Colonial Coast Birding and Nature Festival

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All departure and return times shown are to and from the Jekyll Island Convention Center

Please Note: Participants must register and tickets are required for entrance into all field trips, workshops and seminars. Tickets are not transferable. Thank you for your cooperation.

Bios for our field trip leaders & seminar speakers.

Altamaha River Delta Cruise Friday: 10:15 AM - 4:45 PM Leader: Brad Winn Saturday: 11:45 AM - 4:15 PM Leader: Diana Churchill Limit: 35 participants Fee: $65
See why the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) recognized the Altamaha River Delta as one of the major reserves for shorebirds. Little St. Simons Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island Bar, and Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge, at the mouth of the Altamaha, have been protected for the last century. These islands are important as a stopover for migratory and wintering birds traveling between the Arctic and South America. There are very few places as valuable to such a large and diverse number of coastal birds in all the southeastern United States. Cruise around these islands with our expert leader. Lunch will not be provided but there is a good restaurant right at the boat dock. Recommended Needs: Non-slip shoes that can get wet, and loose, comfortable clothing appropriate for the predicted temperature and weather conditions. Raingear, hat and sunglasses, sun protection, insect repellent, water, snacks/lunch, cameras, and binoculars Trip Rigor: Easy – boat travel can be cold and wet depending on predicted weather conditions – please dress accordingly.
Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area Friday: 7:15 AM – 1:30 PM Leader: Tim Keyes Saturday: 7:15 AM – 1:30 PM Leaders: Bill Lotz and Ken Blankenship Sunday: 7:15 AM – 1:30 PM Leaders: Paul Sykes and Carol Lambert & Jeff Sewell Monday: 7:15 AM – 1:30 PM Leader: Nathan Klaus Limit: 15 participants on Friday & Monday; 30 on Saturday & Sunday Fee: $15	Bob Churi
The Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area (WMA) offers one of the best overall birding sites in Georgia, especially in the fall. The habitat consists of a mixed pine/hardwood forest, floodplain forest, freshwater marsh shrubland, weedy fields and diked ponds. Specialties include mottled duck, black-bellied whistling duck, glossy ibis, painted bunting, rails, sparrows and other ducks. We will be birding all accessible areas, looking for early arriving sparrows and ducks, as well as lingering migrants. Lunch will not be provided, but there are several good restaurants in the area. Recommended Needs: Water-repellent boots, long sleeves and pants, insect repellent, sun protection, water, snacks, binoculars and optional spotting scope Trip Rigor: Moderate – walking on weedy dikes and paths.
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge Friday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday: 6:30 AM – 4:00 PM Leaders: Chris Depkin and Captain “Hub” Hubbard Limit: 12 participants per day Fee: $70
This barrier island’s 5,618 acres include maritime forest, salt marsh, freshwater marsh and beach habitat. In 1975, 3,000 acres of the refuge were set aside as National Wilderness. Participants will be led through some of the island’s different habitat types, including the maritime forest - which attracts a variety of neo-tropical migrants this time of year - and also Blackbeard’s magnificent, unspoiled beach where shorebird species such as American oystercatchers and endangered piping plovers may be seen. Migrant and wintering birds such as marbled godwit and peregrine falcon are also frequent beach visitors. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, lunch, drinks, snacks, non-slip shoes, raingear, backpack, binoculars and optional spotting scope. A cooler with bottled water will be available on the boat for participants. Trip Rigor: Moderate – Trail and beach walking up to approximately 3 miles total. Boat travel can be cold and wet depending on predicted weather conditions – please dress accordingly.
Cathead Creek by Kayak Friday: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM Leader: Cindy Janus – Southeast Adventure Outfitters Limit: 15 participants Fee: $65 (includes kayak rental)
We will paddle a two to three-hour loop along Cathead Creek, a 15-mile tributary of the Altamaha River. The creek flows from the “wild and woolly” Buffalo Swamp and emerges into the Darien River near the town of Darien. Paddling Cathead offers a unique opportunity to explore a brackish blackwater swamp full of cypress trees and old rice canals. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Sun protection, insect repellent, water, snacks, shoes and clothing that can get wet, raingear, zip-lock bags for any non-waterproof cameras or binoculars. Trip Rigor: Moderate – Trip is geared for beginners and can be handled by anyone with moderate physical ability. Windy conditions can make the trip more challenging.
Cumberland Island National Seashore Friday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Leader: Nathan Klaus Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Leader: Bob Sargent Sunday: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM Leader: Bill Lotz Limit: 20 participants
Fees: $4.00/person day use fee plus Ferry fee* (see ferry fee schedule below.) These fees are paid on-site to Cumberland Island NS when you arrive for your trip. All prices are subject to change. (Please have cash handy.) The festival charges no additional fee for this trip. Ferry Fees Adults - $17; Seniors (65 & older) - $15; Children (12 & under) - $12 Registrants for this field trip must make their own ferry reservations. Festival staff will not do this for you. Ferry reservations may be made by phone or fax ONLY from 10am – 4pm, Mon. – Fri. The ferry is often filled up well in advance, so it is recommended that you do so as soon as possible. Call 1-877-860-6787 for reservations and information or visit them on the web at www.nps.gov/cuis. Cumberland Island is Georgia’s southernmost and largest barrier island. This unique wildlife haven and site of historical mansions contains a wide variety of habitats including salt-water marshes, mud flats, tidal creeks, maritime oak forests, large sand dunes, inter-dune meadows, and expansive beaches. Visitors in the fall often comment on the amazing variety of shorebirds, warblers and raptors. Keep an eye out for such species as wood stork, peregrine falcon, American oystercatcher, American redstart and painted bunting. Participants will depart from the Cumberland Island Ferry dock in St. Marys, GA at 9:00 a.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.). After birding the island and some free time in the afternoon, participants will return to the mainland on the ferry which departs at 4:45 p.m. (check with park officials for exact departure sites and check-in times). Lunch will not be provided.* Recommended Needs: Optical equipment (trip leader will have a spotting scope), hat, sun protection, insect repellent, comfortable shoes & raingear, water, lunch & snacks, trash bag for packing out trash. Trip Rigor: Fairly strenuous - three to four miles of sometimes difficult trail-walking with no vehicular transportation. Participants must be prepared to carry all their gear by backpack. A short stop to picnic for lunch and a restroom break will be made near the Dungeness Mansion. Public restrooms and water fountains are available at four locations on the island including the Sea Camp Visitor Center.
Digiscoping Field Practice Sunday: 7:45 AM – 11:00 AM Leaders: Steve Ingraham (Zeiss) Limit: 20 participants Fee: $15
Bring out your own scopes and cameras, or get behind ours, and experience some hands-on digiscoping. Lots of time will be allotted for specific questions and the demonstration of particular techniques. And, if the birds and weather cooperate, we should bring back some good images and have plenty of opportunities to observe a host of bird species. To get the most out of today’s outdoor practice session, participants are encouraged to take Steve’s Friday classroom workshop on Secrets of Digiscoping (see Workshops and Seminars). Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, long sleeves and pants, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, water and snacks, binoculars, your digital camera, and (optional) spotting scope. Trip Rigor: Easy – less than a mile of walking.
Fort Stewart Saturday: 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM Monday: 5:30 AM – 1:30 PM Leader: Larry Carlile Limit: 20 participants; 5 vehicles Fee: $15
Fort Stewart is a 279,000-acre U.S. Army installation and is home to the 3rd Infantry Division. Habitats include fire-maintained longleaf pine-wiregrass flatwoods and sandhills, isolated wetlands, blackwater creeks and rivers, and anthropogenic habitats. The installation supports a large (338 active clusters) and increasing population of federally listed red-cockaded woodpeckers. The trip will include an early morning visit to an active red-cockaded woodpecker cluster and a stop at the Canoochee River. Recommended Needs : Insect repellent, sun protection, water, snacks, binoculars, spotting scope. Trip Rigor : Easy – less than a mile of walking. We will drive to most sites.
Glennville Water Treatment Facility Thursday: 10:00 AM-4:30 PM (Option - meet at Glennville at noon. See details below) Leaders: Gene Wilkinson and Bill Lotz Limit: 30 participants Fee: $15
The Glennville Water Treatment Facility consists of eight ponds ranging from two to six acres each in size and a large grass field that utilizes a spray system. The field is drained by a gravity flow system through the ponds, which are planted with water plants such as cattails, pickerel weed, cypress and gum trees. Participants will explore the facility on approximately two miles of berms that are accessible by foot in any weather. With over 173 species of birds reported at this site over the past four years, there should be a good showing of shorebirds, waders, waterfowl, raptors and migrating songbirds. Lunch will not be provided. Option: Participants traveling to Jekyll Island on Thursday for the Festival will have the option of meeting the leaders in Glennville at noon on their “way in” and then continuing on to Jekyll after the field trip. Recommended Needs:* Sun protection, insect repellent, water/drinks, snacks/lunch, binoculars, spotting scope (optional). Trip Rigor: Easy – two miles of level walking on sturdy berms.
Glynn County Birding Bonanza Friday: 8:30 AM-1.00 PM Leaders: Bob Churi, Carol Lambert, Jeff Sewell Saturday: 8:30 AM-1.00 PM Leaders: Adam Kent and Gina Zimmerman Sunday: 8:30 AM-1.00 PM Leaders: Adam Kent and Gina Zimmerman Limit: 15 Fee: $15
Traverse parts of Glynn County to observe various shore bird species. The number and kind is dependent on the stage of the tide. Possible sites include: Jekyll Island Causeway (to see herons, egrets, spoonbills and storks roost); Jekyll Island Welcome Center marshes and mud bank; Cedar Creek marsh; ponds around Sidney Lanier Bridge; Overlook Park; and Andrews Island causeway. Participants will meet their leader/leaders at Jekyll Island Convention Center at 8:30 AM and consolidate vehicles. Field trip ends at 1:00 PM. Lunch will not be provided. Participants should bring a sack lunch or plan to eat after the field trip ends. There are many restaurants in the Brunswick area. Note: High tide for the Brunswick area varies from noon to 3:30 PM during festival weekend, so the tide will be incoming for most of the field trip. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, sturdy shoes/boots (wading in the water is not part of the plans) long pants, water, snacks/lunch, binoculars, and spotting scope (if you have one). Trip Rigor: Easy – less than a mile of walking on level ground.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge Friday: 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM Leader: Bill Lotz Saturday: 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM Leader: Paul Sykes Sunday: 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM Leader: Tim Keyes Monday: 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM Leader: Dot Bambach Limit: 15 participants per day; 5 vehicles Fee: FREE
Harris Neck NWR was a military airfield in WWII, and now has man-made impoundments, natural salt and brackish marshes, old fields, pine forests and maritime oak forests. Due to its protected status and habitat diversity, Harris Neck provides the opportunity to observe a wide variety of fall migrants, along with resident water and land birds. Lunch will not be provided but there are a few modest restaurants within a ten-mile radius. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, water/drinks, snacks and lunch, binoculars, spotting scopes (optional). Long pants and closed shoes are recommended due to cacti. Trip Rigor: Easy – the refuge is flat, and we will drive from place to place, with short walks of no more than a half-mile.
Jekyll Island Banding Station (JIBS) Thursday: 7:45 AM – Noon Friday: 7:45 AM – Noon Saturday: 7:45 AM – Noon Sunday: 7:45 AM – Noon Monday: 7:45 AM – Noon Leaders: Chris and Jan Pitman Limit: 15 participants per day; 4 to 5 vehicles Fee: $15
Located near Jekyll Island’s famous south beach, this bird banding station is situated in the midst of sand dunes and scrub forest. Each October, hundreds of migrating birds are captured in mist nets at this site. Captured birds include over 20 species of warblers. Birds are banded, aged, sexed, and measured. Scientists use data from JIBS to help understand migration patterns and population trends. Participants in the trip will have the opportunity to observe the removal of birds from nets, their measuring and banding, and possibly be able to release a bird. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Water, snacks, insect repellent, sun protection. Trip Rigor: Easy – expect to walk 1 mile.
Jekyll Island Hot Spots Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Leader: Paul Sykes Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Leaders: Tim Keyes and Mike Chapman Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Leaders: Nathan Klaus and Mike Chapman Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Leader: Steve Holzman Limit: 15 participants per day Fee: $15
Jekyll Island offers a variety of diverse habitats, including maritime forest, salt marsh, freshwater ponds, and ocean beach. At the leader’s option, we will visit several of the better birding venues on the island, looking for migrating songbirds, wading birds, gulls and terns, raptors and shorebirds. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, snacks, water, binoculars, spotting scope (optional). Trip Rigor: Easy – expect to walk 1-2 miles.
Jekyll Island Natural History Walk Friday: 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM Saturday: 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM Sunday: 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM Leader: Frank Mirasola Limit: 15 participants per day Fee: $5
Walking about 1/2-mile through the dune ridges in a live oak maritime forest, participants will learn about Jekyll Island's formation, native flora and ecology. The discussion will include descriptions and displays of various marine creatures, including loggerhead turtles, alligators, whelks, crabs and shrimp. Be ready to spot shorebirds, waders and waterfowl, too. This is an excellent trip for families. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, long sleeves and pants, sun protection, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, binoculars. Trip Rigor: Moderate – some low hill climbing required.
Jekyll Island “Ramble” with the Director Thursday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Leader: Lydia Thompson Limit: 15 participants Fee: $30
Join Festival Director Lydia Thompson on a small group exploration of some of Jekyll’s best birding spots. The reason she calls it a “ramble” is to emphasize that effective birding requires flexibility, since which birds you will see and where you will find them changes with the tides. She believes that birding is best done “in the moment.” Lydia looks for birds on Jekyll Island every week of the year and enjoys sharing her insights with her tour members. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, snacks, water, binoculars, spotting scope (optional). Trip Rigor: Easy – expect to walk 1-2 miles.
Laura S. Walker State Park Sunset Wildlife Watch & Owl Prowl Sunday: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM Leader: Sheila Willis Limit: None (no registration required) Fee: $5 per vehicle entry fee to be paid at the park
End the weekend at beautiful Laura S. Walker State Park near Waycross, where Sheila Willis of Native American-Naturalist Talks & Tours will guide participants along the shores of Laura Walker Lake. Wading birds will be heading to their roosts for the night while other animals such as owls and alligators start to become active. Participants should arrive at the park office by 5:00 PM where a $5 per car entry fee will need to be paid, then meet their leader to reform car pools by 5:25 PM. The trip will end at the park at 7:30 PM. Recommended Needs: Binoculars, flashlights, water, insect repellent & folding chairs (if desired). Leader will have spotting scope. Note that the wildlife observation deck is a covered shelter. Trip Rigor: Easy – A few yards of walking. Public restrooms available Directions: Laura S. Walker State Park is located 9 miles southeast of Waycross, Georgia on GA Hwy 177. From Jekyll Island: Take causeway to US Hwy 17 and turn left (17 South). Continue past the I-95 inter-change to the intersection of US Hwy 82. Take Hwy 82 West toward Waycross and continue for 47 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 177 and continue to the park entrance. Travel time from Jekyll Island is approximately 1 hour.
LeConte-Woodmanston Plantation and Botanical Gardens Friday: 6:30 AM-2:00 PM Leader: Eugene Keferl Limit: 12 Fee: $15 plus a $2 per person entrance fee
The LeConte-Woodmanston Plantation is located in Liberty County, near Riceboro. The Woodmanston Plantation, established in 1760 by John Eatton LeConte, was the home of Dr. John LeConte, the grandson of the plantation’s founder. This is the LeConte of the LeConte’s sparrow/thrasher fame. Participants will explore the gum-cypress swamp from the old dike system, the nearby upland woods and old fields for migrating birds. This is the first festival visit to this location during fall migration - who knows what surprises will be found. There will be time to check out some of the property’s historic features, visit the developing gardens and eat your picnic lunch. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Binoculars, insect repellent, sun protection, picnic lunch and drinks. Trip Rigor: Moderate – walking, the dikes are level, but there are numerous exposed roots in places. There are rest room facilities and a shelter.
Little Tybee Natural Heritage Preserve Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:15 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:15 PM Leader: Captain Rene Heidt Limit: 5 participants per day Fee: $60
Little Tybee, owned by the state of Georgia, is an uninhabited barrier island lying just to the south of Tybee Island. It is made up of salt marsh interspersed with hardwood hammocks and fronts the Atlantic Ocean with pristine beaches that are nesting sites for Wilson's plovers. The American oystercatcher forages on oyster bars in the area as well, and is a common sight on festival trips. A variety of shorebirds will be seen, possibly piping plover, Wilson's plover and marbled godwit - plus an assortment of gulls and terns. Expect to spend some time observing the local population of bottlenose dolphin in the Back River. The tour boat will depart from a private dock on Chimney Creek (Tybee Island) and take the short trip through the salt marshes to Little Tybee. Lunch will not be provided. Note: Participants in this field trip may wish to consider spending the night in the Savannah/Tybee area. Recommended Needs: Non-slip shoes that can get wet, and loose, comfortable clothing appropriate for the predicted temperature and weather conditions. Raingear, hat and sunglasses, sun protection, insect repellent, water, cameras, and binoculars. Trip Rigor: Easy – some agility required to get on and off the boat at the beach and dock.
Munchin’ Shrimp with the Birds Aboard the Lady Jane Sunday: 8:15 AM – 1:30 PM Leader: Sheila Willis Limit: 35 participants Fee: $65
Enjoy boiled shrimp with the birds as you journey aboard the Lady Jane, a fully equipped shrimp boat. This four-hour trip gives you a chance to see how shrimpers operate while working on your gull and tern identification. You will thread through the saltmarsh to St. Simons Sound, past the Jekyll pier, the driftwood beach areas, and the St. Simons Lighthouse, and then enter the Atlantic Ocean. There will be one 15-minute pull of the nets in the marsh and another 15-minute pull of the nets in the ocean to see the different species of marine life in each place. When the nets are pulled up, the birds start coming and quickly surround the boat. Watch dolphin, pelicans, gulls, terns and other sea birds. Who know what surprises may show up, maybe a jaeger or two? Boiled wild Georgia shrimp is included. Recommended Needs: Non-slip shoes that can get wet, loose, comfortable clothing appropriate for the predicted temperature and weather conditions. Raingear, sun protection, hat and sunglasses, water, cameras, and binoculars. Use appropriate medication/patch prior to boarding if prone to motion sickness. Trip Rigor: Easy – boat travel can be cold and wet depending on predicted weather conditions – please dress accordingly.
The Okefenokee By Canoe - Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Sunday: 7:00AM – 2:00 PM Leaders: Chip Campbell Limit: 12 participants Fee: $75 (includes canoe rental, but participants must bring an additional $5 cash per vehicle for park entrance fee)
Explore the unique Okefenokee Swamp by canoe on this four-hour interpretive trip. Discover why the Okefenokee NWR has been officially designated as a “Wetland of International Importance.” Alligators glide through tea-stained water. Herons and egrets wade through tall grasses and water lilies. Bears roam through hammocks and islands. Avian specialties include the anhinga, wood duck, and sandhill crane, to name a few. There will also be a unique opportunity to understand the role of fire in maintaining the ecosystem. Rich in history, “swamp culture,” flora, and fauna, a paddling trip through the Okefenokee is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. Lunch will not be provided but may be purchased at the Camp Cornelia Café, if desired. Recommended Needs: Sun protection, insect repellent, water, snacks and lunch, shoes and clothing that can get wet, raingear, optical equipment, long sleeves and pants, waterproof bag. Trip Rigor: Easy – all paddling is on flat water. Some paddling experience is helpful but not necessary.
Ossabaw Island State Heritage Preserve Sunday: 6:45AM – 5:15PM Monday: 6:15 AM – 4:45 PM Leader: Jim Ozier Limit: 7 Fee: $65
Ossabaw Island has a fascinating natural and human history to share. Humans have lived on Ossabaw Island for more than 4,000 years, enjoying and putting to use its rich salt marshes, freshwater ponds, ancient maritime forest, wind-swept dunes, and deserted white beaches. Shaped like a wishbone with marsh filling the middle, the island consists of 25,000 acres, of which 11,800 are upland and almost 10 miles are beach, making it roughly twice the size of Bermuda and counting total acreage, the second largest barrier island on the Georgia coast. The island was the first acquisition of the Heritage Trust Act of 1975, which protects the island from overuse and development, but makes public access difficult and rare. The undisturbed beaches of Ossabaw are the most important areas on the island for migrant, wintering and breeding shorebirds and seabirds. The upland maritime forest on Ossabaw Island comprises a mix of native hardwoods, such as live oak, southern magnolia and loblolly pine. The forest is dominated by live oaks, which are common to Georgia’s barrier islands where salt spray from the ocean reduces competition and allows the oaks with their leathery leaves to dominate. Here we can expect to see many resident and migrating perching birds and raptors. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Binoculars, spotting scope, insect repellent, sun protection and hat, drinks, snacks/lunch, long pants and non-slip, closed shoes, notebook and/or bird guide. Trip Rigor: Moderate – boat travel can be cold, wet and/or choppy depending on weather conditions; open-air riding on trailer with benches once on the island and walking in different terrains such as maritime forest and beach. Restroom facilities are limited.
Raccoon Key Friday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Leaders: Bob Sargent and Capt. Phillip Kempton Saturday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Leaders: Carol Lambert, Jeff Sewell, and Capt. Phillip Kempton Sunday: 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM Leaders: Steve Holzman and Capt. Phillip Kempton Limit: 25 participants per day Fee: $55
Take a short boat ride to this 1,750-acre island, located south of Jekyll Island in St. Andrews Sound, has been closed to the public since the 1940s when the former owners purchased it to establish an aquaculture farm. Seven lakes were created on the island for the purpose of farming fish, shrimp, and crab. Those lakes are now a magnet for wading birds such as ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, and Wood Stork, and the island's two beaches are a haven for Wilson's Plover, Black Skimmer, and hungry raptors. The island also features extensive shrub habitat with scattered trees, ideally suited for buntings, flycatchers, warblers, and vireos, and an elaborate network of trails makes all of this birding paradise very accessible. What's more, if you need a break from birding, you can always hang out on the spacious deck at the main house. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, lunch, drinks, snacks, hiking shoes, raingear, backpack, binoculars, and an optional spotting scope. A cooler with bottled water will be available on the boat, and the house does have restrooms. Trip Rigor: Moderate - Trail and beach walking up to 2 miles. Boat travel can be cold and wet depending on weather conditions. Please dress accordingly.
Raptor and Migration Watch Saturday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM Leader: Stephen Ingraham Limit: 15 participants Fee: $15
Station yourself with the trip leader at the south end of Jekyll Island and watch the migrating raptors and songbirds stream by as they make their way south along the dunes. Practice identifying birds in flight by using silhouette and flight characteristics. A great way to see a lot of birds without miles of walking! You can even bring a beach chair if you like. Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, water, snacks, binoculars, spotting scope (optional). Trip Rigor: Easy – some walking on soft sand.
Sapelo Island Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Leader: Malcolm Hodges Limit: 16 participants Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Leaders: Malcolm Hodges and Ken Blankenship Limit: 32 participants Saturday: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Leaders: Malcolm Hodges and Jim Ozier Limit: 32 participants Sunday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM Leaders: Malcolm Hodges, Bob Sargent and Don Kroodsma Limit: 31 participants Fee: $60 (Participants must bring an additional $2 cash for ferry)

State-owned and largely undeveloped, Sapelo Island is the approximate mid-point in the chain of Georgia's barrier islands, and the probable site of first European settlement (16th century missionaries) in Georgia. A 200-year history of wealthy private ownership of most of the island's 20,000 acres of upland and marshland preceded the establishment of the University of Georgia's Marine Institute (1953), R.J. Reynolds Wildlife Management Area (1969) and the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (1973). About 70 descendants of the Gullah culture established by freed slaves in 1865 still live in the community of Hog Hammock. Sapelo features miles of pristine beaches and dunes, inter-dune meadows and ponds, salt marshes and tidal creeks, grassy fields and mature maritime forest (live oak hammock) as well as pond-pine savanna. A mix of woodland, grassland, marsh, shore, and seabirds can be seen year round in these varied habitats. Sapelo is also the only east coast location where Plain Chachalaca can be found. Lunch will not be provided.

Recommended Needs: Insect repellent, sun protection, long sleeves and pants, hat, water, snacks and lunch, raingear, binoculars and optional spotting scope.

Trip Rigor: Moderate – open-air riding with benches once on the island and walking in different terrains such as maritime forest and beach. Boat travel can be cold and wet depending on predicted weather conditions – please dress accordingly.

St. Simons by Kayak Sunday: 9:15 AM – 1:45 PM Leader: Cindy Janus – Southeast Adventure Outfitters Limit: 15 participants Fee: $55 (includes kayak rental)
Kayak through the saltwater creeks of historic Bloody Marsh on St. Simons Island and out to the fabulous birding beach on the south end of Sea Island. Paddlers will also go ashore and explore the two miles of undeveloped beach with a great view. This area is known to be a resting spot for many resident birds as well as migrating species, with opportunities to see ibis, osprey, wood storks, American oystercatchers, tri-colored herons, bald eagles, royal terns, black skimmers, long-billed curlews, willets, and least terns. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Sun protection, insect repellent, water, snacks/lunch, shoes and clothing that can get wet, raingear, zip-lock bags for any non-waterproof cameras or binoculars. Trip Rigor: Moderate – Trip is geared for beginners and can be handled by anyone with moderate physical ability. Windy conditions can make the trip more challenging.
3-Dolphin Creek Kayak Trip Saturday: 7:10 AM – 10:00 AM Leader: Cindy Janus Limit: 15 participants Fee: $40 (includes kayak rental)
Explore the lovely 3-Dolphin Creek as the sun rises over the Marshes of Glynn, Brunswick. This paddle will get you out at low tide when the shorebirds and marsh birds are most active. Clapper rails come alive calling and scooting across the mud to find the best places to spend the day... Feeding roseate spoonbills, wood storks, short-billed dowitchers and other unique shorebirds may be spotted. Watch as the marsh wrens and seaside sparrows flit from place to place just above the mud. There might even be a few sharp-tailed sparrows out in the marsh, but there will be no dolphins in a swimming pool. Recommended Needs: Sun protection, insect repellent, water, snacks, shoes and clothing that can get wet, raingear, zip-lock bags for any non-waterproof cameras or binoculars. Trip Rigor: Moderate – Trip is geared for beginners and can be handled by anyone with moderate physical ability. Windy conditions can make the trip more challenging.
Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge Sunday: 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM Leader: John Crawford Limit: 30 participants (minimum is 15 per boat) Fee: $40
Explore one of the most pristine barrier islands along the eastern seaboard. Seven miles of unspoiled beach with rolling dunes, live oak and slash pine woodlands, and vast salt marshes make this national wildlife refuge a haven for a variety of bird species. This trip will focus on shorebirds and other coastal specialties, however, if time and tides permit some salt marsh species may be seen as well. Information on coastal ecology, natural history and conservation will also be shared. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Binoculars, spotting scope, cameras, insect repellent, sun protection, hat, drinks, snacks/lunch, long sleeves and pants, non-slip, closed shoes, raingear, backpack, and notebook and/or bird guide. Trip Rigor: Moderate – fair amount of walking over easy terrain. Boat travel can be cold and wet depending on predicted weather conditions – please dress accordingly. There are no restrooms on the island.
Woodbine Riverwalk Saturday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Leader: Steve Wagner Limit: 12 participants Fee: $15
Come discover Woodbine on the Satilla River. Woodbine was founded in 1908 when the railroad was built along the coast. One hundred years later, the railroad is gone, but Woodbine thrives. A stretch of the old railroad track has been transformed into a trail, the Woodbine Riverwalk. This unique trail begins at the river, follows a boardwalk up to the old railroad bridge - now a viewing platform - and then continues along an area under restoration with native plants to attract a wide variety of birds and butterflies. Lunch will not be provided. Recommended Needs: Sun protection and hat, water, snacks, raingear, binoculars and camera with extra film. Trip Rigor: Moderate – There will be some walking along a boardwalk and trail.