Georgia Magazine - August 2010 - (Page 19)

NANCY CROSBY See it all at the Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival BY NANCY H. CROSBY For the birds 1 WILLIAM FLATAU DEBBIE MUMFORD NANCY CROSBY 2 3 T he Georgia Coast Birding and Nature Festival, Oct. 7-10, provides a generous assortment of watchable wildlife. Along the coast in October is the greatest diversity of species within a wide variety of habitats. More than 200 bird species are usually spotted during the festival. Shorelines, salt marshes, rice fields, woodlands, tidal rivers, freshwater wetlands and more host their own fascinating natural communities. Late summer rains prompt a vast array of butterflies and dragonflies including species only seen during fall migration, with the barrier islands providing species seldom seen elsewhere in Georgia. New to birding? Start in Jekyll’s historic district, headquarters for the festival. In addition to the field trips, there are four categories of funfilled, interactive family sessions focusing on birds, sea turtles, the marsh and beach. In one, an experienced leader will demonstrate how to use binoculars and take you for a short walk to experience firsthand the thrill of studying a bird up close. On the beach, seine nets will be pulled, and in the marsh, samples taken to explore the creatures collected in these ecosystems. Terry Norton of Georgia Sea Turtle Center [see “Saving Spitfire and other sea turtles,” August 2008, page 16] will speak on sea turtles, and after the session, a turtle will be released back (Continued on page 20) 4 1) Lydia Thompson explores some of Jekyll’s best birding spots. Lydia serves as one of the birding ambassadors for the Coastal Georgia Audubon Society. 2) A reddish egret races for his supper. 3) Birders identify species with the assistance of field trip guides. 4) A gray kingbird, seen on Jekyll Island, always spends its winter in the Caribbean. Get up close and personal Imagine getting a very close look at a beautiful tiny warbler! The field trip to Jekyll Island Banding Station (JIBS) can provide the opportunity to observe and perhaps even hold and release one of 20 or more species of warblers. Each October, hundreds of migrating birds are captured in mist nets, banded, measured and released in the midst of the sand dunes and scrub forest. Scientists use JIBS data to understand migration patterns and popu- Patrick Maurice, of Atlanta, expelation trends.The importance of maintaining habitat for riences firsthand the thrill of migrating birds was clearly demonstrated by one, whiteholding and releasing a tiny blackeyed vireo that gained 50 percent of its body weight dur- throated blue (female) warbler ing a seven-day rest at Jekyll’s South Beach. on a festival trip to JIBS. During the fall, some JIBS birds migrate thousands of miles to winter on the Caribbean Islands. Started in 1978 by Don Cohrs and his wife Doris, JIBS is now operated by Chris Pitman and volunteers who spend hundreds of hours netting thousands of birds. JIBS data about bird migration in the Atlantic flyway helps keep Jekyll Island’s South Beach pristine and undeveloped. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org 19 August 2010 http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - August 2010

Georgia Magazine - August 2010
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Festival Guide
Currents
Warner Robins Hits a Home Run
More Little League Action
For the Birds
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Georgia Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Cookbook of the Month
Snapshot
Additional Snapshot Photos
Bonus Recipe of the Month

Georgia Magazine - August 2010