FORSYTH, Ga. - Grab the binoculars and head outdoors for some of the most outstanding bird watching opportunities available in Georgia this spring and summer. To raise awareness of the conservation needs of migratory songbirds, shorebirds and their habitats throughout the hemisphere, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) and State Parks & Historic Sites Division, Georgia Partners in Flight, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and many statewide partners designated Saturday, May 12, 2007 for recognition of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) in Georgia. To celebrate the return of these fascinating migrants, DNR invites Georgians to enjoy and learn more about these remarkable birds at events taking place throughout the state.

“IMBD is a celebration of the amazing journeys many birds make between the places where they nest and where they spend the non-breeding season,” said Tim Keyes, WRD Wildlife Biologist and IMBD State Coordinator. “Many state, public and private organizations are providing informative and enjoyable activities throughout Georgia in support of this spectacular bird migration season.”

Many IMBD-related events are hosted throughout Georgia during April and May. Several of DNR’s State Parks & Historic Sites will be hosting bird-related events for the entire family (see list below for details) and WRD will again host Georgia’s Youth Birding Competition on April 28-29.

“Inspired by the World Series of Birding event in Cape May, New Jersey, this bird-a-thon/conservation fundraiser is a great opportunity to get kids excited about birds and the natural world while helping support a nongame wildlife project or conservation organization of their choice,” said Keyes.

Georgia is host to more than 400 species of birds including many neotropical migrants and migratory shorebirds. These unique migratory birds travel thousands of miles to and from their wintering and breeding grounds, passing through much of Georgia. Guided by stars, the earth’s magnetic field, and landforms like rivers and mountains, birds ranging in size from ruby-throated hummingbirds weighing only 3 grams to swallow-tailed kites with 4-foot wingspans navigate the western hemisphere in a race to return to their breeding grounds. The remarkable nature of these annual journeys can hardly be overstated.

The theme for IMBD 2007 is “Birds in a Changing Climate.” Birds have long been indicators of environmental change, sounding the alarm about the impacts of pesticides, polluted water, and the loss of contiguous forest. While IMBD continues to promote the joy of birds, it will also tackle a challenging, yet pertinent topic in 2007 - climate change.

The reactions of birds to weather have long been noted. For hundreds of years, farmers have used the arrivals of migratory birds to make decisions about planting crops. Changes in the movements of some species are just one indicator of the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. Today, as the rate of warming increases, scientists are exploring how climate change will affect birds and how we can reduce our impact.

For more information about “Birds in a Changing Climate” or to locate IMBD celebrations in your area, visit www.birdday.org.

The Georgia Partners in Flight initiative is funded partially by monies earned through the sale of nongame wildlife license plates. Georgians can support conservation projects for neotropical migrants and other nongame wildlife by purchasing a wildlife license plate featuring a bald eagle/American flag or a ruby-throated hummingbird for their vehicle, and by donating to the “Give Wildlife a Chance” State Income Tax Checkoff. Sales of the nongame wildlife license plates are the primary source of funding for the WRD Nongame Conservation Section. For more information, visit the WRD website at www.georgiawildlife.com and choose “Nongame Animals & Plants.”

Georgia Department of Natural Resources, State Parks & Historic Sites 2007 Birding Events

Kayak Bird Count
Saturday, April 7; 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Crooked River State Park - St. Mary's
Kayak the marshes around the Crooked River and participate in our bird count. Reservations are required and space is limited. Fee plus $3 parking. 912-882-5256.

Birding on the Old Plantation
Saturday, April 14; 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation Historic Site - Brunswick
Both amateur bird watchers and seasoned veterans are invited to this day filled with exclusive birding opportunities along the Georgia Coast. Bring binoculars and dress appropriately, including footwear. Rain date: April 21. $2.50 - $5. 912-264-7333.

For the Birds
Sunday, April 15; 8:00 am - 3:30 pm
Red Top Mountain State Park and Lodge - Cartersville
Experience the world of native birds through a guided hike followed by ranger programs, hands-on crafts for kids, and a live birds of prey encounter. $3 parking. 770-975-4226.

Spring Bird Walk
Saturday, April 21; 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mistletoe State Park - Appling
Join us as we look for neotropical migrants like warblers, tanagers and vireos passing through on the way to their northern nesting areas or returning to Georgia to nest after spending the winter as far away as South America. Spring wildflowers will be in bloom, so you won't want to miss this walk. $3 parking. 706-541-0321.

Common Birds of Georgia
Friday, April 27; 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
Sit back and enjoy this slide presentation of birds that can be seen in Georgia. Participants may be surprised to learn which birds are native to our area. Spring migration and birdcalls will be discussed. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.

Spring Wildflower & Bird Hike
Saturday, April 28; 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
New Echota Historic Site - Calhoun
Join us along New Town Creek Trail for an easy one-mile guided hike. We'll kick off the season by enjoying the many spring wildflowers and migrant songbirds. Expect to see bloodroot, violets, trillium, mayapple and many other beautiful native plants in bloom, as well as a variety of warblers, vireos, and other birds as we traverse this trail of varied habitat. Morning hike at 10 a.m. and afternoon hike at 2 p.m. $2.50-$4. 706-624-1321.

Feathered Friends
Saturday, April 28; 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Providence Canyon State Park - Lumpkin
Rangers will present a program on the birds of southwest Georgia, including a slide show, birdcalls and guided hike. $1 plus $3 parking. 229-838-6202.

Birding by Ear
Saturday, April 28; 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge - Helen
During the spring migration, many neotropical birds pass through the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area. These small birds are often difficult to see, but their songs can be heard throughout the woods. Come and learn to identify them by their songs with Lisa Hurt of the Atlanta Audubon Society. Walking shoes and binoculars are recommended. Register in advance. $3 parking. 706-878-3087.

SOAR Birds of Prey Program
Saturday, May 5; 11:00 am
Crooked River State Park - St. Mary's
SOAR is a raptor rehabilitation and education organization working to educate people about birds of prey. They will bring live raptors for an energetic presentation including free-flying over the audience. $3 parking. 912-882-8531.

Learn the Birds
Friday, May 11; 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
This event begins Friday evening with a slide show on backyard birds. Saturday bird walks and activities will identify migrant and resident birds by sight and sound as they are encountered in Unicoi's forest. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Tallulah Gorge Birding Weekend
Saturday, May 12; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday, May 13; 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls
The park will host a lecture the 2007 IMBD theme, "Climate Change and Migratory Birds," a volunteer work project in our bird-viewing area, and a rare opportunity for a bird walk through an area recently treated with a prescribed burn for habitat improvement. Register in advance. $4 parking. 706-754-7981.

Learn the Birds
Saturday, May 12; 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
Unicoi State Park and Lodge - Helen
This event begins Friday evening with a slide show on backyard birds. Saturday bird walks and activities will identify migrant and resident birds by sight and sound as they are encountered in Unicoi's forest. Register in advance. $5 plus $3 parking. 800-573-9659 ext. 305.

Wings of Flight
Saturday, May 26, 27 & 28
Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge - Dawsonville
Share your love of all winged creatures during these programs on birds, bats, and butterflies. Learn tips on how to attract these creatures to your own backyard, and how you can make them feel at home. $3 parking. 706-265-4703.