Field Trip to Piedmont NWR

Event Date: 
Saturday, April 2, 2022 - 6:00am

 

The Oconee Rivers Audubon Society will be taking a field trip to the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge outside Gray, Georgia.  In addition to migrating neotropical migrants, we are also hoping to find Bachman's Sparrows and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.

We will meet at the Shops of South Athens Shopping Center (behind the Waffle House) on South Milledge near the bypass ready to leave at 6:00AM.  This means you will want to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before 6:00AM.  We will car pool in as few cars as we can manage. If you plan to meet us, we will be arriving at the Allison's Lake day use area hopefully around 8:00AM.  From Monticello, GA, you will want to take GA11S through Hillsboro toward the visitor center entrance.  GPS units will suggest multiple paths to the NWR - which is very large.

ORAS field trips and bird walks are open to the public and to birders of all ages and experience levels.  You will want to bring binoculars, water, insect repellent and snacks if you so desire.  You are encouraged to wear practical shoes and dress for the weather.  While the walk consists of hiking up the road to the summit of the mountain and back down again, the pace is leisurely and not particularly strenuous.  Be aware that the visitor center will not be open on Saturdays, so we can not count on restroom facilities.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Ed Maioriello at fieldtrip AT oconeeriversaudubon.org or at 706-296-5275.

For more information about Piedmont NWR click here.

IMPORTANT NOTE: On occasion, field trips may have to be cancelled (bad weather, etc.) or important details may change (for example, the original meeting spot for a site may have to be changed if there is a trail closure or parking problem). If you plan to attend a birdwalk, ALWAYS check www.oconeeriversaudubon.org the night before for updates.