird feeders are located in campsite J-9. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.103, -81.411”.
JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION
Leader: Evan Pitman.
Depart: 7:30 AM. Return: 10:30 AM. Limit: 15. Cost: $0.00.
The Jekyll Island Banding Station is a non-profit all volunteer bird banding station operating on the south end of Jekyll Island since 1978. Dedicated licensed banders and bird enthusiasts band Neotropical passerines during fall migration for scientific study and education. Visitors will have excellent photo opportunities and will be given a tour of mist netting operations. Bring adequate water, bug repellent, snacks, a spotting scope, and comfortable hiking boots. Trip rigor: Easy. Note: Managers of JIBS greatly appreciate donations to cover annual costs of nets and other costs.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto S. Beach View Dr. Go 2.6 miles, turn left onto Macy Lane. Park by other cars at the end of the road on the right side.
LITTLE ST. SIMONS ISLAND - Filled
Leader: Rachel and Steve Holzman. Directions to the dock.
Depart: 7:15 AM. Return: 5:00 PM. Limit: 16 people. Cost: $50.00 (all funds will be transferred to LSSI)
Meet Rachel and Steve at the hotel at 7:15 AM for the drive to the Hampton River Marina on St. Simons Island. The boat will pick you up at 9:15 AM for a 15-minute ride to the island. You’ll board a truck equipped with benches and set off to explore the island's maritime forests, diverse wetlands, and beaches. You will depart LSSI by boat at 3:00 PM. Trip rigor: Moderate with quite a bit of walking. Be prepared for choppy water.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for approx. 4.1 miles, then turn right onto F.J. Torras Causeway. Continue on F.J. Torras Causeway, which turns into Kings Way. Veer left onto Sea Island Rd. and continue for 3.1 miles. Turn left onto Frederica Rd. and continue for approx. 2.2 miles. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Lawrence Rd. Continue on Lawrence Rd. for 3.5 miles. Continue onto Hampton Point Dr. for 3.0 miles to the Hampton River Marina. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.295, -81.343”.
SAPELO ISLAND
Leaders: Malcolm Hodges and Nathan Farnau. Directions to the dock.
Depart 6:45 AM. Return 6:15 PM. Limit: 15 people. Cost: $25 (paid with your registration) plus a $5.00 ferry fee (paid at the dock).
Although this island is known to birders as the only Georgia location for the much sought after (and elusive) Plain Chachalaca, this 16,000 acre, 11-mile long island has a rich history and a diverse assemblage of birds within its pristine maritime forests, marshes, and beaches. Trip rigor: Moderate, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for 20.1 miles to GA-99 N. Turn right onto GA-99 N and continue for 8 miles to Landing Rd. Turn right onto Landing Rd for 0.5 miles. Continue onto Sapelo Dock Rd., then turn right. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.454, -81.365”.
Sunday, 4 October 2015
ANDREWS ISLAND CAUSEWAY
Leader: Nathan Farnau.
Depart 7:00 AM. No return trip to hotel. Limit: 24. Cost: $0.00.
Andrews Island is currently managed by the Department of Transportation and access is restricted, so take advantage of this opportunity! The causeway leading to the Spoils Site is a special treat with frequent sightings of Roseate Spoonbills, Clapper Rails, American White Pelicans, American Avocets, and Ammodramus sparrows. The Spoils Site serves as a depository for dredged spoil from nearby waterways and attracts a wide range of migrating, breeding, and wintering birds. When water is plentiful, shorebirds, wading birds, and ducks are present in large numbers. At high tide, many shorebirds use it as a resting site when their usual feeding areas in the surrounding channels are flooded. We are seeking permission to carpool into the Spoils Site, but walking may be necessary. Come prepared.
Directions: -Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E and continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for approx. 2.3 miles. In Brunswick, turn left onto 4th Ave. Turn right onto Newcastle St. Turn left onto 1st Ave. Turn right onto Bay St. Continue on Bay St., then US-341 past the marina, then turn left onto Andrews Island Causeway (first gravel road past the marina). If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.163, -81.500”.
ALTAMAHA WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT AREA
Leader: Chris Thornton.
Meet Chris at the Old Dairy Barn at 8:00 AM. No return trip to hotel. Limit: 20. Cost: $0.00.
The 27,000 acre Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area near Darien consists of 3,154 acres of managed freshwater and brackish waterfowl impoundments, bottomland hardwoods, and cypress-tupelo swamps. It is one of the premier waterfowl migration areas in Georgia. It also provides habitat for a tremendous diversity of other birds including Wilson’s Snipe, Common and Purple Gallinules, White and Glossy Ibises, numerous species of egrets and herons, Black-necked Stilts, migratory shorebirds, and a wide range of raptors, falcon, and owls. Birding is from the dikes or observation towers. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking. Note: You must possess a GORP pass to access this WMA. Passes can be purchased online for $3.50 for a three-day pass or $19.00 for an annual pass. For more information or to purchase and print GORP pass, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/Georgia-Outdoor-Recreational-Pass.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E. Continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway, then turn right onto US-17 N. Continue on US-17 N for approx. 18.5 mi, then turn right into the old dairy barn parking lot across the road from the main WMA complex. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.350, -81.446”.
CANNON’S POINT, ST SIMONS ISLAND
Leader: Gene Keferl.
Depart 7:00 AM. No return trip to hotel. Limit 15. Cost: $0.00. Join Gene at this newly acquired conservation area. The 608-acre tract comprises maritime forest, salt marsh, and tidal creeks and will be managed as a nature preserve. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: -Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N. Turn right the F.J. Torras Causway. Continue onto Kings Way. Veer left onto Sea Island Rd. Turn left onto Frederica Rd. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Lawrence Rd. Continue on Lawrence Rd. until you see the Cannon’s Point sign on the right. Turn right and follow the road to the entrance gate. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.254, -81.350”.
GLENVILLE WATER TREATEMENT FACILITY
Leader: Gene Wilkinson.
Meet Gene at the water treatment facility at 9:00 AM. No return trip to hotel. Limit: 15. Cost: $0.00.
Meet Glennville resident Gene Wilkinson at the entrance to the water treatment facility at 9:00 AM for a two-mile hike around the impoundments of this wonderful birding site. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn left onto US-17 S and travel approx. 5.4 miles to I-95 N. Turn right to merge onto I-95 N, then continue on I-95 N for approx. 28.8 miles to exit 58 for GA-57 W/GA-99 N toward Townsend Rd / Eulonia. Continue on GA-57 W for approx. 42.6 miles, then turn right onto Pecan Rd. Continue on Pecan Rd. for 0.8 miles, then turn left into the Water Treatment Facility. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.913, -81.926”.
JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION
Leader: Evan Pitman.
Depart: 7:30 AM. No return trip to hotel. Limit: 15. Cost: $0.00.
The Jekyll Island Banding Station is a non-profit all volunteer bird banding station operating on the south end of Jekyll Island since 1978. Dedicated licensed banders and bird enthusiasts band Neotropical passerines during fall migration for scientific study and education. Visitors will have excellent photo opportunities and will be given a tour of mist netting operations. Bring adequate water, bug repellent, snacks, a spotting scope, and comfortable hiking boots. Trip rigor: Easy. Note: Managers of JIBS greatly appreciate donations to cover annual costs of nets and other costs.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, continue straight onto S. Beach View Dr. Go 2.6 miles, turn left onto Macy Lane. Park by other cars at the end of the road on the right side.
JEKYLL ISLAND HOT SPOTS
Leader: Diana Churchill.
Depart 7:00 AM. No return trip to hotel. Limit: 15. Cost: $0.00.
Join Diana as they visit the many hot spots of Jekyll Island. The tides will determine the order of places you visit. You’ll trek out to South Beach hoping for that stray rarity among the terns, gulls and other shorebirds and maybe some cute plovers along the rack line. Hopefully you’ll pick up a few migrants on the way to and from the beach. The amphitheater will be checked for night herons, waders, and passerine migrants. The group will hit Clam Creek looking for more luck with migrants and maybe a couple of raptors. You’ll head out the Jekyll Island Causeway to the Visitor's Center to check the mudflats and saltmarsh for shorebirds and sparrows respectively. The trip should end by lunchtime. Bring adequate water, bug repellent, snacks, a spotting scope, and comfortable hiking boots. Trip rigor: Easy.
JEKYLL ISLAND WELCOME CENTER BIG SIT
Leader: Lydia Thompson.
Limit: no limit. Cost: $0.00
Meet Lydia at the Jekyll Island Welcome Center observation tower. She will be there all day scanning for shorebirds, waders, gulls, terns, and songbirds. Drop in for a few minutes or a few hours. Trip rigor: Easy.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E. Continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway for approx. 2 miles. Turn right into the Jekyll Island Welcome Center. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.058, -81.446”.
SAPELO ISLAND
Leaders: Malcolm Hodges and James Fleullan. Directions to the dock.
Depart 6:45 AM. Limit: 15 people. Cost: $25 (paid with your registration) plus a $5.00 ferry fee (paid at the dock).
Although this island is known to birders as the only Georgia location for the much sought after (and elusive) Plain Chachalaca, this 16,000 acre, 11-mile long island has a rich history and a diverse assemblage of birds within its pristine maritime forests, marshes, and beaches. Trip rigor: Moderate, with quite a bit of walking.
Directions: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto GA-520 E, then continue onto the Jekyll Island Causeway. Turn right onto US-17 N and continue for 20.1 miles to GA-99 N. Turn right onto GA-99 N and continue for 8 miles to Landing Rd. Turn right onto Landing Rd for 0.5 miles. Continue onto Sapelo Dock Rd., then turn right. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.454, -81.365”.