Published: April 24, 2008 03:06 pm            

Buford Trout Hatchery hosts guided bird walk May 4

Submitted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources



BUFORD — Springtime is a great time to observe many species of colorful birds known as neotropical migrants. Just north of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division’s Buford Trout Hatchery offers a combination of habitat that is very attractive to neotropical migrants, making it the perfect location to spot a beautiful summer tanager or orchard oriole. Local bird expert Karen Theodorou will be leading a bird walk along the hatchery’s Lincoln Sparrow Trail Sun., May 4 at 8 a.m.

Lincoln Sparrow Trail is a short half-mile loop that’s easy to walk, and features two wildlife-viewing blinds and an observation deck which overlooks a wetland. Bird checklists and a limited number of binoculars are available for participants of the May 4 bird walk. The walk is intended for individuals and families and is not designed to accommodate large organized groups. The walk is scheduled to begin promptly at 8 a.m. and should last approximately until 9:30 a.m.

Birding participants can expect to see a variety of neotropical species, including indigo buntings, summer tanagers, orchard orioles and numerous warblers. These neotropical migrants now are winging their way north on an annual migration from the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Buford Trout Hatchery is located between Cumming and Buford off Ga. Hwy. 20. From Atlanta, take Ga. Hwy. 400 north to Exit 14. Exit right on Ga. Hwy. 20 and travel east for four miles, turn left on River Club Drive in the Chattahoochee River Club subdivision. Travel approximately ½ mile and turn right at the second stop sign onto Trout Place Road. Trout Place Road dead-ends into Buford Trout Hatchery.

For additional information about the May 4 bird walk, contact the Buford Trout Hatchery at (770) 781-6888.

In addition, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks and Historic Sites Web site offers free educational materials about neotropical migrating birds for both teachers and the general public at www.gastateparks.org under the “Educational Resources” tab located in the “Kids and Educators” section.

        

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