SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

 

Friday, 11 October 2024

 

Meet Field Trip Leaders on Your Own

 

Dinner on Your Own

 

6:30 to 7:30 PM – Registration and Flocking (cash bar)

 

7:30 to 8:30 PM – Friday Night Speaker

 

Charlie Muise and Evan Pitman

 

 

8:30 to 8:45 PM – Discussion

of Saturday Field Trips

 

 

Saturday, 12 October 2024

 

Breakfast on Your Own

 

6:45 AM – First Field Trip Departs

 

6:15 PM – Last Field Trips Return

 

5:30 to 6:45 PM – Flocking (cash bar) and Poster Session

 

6:45-7:45 PM – President’s Address, Election of Officers, Announcements, and Banquet Dinner

 

7:45 to 8:45 PM – Keynote Speaker:

 

Nate Swick

“Birding for Life”

 

8:45 to 9:15 PM – Discussion of Sunday Field Trips and Species Countdown

 

Sunday, 13 October 2024

 

Breakfast on Your Own

 

6:30 AM – First Field Trip Departs

 

7:00 PM – Last Field Trip Returns

 

Dinner on Your Own

 

Monday, 14 October 2024

 

Breakfast on Your Own

 

6:30 AM – First Field Trip Departs

 

No Return to Hotel

 

 

 

 

FIELD TRIP INFORMATION

Unless otherwise noted, all times are departure/return times to Villas by the Sea.

*For all Friday field trips, please meet your Field Trip Leader at the birding location at the designated start time.

*For all Monday 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, sunscreen, water, and a sack lunch or snacks on all field trips. Be advised that most trip destinations do not have bathroom facilities.

 

FRIDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2024

 

ALTAMAHA SOUND BOAT TRIP

Leaders: TBA. Meet at the Darien River Waterfront Park Dock, 1 Screven St., Darien, GA  31305 no later than 1:15 PM. Return: 5:00 PM. Limit: 16. Cost: $75.00. This link provides unloading and parking directions Georgia Outdoor Outfitters.

Cruise to and around Wolf, 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 dock promptly at 1:30 pm.

 

ANDREWS ISLAND CAUSEWAY AND DISPOSAL SITE

Leader: Dan Vickers. Meet at the intersection of the Andrews Island Causeway and US Highway 341 at 8:00 AM. Trip ends at approximately 1:00 PM. Limit: 20 participants. Cost: $0.00.

Andrews Island is currently managed by the Department of Transportation and access is restricted, so take advantage of this rare opportunity. The causeway leading to the Disposal Site is a special treat with frequent sightings of Roseate Spoonbills, Clapper Rails, American White Pelicans, American Avocets, and sparrows. The Disposal 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 Disposal Site, but walking may be necessary. Come prepared. Trip rigor: Easy

 

FORT STEWART

Leader: Larry Carlile. Start time: 6:45 AM. Return: 12:30 PM. Limit: 15 people in 5 SUV-type vehicles with good clearance. Cost: $0.00

Meet Fort Stewart Wildlife Biologist Larry Carlile at the Love’s Truck Stop in Richmond Hill (SW corner of I-95 Exit 90, ~1.5 hours from Jekyll). You’ll leave Love’s promptly at 7:00 AM and travel to a Fort Stewart Red-cockaded Woodpecker cluster as the woodpecker family group exits their cavities at sunrise. We’ll explore longleaf pine forests and also visit bottomland hardwoods associated with the Canoochee River. Trip rigor: Moderate with some walking over uneven ground.

 

JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION (JIBS)

Leader: Evan Pitman. Meet at JIBS at 7:30 AM. Trip ends at 11:30 AM. Limit: 20 participants. Cost: $0.00, but donations to keep JIBS up and running are much appreciated.

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. Trip rigor: Easy. Note: If you can’t attend one of the “official” trips to JIBS, Evan says, “Drop by any time!”

 

ST. CATHERINE’S ISLAND

Leaders: JP Moss and Patrick Maurice. Assemble at the St. Catherine’s dock (182 Camellia Rd., Midway, GA) at 7:15 AM. Return: 5:00 PM. Limit: 10 participants. Cost: $50.00 (all funds will be transferred to the SCI Foundation).

 

The St. Catherines Island Foundation owns the 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. You'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. Walking boots recommended.

 

 

SAPELO ISLAND

Leader: Malcolm Hodges. Ferry leaves the Meridian dock promptly at 8:30AM, arrive at the dock no later than 8:00AM. Depart 6:45 AM from hotel.
Return to Meridian dock 4:30 PM. Limit: 14 participants. Cost: $30.00 plus $5.00 ferry fee (paid at the dock).
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 a few short hikes. Bring lunch, fluids and snacks for the day, dress for sun, bugs, and briars, and be prepared for rain in an open truck with hard benches.

 

 

SATURDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2024

 

ALTAMAHA WATERFOWL MANAGEMENT AREA

Leader: Patrick Maurice. Depart: 7:00 AM. Return: 1:00 PM. Limit: 20 participants. 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 including bald eagles, falcons, and owls. Birding is from the dikes or observation towers. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking. Note: You must possess a hunting or fishing license, or lands pass. www.georgiawildlife.com.

 

ALTAMA PLANTATION WILDIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Leader: Gene Keferl and TBA. Depart: 7:00 AM. Return 2:00 PM. Limit: 20 participants. Cost: $0.00.

Join Gene at this brand new state-owned 3,986-acre Wildlife Management Area situated on a tributary of the Altamaha River and adjacent to the Altamaha Waterfowl Management Area. Formerly a rice plantation, the property has maritime forest, tidal creeks, old rice paddies and dykes, ponds, and managed pine plantations. Trip rigor: Moderate, with quite a bit of walking. Note: You must possess a hunting or fishing license, or lands pass. www.georgiawildlife.com.

 

 

ANDREWS ISLAND CAUSEWAY AND DISPOSAL SITE

Leader: Eliot VanOtteren. 8:00 AM. Return: approximately 1:00 PM. Limit: 25 participants. 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 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 Disposal Site, but walking may be necessary. Come prepared.

 

JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION (JIBS)

Leader: Evan Pitman. Meet Evan at JIBS at 7:30 AM. Trip ends at 11:30 AM. Limit: 20 participants. Cost: $0.00, but donations to keep JIBS up and running are much appreciated.

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. Trip rigor: Easy. Note: If you can’t attend one of the “official” trips to JIBS, Evan says, “Drop by any time!”

 

JEKYLL ISLAND HOT SPOTS

Leader: Steve Wagner. Depart 7:00 AM. Finish about noon. Limit: 15 participants. Cost: $0.00.

Join Steve as you 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 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. Trip rigor: Easy.

 

SAPELO ISLAND

Leader: Malcolm Hodges. Ferry leaves the Meridian dock promptly at 9:00AM, arrive at the dock no later than 8:30AM. Depart 7:15 AM from hotel.
Return to Meridian dock 4:30 PM. Limit: 14 participants. Cost: $30.00 plus$5.00 ferry fee (paid at the dock).

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 a few short hikes. Bring lunch, fluids and snacks for the day, dress for sun, bugs, and briars, and be prepared for rain in an open truck with hard benches.

 

SUNDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2024

ALTAMAHA SOUND BOAT TRIP

Leaders: TBA. Meet at the Darien River Waterfront Park Dock, 1 Screven St., Darien, GA 31305 no later than 3:15 PM. Return: 7:00 PM. Limit: 16. Cost: $75.00. This link provides unloading and parking directions Georgia Outdoor Outfitters.

Cruise to and around Wolf, 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 dock promptly at 3:30 pm.

 

CANNON’S POINT, ST. SIMONS ISLAND

Leader: Bob Sattelmeyer. Depart 7:00 AM. Return: 1:00 PM. Limit: 25 participants. Cost: $0.00.

Meet Bob at 8:00 AM at this conservation area owned by the St. Simons Land Trust. This 608-acre nature preserve comprises maritime forest, salt marsh, and tidal creeks. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking.

 

CLAYHOLE SWAMP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

Leader: Larry Carlile. Meet at the Winn Dixie on US HWY 314 N (5420 New Jesup HWY) at 7:30 AM. The Winn Dixie is approximately a 30 minute drive from The Villas. Return: 2:00 PM. Limit: 25 participants. Cost: $0.00.

Larry will lead you to this 5,242-acre Wildlife Management Area. Like many Georgia WMAs, it is managed for fiber production, but also contains extensive bottomland hardwoods swamps and maritime forest likely to harbor migrating fall warblers. Trip rigor: Moderate, with quite a bit of walking. Note: You must possess a hunting or fishing license, or lands pass. www.georgiawildlife.com.

 

CUMBERLAND ISLAND

Leader: Ewan Pritchard. Depart: 7:00 AM. Return: 5:30 PM. Limit: 20 participants, minimum of 8. Cost: $55.00 ($40.00 ferry fee + $15.00 day use fee). This trip will be cancelled if fewer than 8 sign up.

Join Ewan on Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island to bird pristine forests, undeveloped beaches, and expansive marshes. The island has one of the largest remaining coastal maritime forests and 9,800 acres of the island have been designated by Congress as a Wilderness Area. Moderate, with considerable walking on dirt, sand, and boardwalks (~5 miles). Walking boots/shoes recommended. Note: Advanced reservation for the ferry is required (9:00 am departing ferry). Call (877) 860-6787 or visit http://www.cumberlandislandferry.com to make and pay for ferry reservations in advance. Plan to pay the day use fee of $15.00 at the Mainland Visitor Center at check-in.

 

JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION (JIBS)

Leader: Evan Pitman. Meet Evan at JIBS at 7:30 AM. Trip ends at 11:30 AM. Limit: 20 participants. Cost: $0.00, but donations to keep JIBS up and running are much appreciated.

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. Trip rigor: Easy. Note: If you can’t attend one of the “official” trips to JIBS, Evan says, “Drop by any time!”

 

JEKYLL ISLAND HOT SPOTS

Leader: Diana Churchill. Depart 7:00 AM. Finish about noon. Limit: 15 participants. Cost: $0.00.

Join Diana as you 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 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. Trip rigor: Easy.

 

SAPELO ISLAND

Leader: Malcolm Hodges. Depart Meridian dock promptly at 9:00AM, arrive at the dock no later than 8:30AM. Leave the hotel at 6:45 AM. Ferry returns to Meridian dock at 4:30 PM. Limit: 14 participants. Cost: $30.00 plus $5.00 ferry fee (paid at the dock).

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 a few short hikes. Bring lunch, fluids and snacks for the day, dress for sun, bugs, and briars, and be prepared for rain in an open truck with hard benches.

 

MONDAY, 14 OCTOBER 2024

HARRIS NECK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Leader: Ed Maioriello Depart 7:30 AM. No Return to Hotel. Limit: 20 people. Cost: $0.00

Meet Ed at the Harris Neck NWR gate at 9:00 AM. Harris Neck’s 2,762 acres consists of saltwater marsh, grassland, and mixed deciduous woods. Because of this great variety of habitats, many different species of birds are attracted to the refuge throughout the year. Large concentrations of ducks gather in the marshland and freshwater pools. Over 15 miles of paved roads and trails provide easy access to the many different habitats. Chosen for its accessibility and bird diversity, Harris Neck is one of 18 sites forming the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, inaugurated in 2000. Trip rigor: Easy.

 

GLENNVILLE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Leader: Pete Moore. Meet at the water treatment plant at 9:00 AM (it will take you ~1.5 hours to drive there from Jekyll Island). Trip ends at 1:00 PM. Limit: None. Cost: $0.00.

Join Pete for a two-mile hike around the impoundments of this wonderful birding site for waterfowl, rails, waders, raptors, and songbirds. Trip rigor: Easy, with quite a bit of walking.

 

JEKYLL ISLAND BANDING STATION (JIBS)

Leader: Evan Pitman. Meet Evan at JIBS at 7:30 AM. Trip ends at 11:30 AM. Limit: 20 participants. Cost: $0.00, but donations to keep JIBS up and running are much appreciated.

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 will 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. Trip rigor: Easy.

 

Field Trip Directions

 

Altama Plantation WMA: 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. 12.8 miles to exit 42 for GA-99. Turn left onto GA-99 and travel for 0.5 miles, entrance is on the right.

 

Altamaha Sound Boat Trip: Darien River Waterfront Park Dock, 1 Screven St., Darien, GA 31305. Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1^st 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. 19 miles to Darien. After crossing the bridge take the first left (Broad St.) and the the next left (Screven St.) to the docks.

 

Altamaha Wildlife Management Area: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1^st 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”.

 

Andrews Island Causeway: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea. At the traffic circle, take the 1^st 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 4^th Ave. Turn right onto Newcastle St. Turn left onto 1^st 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”.

 

Cannon's Point: 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 Causeway. Continue onto Kings Way. Veer left onto Sea Island Rd. Turn left onto Frederica Rd. At the traffic circle, take the 1^st 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”.

 

Clayhole Swamp WMA: 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. 5.6 miles to I-95 N. Drive north on I-95 to Exit 36B. Travel north on US Hwy 341 to Crispen Blvd, turn right, then make an immediate left into the shopping center parking lot. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter5420 New Jesup Highway, or grid coordinates “31.226, -81.526”.

 

Cumberland Island: 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. 5.6 miles to I-95 S. Travel south on I-95 for 27.8 miles. Take Exit 1 for St. Marys Rd. Follow St Marys Rd/GA-40 E for 8.7 mi. Turn right onto St., Marys St. W. The Mainland Visitor’s Center is on the left. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “30.720, -81.550”.

 

Fort Stewart: Meet at the Love’s Truck Stop in Richmond Hill (SW corner of I-95 /Exit 90). This is approximately 75 miles/1.5 hours from Jekyll Island, so this trip so this trip might be more easily done from Savannah or Richmond Hill. 

 

Glennville Water Treatment Plant: 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”.

 

Harris Neck NWR: From the Jekyll Island Causeway, turn left onto US 17 and follow to 1-95. Take 1-95 North toward Savannah. Continue on 1-95 North for approximately 40 miles to Exit 67 (South Newport, US 17), where you'll see a sign on the interstate for Harris Neck NWR. Take Exit 67 and make a right onto US 17 South. Follow US 17 South approximately 1 mile, just past "The Smallest Church in America", and turn left onto Harris Neck Road (look for refuge sign just before turn). Continue on Harris Neck Road approximately 7 miles to the refuge entrance on your left. If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.625, -81.288”.

 

Jekyll Island Banding Station: Turn left out of Villas by the Sea onto Beachview Dr. At the traffic circle, take the 2^nd exit onto S. Beachview Dr. Turn left onto Macey Lane. The trailhead is at the intersection of Macey Lane and St. Andrews Dr.

 

Jekyll Island Campground Bird Sanctuary: 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 Welcome Center Observation Tower: 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”.

 

St. Catherine’s Island

From I-95 take Exit 76 (GA-84, Midway). Drive east on US-84 (Islands Hwy) for approx. 7.5 miles. Turn right onto Kings Rd. after the Half-Moon Marina sign. Count 13 power poles and turn right onto Camellia Road (the 2^nd paved road on the right). Take the 4^th driveway on the left; you will see number 182 on the mailbox and St Catherine’s Island Foundation. (182 Camellia Rd., Midway, GA) If using a smartphone GPS app, enter grid coordinates “31.700, -81.276”.

 

Sapelo Island: 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”.