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migrant winter birds on Ga coast

Discussion

3 replies
Posted by Ray Dove on September 9, 2010 at 5:23 PM
I am planning a photography trip to the Ga coast this fall or winter. I'll be going to Savannah NWR, Tybee Island, Jekyll Island, and possibly places between Savannah and Jekyll. Right now I am planning for mid Nov as the time.I am wondering if this time will be good for the greatest number of resident and winter migrant birds of all types and sizes from waders to shore birds to warblers and anything in between, or would an earlier time or later time give me better chances for photography.If it matters I have the Nikon 500mm AF and the 80-400 VR lens for the birds. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated and I look forward to the advice. Thanks to all. Ray Dove
Posted by Philip Hodgkins on September 10, 2010 at 6:20 AM
Be advised that Savannah NWR is closed for extensive repairs until Jan 1, 2011. I suggest Harris Neck NWR as an alternative. If you go to Tybee, the shorebirds will be peaking about then. Either lens will do, but if you want flight shots, the 500 is a better choice. The Tybee birds are on the North Beach. Turn left on Polk Avenue. Go all the way down near the end and park at the meters on the left. Bring lots of quarters for the meters—it costs a dollar and hour to park, and the Tybee police are ticket happy! Walk down the beach trail and go to the right when you get to the beach. The bird site is about another 1/3 mile up the beach.

Wilderness Southeast (I am on the Board of Directors) conducts guided tours that might be of interest to you, particularly a boat tour out to Wassaw Island. You can check their schedule at http://www.wilderness-southeast.org/events.asp
Posted by Sharon Hallowell on January 23, 2011 at 11:53 AM
I'm headed to Fla mid Feb and always like to stop at Savannah NWR...is it now open??? And where is Harris Neck?
Posted by Ray Dove on January 23, 2011 at 1:06 PM
Sharon, Savannah NWR is still closed and according to the manager , it will be mid summer b4 it reopens. Actually, the whole refuge is not closed but just the drive , but according to what I have heard most of the photography takes place on the drive. Harris Neck is off I-95 south of Savannah, probably halfway between Savannah and Brunswick.I'm pretty sure there are signs on the interstate. Ray