On Sunday, April 26, the Brown Thrashers gathered at 7 AM to begin a big day of birding. Youth Birders from around Georgia compete to see which team can compile the longest list of species seen in 24 hours. (Click on post title for more information about the YBC.) The Thrashers headed off to the Newman Wetland Center in Clayton County. We checked out the feeders and came away with a RT Hummingbird, Goldfinches, Cardinals and several other species. As we started around the wetland loop, we spotted a Pileated Woodpecker high in a snag. This was a first for our birders and a great start to the day. Shortly after that we got wonderful looks at a very cooperative Common Yellowthroat. Other birds included many Canada Geese, several Phoebes, Redwinged Blackbirds. We came upon 4 deer grazing in the woods and were able to watch them for quite some time. Turtles, spiders, and snakes were of interest as well.
After completing the loop at the Wetland Center, we caravaned up to the Huie Ponds. There we got great looks at a Turkey Vulture that was hunkered down on a piling. Also, a high flying mixed group of Black and Turkey Vultures gave us a good lesson in separating those species. We also got the scope on a Great Blue Heron. "Awesome!" Tree and Barn Swallows along with Martins helped fill in the checklist. We returned to the Wetland Center picnic pavilion for lunch.
Around 1:30 pm, we loaded up and headed for Charlie Elliott about 90 minutes away. We stopped along the way to check some cattle near road, including a longhorn. Arriving at CE we took a walk toward the lakes birding along the way. We were excited to find a pair of Canada Geese with newly hatched goslings.
A turtle was also a great find. We spent some time skipping stones then headed up to the dining hall to turn in our check list (34 species) and our conservation donation total ($310).
The banquet hit the spot after the long day. At the awards, we were delighted to win 3rd place for our donation to National Audubon's Pennies for the Planet and Atlanta Audubon's Birdathon.
Many thanks to the students and staff at Knollwood who supported our fundraising efforts and also to Sarah Humphrey and Angela Gaither for driving and birding with us.
