Birding in Southeast Georgia

Southeast Georgia Birding

From the Barrier islands and coast of Georgia to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge oppurtunities for birding are plenty in Southeast Georgia.

 

A Black-crowned Night Heron perches on a dead tree branch that comes out of the water.

Photo Credit/Jonah Snead

Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge

With around 350 species spotted, Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top places in South Georgia to go birding. Spring is perhaps the best time to go birding at Harris Neck as wintering birds are still around as Summer residents and migrating birds are beginning to arrive.

Harris Neck NWR is also an excellent place to see Wood Storks. In the spring and summer months a large colony of Wood Storks nest within the refuge.

Harris Neck NWR, McIntosh County, GA, US - eBird Hotspot

 

A Prothonotary Warbler perches on Spatterdock along the waters in the Okefenokee Swamp.

Photo Credit/Jonah Snead

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

The Okefenokee National Wildlife refuge at over 350,000 acres in size is home to many species of birds including the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch and the Florida Sandhill Crane. Prothonotary Warblers, and Northern Parulas will migrate here to nest in the spring and summer months before returning south in the winter.

Be on the lookout for Swallow-tailed Kites as they nest in the refuge in the summer months and will sometimes fly together in larger groups (30+).

Stephen C Foster State Park entrance- Okefenokee NWR--Stephen C. Foster SP, Charlton County, GA, US - eBird Hotspot

Suwannee Canal/Chesser Island/Wildlife Drive entrance- Okefenokee NWR--Wildlife Drive, Charlton County, GA, US - eBird Hotspot

 

A Black-bellied Plover stands on the beach in its winter plumage.

Photo credit/Jonah Snead

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge

Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most pristine wildlife refuges on the entire eastern seaboard. and has at over 250 different bird species throughout the year.

In the summer Wilsons Plovers nest on the shore, and winter brings Black-bellied Plovers, Black Scoters and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Spring and fall bring migrating birds like Blackpoll Warblers and Bobolinks as they migrate along the Atlantic Flyway.

Wassaw NWR, Chatham County, GA, US - eBird Hotspot

 

A male American Redstart perches on a tree branch.

NPS Photo/Jonah Snead

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Home to over 300 species of birds, Cumberland Island National Seashore is one of the best places in Georgia to see birds like Red Knots, Black Skimmers, Painted Buntings and perhaps even a Snowy Plover if you're lucky.

Spring and fall migration are perhaps the best time to go birding at Cumberland Island National Seashore. Since it sits along the Atlantic Flyway, a wide variety of waterfowl can be seen flying along the coast including Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Green-winged Teal and more. The action isn't just limted to waterfowl, songbirds including Cape May Warblers, Magnolia warblers, Bay-breasted Warblers and Painted Buntings also fly along the Atlantic Flyway on their north and south journey.

Cumberland Island National Seashore, Camden County, GA, US - eBird Hotspot

 

A Clapper Rail reveals itself as it walks along a bit of flattened salt marsh.

Photo Credit/Jonah Snead

Skidaway Island State Park

Skidaway Island State Park is a state park near Savannah, Georgia. The park offers several trails that offer plenty of birding oppurtunities. You may come across a family of Pileated Woodpeckers as they scavange amongst the dead trees, or you may even catch a glimpse of a Clapper Rail, a bird more often heard than seen.

Skidaway Island, Chatham County, GA, US - eBird Hotspot