[DeLorme pg. 35, C9-10]
This phase of the Greenway park was completed in early 2008 and further expansion is planned. Birding in the spring migration of 2008 was disappointing (perhaps because of the recent disruption) but fall of 2008 was relatively good with at least 16 warbler species as well as a rare Black-billed Cuckoo, a Wilson’s Warbler, and Philadelphia Vireos. Travel east out of Milledgeville on Hwy 22, about 0.5 mile from downtown and just before the Oconee River bridge turn right on the gravel road. Follow this road to the parking area. The grassy area along the road near the entrance can be good for sparrows in the winter. Cliff Swallows nest under the bridge and Red-headed Woodpeckers breed on the edge of the field. Eastern Bluebirds are also frequently in this field as well as Indigo Buntings in the summer. Behind the field, Swainson’s Warblers can be found singing from a wetland area in the spring. Take the concrete sidewalk nearest the river to the south. Belted Kingfishers are common on the river and also look for Great Blue Herons, occasionally Osprey, and (rarely) Anhinga. Between the second and third platform overlooking the river look right into the woods where you may spot an active Red-shouldered Hawk nest in late spring. You can then take a short dirt trail to the left along the river to Fishing Creek, though it gets a bit steep and is muddy after a rain. If you stay on the concrete and later take a left at the intersection, this will eventually meet up with the dirt trail. In this area of the Greenway Blue-headed Vireos may be found in the winter. Continuing on, you will next reach Fishing Creek and then arrive at the area behind Georgia Military College with some exercise stations. In clear areas behind GMC, scan the sky for raptors. After the exercise stations, take a left at the next intersection and this will take you back to the parking lot for a loop distance of approximately 1 mile. This area has breeding Blue Grosbeaks in the summer. Cedar Waxwings are common in the winter as well as woodpeckers and Red-shouldered Hawks in all seasons. There is also a dirt path to the north of the bridge that can be explored. Lockerly Arboretum, located south of Milledgeville, can also be a decent birding site but it is only open on Saturday afternoons on weekends.
Text by Steve Parrish.
= Location is within +/- 10 miles of the indicated interstate highway. This is especially helpful for out-of-town birders who may be passing through Georgia while travelling and would like to get a quick birding fix. This is also helpful for birders planning a "Big Day," where staying close to a major interstate corridor is essential for covering the greatest diversity of habitats in 24 hours.