During shorebird migration (SBM), especially in the fall, many species of sandpiper congregate and feed on the open expanses of turf grass that is farmed around the state of Georgia. These "Sod Farms" can be especially productive just after a good rain, when areas of standing water out on the sod often attract a greater diversity of birds. Special birds that are otherwise quite scarce in the state are often found only at such locations, including Upland Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, American Golden Plover, Baird's Sandpiper, White-rumped Sandpiper, and more. Other typical species which relate to the open grassy habitat include Horned Lark, Pectoral Sandpiper, and Least, Semipalmated, or Western Sandpipers ("peeps"). Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Spotted Sandpiper, or Solitary Sandpiper may be found in wet areas. White Ibis, Cattle Egret, swallows, and other birds may also be found relating to the open grassy fields, which for the birds is like their own private, manicured prairie habitat.
Sod Farms are generally located in very rural areas, where people are not accustomed to seeing a group of birders getting out of a luxury vehicle strapped with binoculars and huge cameras, marching up and down the perimeter of their farm with telescopes on tripods. They are also not used to much traffic in their area, or vehicles being parked on the shoulder. Some farm operators have taken the offensive, making it clear to anyone seen with optics that their property is "unfriendly to birders." But at the same time, others have embraced this pseudo-celebrity billing of their farms and welcomed birders to even come in and drive on the dirt access tracks across their farms. All this being said, here are a few essential tips.
The "Do's and Don't's" of Birding Georgia's Sod Farms
1) NEVER set foot on the actual sod fields!
This means not even taking 4-5 steps to get a better picture of a bird.
2) It is better to park your vehicle safely on the shoulder of an adjacent road.
Then, walk the perimeter of the sod fields along the shoulder of the main roads surrounding the sod (usually public roads). Any dirt or gravel roads crossing the sod itself are on private property, and seeing a vehicle or people out in their sod fields may understandably upset many farm owners.
3) When you park or stop your vehicle, be aware of local traffic.
This means treacherous curves, fast-moving roads, and any farm equipment that may be operating in the area. You must not cause a possibly dangerous interruption of traffic flow or (worse) get in the way of farm operations. If it is a busy and fast-moving rural highway, be prudent - it's probably better to find a nearby side street to park, then carefully walk back to the sod area on the shoulder.
4) In relations with any sod farm personnel or locals, be amicable and easy to approach.
Always take a moment to smile and wave when vehicles pass you. If you are engaged by a sod farm employee or a local, explain why you are there, and how their sod farm attracts special migrating birds that you would like to observe. Most of the time, folks are very friendly and may just look at you funny, or may even grant you more explicit permission to bird their farm. However, be prepared to politely leave the area if you are asked - do not dispute whether or not you are on public vs. private property. Simply say, "That's fine. I completely understand. Have a nice day," and leave.
5) Be a good Ambassador of the Birding Community.
If you are asked to leave, do so politely. On the other hand, if a sod farm employee welcomes you on their property, or grants additional access, graciously thank them. If they take an interest, explain the species of birds you have seen, and share interesting identification or migration facts. Let them know that you will abide by any and all restrictions, and ask if there are areas you should stay away from. Tell them that birders will appreciate their kindness, and that they may see others in the future, who will also abide by their wishes. If you really want to go "over the top" with kindness for particularly productive farms that have proven birder-friendly, you may learn the address of the farm, send a nice letter and a checklist that has been filled out with all the birds that have been seen on their property, and perhaps even a small Sibley Guide as a thank you gift.
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Copyright 2008 Ken Blankenship. All rights reserved.
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