Welcome to the Colonial Coast Birding Trail

Coastal Georgia is steeped in human and natural history. Since the first human inhabitants colonized the coast, man and the abundant natural resources found here have been inexorably linked. A visit to one or more sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail will provide you with the opportunity to see and enjoy the beauty of a kaleidoscope of birds and glimpse the fascinating history of this land and its residents.

More than 300 species of birds (75 percent of the total species of birds seen in Georgia) have been spotted at the 18 sites along the birding trail. Don't expect to see most of these birds on a single visit. The birds you see will depend greatly on when and where you visit. Some birds can be seen throughout the year. Others are migratory and travel long distances from their breeding grounds to wintering areas.

If you want to see migrants, you need look for them during those times of the year when they visit Georgia. You will also find a wide variety of habitats along the trail. Shorelines, salt marshes, old rice fields, woodlands, tidal rivers, freshwater wetlands and other habitats host their own fascinating bird communities.

Each site along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail is unique. Many sites offer visitors the opportunity to watch birds and visit 18th and 19th century historic places. Other sites are located on lands and waters that were once part of early plantations dedicated to growing rice, indigo and cotton. So whether you want to see a bald eagle soaring over a coastal river, an endangered wood stork feeding its gawky young, sanderlings chasing the waves on a sandy beach, or a great egret standing motionless in a placid pond, the Colonial Coast Birding Trail has something for you.
The numbers of birds found along the trail change with the rising and falling of the tides and with the passage of the seasons. Consequently, each visit offers the chance to experience a new wildlife adventure. Spend some time along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail and learn why the Creek Indians called the Georgia coast The Enchanted Land.

Look at the map to see the various sites along the Colonial Coast Birding Trail or compare the facilities at the sites.
 
Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Fort Mcallister State Historic Park

Description: Fort McAllister saw considerable Civil War action during General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. Located on the banks of the Ogeechee River, the site contains a mix of saltmarsh and forested habitats.

Types of Birds: Songbirds, wading birds, waterfowl

Best Birding Seasons: Songbirds (all), wading birds (all), waterfowl (winter)

Specialties: Painted bunting, wood duck, northern harrier, bald eagle, osprey

Tips: Painted buntings are most often seen in late spring through summer along the causeway. Look for migrating warblers during spring and fall migrations. Bald eagles are most often seen during the winter. Ospreys are most often seen in spring and summer. Look for northern harriers winging low over the marsh in winter.

Fee: $2 per vehicle parking fee or $25 annual ParkPass. Historic facilities $2 per adult, $1.00 per child over five.

Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday; 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

Telephone Number: (912) 727-2339

Fun Things to Do: Visit the remains of the fort.

Facilities: See the facilities list.

Directions: Take Exit 90 off I-95 and travel east through Richmond Hill. Turn left on SR 144 Spur. This highway dead-ends at Fort McAllister. See the map.
 
Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Richmond Hill J.F. Gregory Park

Description: This unique park is operated by the City of Richmond Hill. The area is dominated by a 300-acre rice field that predates the Civil War. A three-mile walking trail runs along the top of a dike that encompasses the field, which today is a wooded wetland.

Types of Birds: Songbirds, wading birds, waterfowl

Best Birding Seasons: Songbirds (all), wading birds (all), waterfowl (winter)

Specialties: Prothonotary warbler, wood duck, barred owl

Tips: Look for warblers during spring and fall migrations. Prothonotary warblers are best seen from April to June.

Fee: Free. Hours: Daylight hours only.

Telephone Number: (912) 756-3345

Fun Things to Do: Look for otters, beavers, alligators and armadillos while walking the trail.

Facilities: See the facilities list.

Directions: Take Exit 90 and travel east approximately three miles to the junction of SR 144 and US 17. Stay on SR 144 and continue east to the junction of SR 144 and Cedar Street. Turn left on Cedar Street and go less than 1/4-mile on Cedar. See the map.

Beginning of trail	Nature Trail	Birding tower
Former rice patty	Marsh surrounging trail	Tower view
Paved portion of the trail	View from the trail	Wildlife on the trail
Alternate view

Picnic areas on trail	Exercise equipment on trail
Perfect fishing area	Relax on the trail