Georgia’s Top Birding Destinations
From the mountains to the coast and everywhere in between, the Georgia Birding Trail showcases Georgia’s incredible birdlife and diverse habitats, with loops spanning six unique ecoregions. Each Georgia Birding Trail site has been handpicked for its outstanding birding opportunities and habitat, amenities, and accessibility.
Explore the TrailFeatured Sites
Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Besides the pond and wetlands, the preserve includes emerging pine forest, wooded uplands containing mature trees, and low shrub meadow in the floodplain bordering South Peachtree Creek. These diverse habitats are home to beavers, foxes, turtles, snakes, frogs, rabbits, and dozens of species of birds. To date, 184 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified, including Wood Duck, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Cooper’s Hawk, Pileated Woodpecker, and Barred Owl.
Yuchi Wildlife Management Area
Yuchi Wildlife Management Area is a 7,800-acre property located in Burke County. This property offers wildlife viewing, hiking, camping and hunting opportunities.
E.L. Huie Ponds
The E. L. Huie Jr. Holding Pond Complex is a storage area for excess treated wastewater that the Huie constructed wetlands site cannot handle. There are five ponds, four of which have varying levels of water depending on the time of year and recent rainfall events. The habitat is used by a variety of waterfowl species in the winter including Blue and Green-winged Teal, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, American Wigeons, Mallards, and Gadwall.
Let’s Go Birding
Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the world for good reason – it is low cost, can be done anywhere at any time, brings us closer to nature, and benefits both our physical and mental health.
Get StartedNews From The Trail
The Year of the Georgia Birding Trail
April 18, 2026
The Georgia House of Representatives recognized 2026 as the Year of the Georgia Birding Trail, celebrating a new statewide initiative led by Birds Georgia honoring the organization’s centennial year.
A closer look: American Kestrel
April 16, 2026
This iconic bird was a great selection to be incorporated into the Georgia Birding Trail logo. American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America and is easy to recognize because of its colorful markings.
Our State Bird
April 15, 2026
The Brown Thrasher was officially designated as Georgia’s state bird in 1935. Its selection was largely influenced by its strong presence throughout the state and its reputation as a spirited and resilient native species.
Are you ready to start birding?
Birding is a wonderful hobby that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re watching birds from your window or exploring new places, every bird you see adds to your experience and knowledge. So grab your binoculars, head outside, and start your birding adventure today!
Georgia Bird Fest Summit
The Georgia Bird Fest Summit is coming home to the ATL! We’ll convene at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on April 26 for the third annual Georgia Bird Fest Summit.
View Event DetailsHooded Warbler
Males sing a clear, ringing “ta-wit ta-wit ta-wee-tee-oh” from dense understory shrubs. Look for them in spring and summer near streams and moist woodlands across much of the state.
About the Trail
The Georgia Birding Trail is the legacy project of Birds Georgia in celebration of the group’s Centennial anniversary in 2026, created as a lasting gift to Georgia’s people and wildlife.
The Trail is supported in part by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division and State Parks and Historic Sites and the Georgia Ornithological Society.
