This is a wonderful new feature on "Wings Over Georgia" that was suggested by many users. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of computer wizard and fellow Georgia birder Jared Fisher, all of the Georgia Birding Hotspots (along with many other sites across the state) have now been integrated into an awesome Google Earth (.kmz) file. Simply click the Georgia Hotspots Image below to open or download the file! More sites are always being added to the Google Earth feature on "Wings Over Georgia" so keep coming back!
Visit Google Earth to read about, download, and install the program for FREE on your computer.
You may also wish to view and/or print this helpful Google Earth User's Guide
If you are not a Google Earth user - and especially if you like Google Maps - let me just say that it is an incredibly powerful tool. Not only does it create driving routes and directions from any starting point to any end point in the world, but it also features interactive semi-3D satellite imagery so you can literally "fly" over your route and birding destination to check it out before you head into the field. By clicking on the "Georgia Birding Hotspots" image below, you'll be able to open and/or download the custom Google Earth file. Once you open this file, simply click the "Hotspot" icons located around the state, and you will open a pop-up summary of the full description from the Places to Birdpage on Wings Over Georgia. At the bottom of this pop-up window, simply click "Directions To Here" and it will allow you to type your starting point into a "From Here" field. When you click "Enter," the program will calculate and highlight a driving route, which you can "fly over" at any zoom level you like as you plan your trip. One of the great benefits of having Wings Over Georgia on Google Earth is that it will become easier to design a route that includes several birding stops. Once more locations are programmed you will see them represented graphically on the map to see if they are along the way, instead of checking your DeLorme Atlas for the counties you may pass through and then reading those sections. But still, I never head into the field without my trusty dog-eared DeLorme Atlas!
DISCLAIMER: This website does not guarantee the accuracy of driving directions, and you should always err on the side of caution when following them. Be especially careful at sites that border private property, are along busy streets, etc. Always adhere to good birding ethics, be polite, and use common sense! Be sure to read a special advisory for tips on Birding Georgia's Sod Farms. I have created a very helpful legend of symbols below, which appear at the top of every birding location. This will help you plan your visit to many sites, but specific species are not always mentioned in relation to season and some prior knowledge will help. The definitive source for dates and distribution is to get an Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds. You can purchase this book, Beaton's Birding Georgia, and many more helpful volumes at GOS Publications.
IMPORTANT: As great as Google Earth is, it still has a few glitches, and this is a critical caveat: Before heading into the field with directions to any birding sites from Google Earth, it is essential that you also print the entire section for that location from the Places to Bird database on "Wings Over Georgia" and take this with you as well. Not only will you have helpful birding information and more explicit directions (such as landmarks), you will also have the best route once you are in close proximity to your destination. Google Earth will certainly improve with time, but currently there are some routes given in rural areas that will take you on a "road" that is no longer in use or gated, or through an inaccessible area such as a military base. As always, use your best judgement!
Wings Over Georgia on Google Earth
(click image above)
Legend
Su = summer
F = fall
W = winter
Sp = spring
YR = year-round
[July 2005] = Most recently checked by KB
[N/A] = Not yet checked by KB
= 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.
= Location is a "Georgia Birding Hotspot." Though this designation is subjective, it generally means that the area should be given high priority when planning a birding trip to a region. Some Hotspots offer incredible, productive birding virtually year-round (Jekyll Island), while the best birding of the year may be more seasonal at others (Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park).
SBM = Shorebird Migration; this very generally refers to mid-March thru May in spring and mid-July thru mid-October in fall. Fall is the prime shorebird season. Baird's and Buff-breasted Sandpipers likely only in fall. Peak passage of specific species is quite variable.
PM = Passerine Migration; this very generally refers to April and May in spring and August thru mid-October in fall. This includes all songbirds - wood warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, flycatchers, etc. Peak passage of specific species is quite variable. Spring migration is much more concentrated and birds are often in colorful breeding plumage. Fall migration is more spread out; fall wood warblers can be notoriously difficult to identify (or even impossible to determine sex), with numerous juveniles which do not exhibit the same obvious field marks as adults.
IBA = Important Bird Area; the aim of the IBA Program is to identify and conserve key breeding and feeding sites for birds. An Important Bird Area is a place that provides essential habitat for one or more species of bird, whether in breeding season, winter, or during migration. These sites are considered to be exceptionally important for bird conservation; see Georgia's IBA Webpage.
