Eastern Phoebes, by Robyn Newman
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Georgia Audubon remains more invested than ever in our work building places where birds and people thrive. We are taking steps to ensure that our staff, our volunteers, and our communities are safe, but our work for Georgia's birds continues.
We are continuing to offer a variety of webinars and digital resources to help you and your family gain a better understanding of our work and the birds that surround us. We'll share upcoming events in our bi-monthly e-newsletter, BirdBuzz, and you can also find updates on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages, as well as right here on our website. If you would like to sign-up to receive our bi-monthly e-newsletter with a list of upcoming events, please consider becoming a member or visit our newsletter page.
Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you at a Georgia Audubon event when we can safely reconvene!
We are continuing to offer a variety of webinars and digital resources to help you and your family gain a better understanding of our work and the birds that surround us. We'll share upcoming events in our bi-monthly e-newsletter, BirdBuzz, and you can also find updates on our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages, as well as right here on our website. If you would like to sign-up to receive our bi-monthly e-newsletter with a list of upcoming events, please consider becoming a member or visit our newsletter page.
Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you at a Georgia Audubon event when we can safely reconvene!
Upcoming Webinars
Virtual Bird Walks on Facebook
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When: Every other Friday (check Facebook page for current scheduling)
9:00 AM Where: Georgia Audubon Facebook page Since social distancing is throwing a kink in our in-person Georgia Audubon bird walks, we're bringing a walk to you via Facebook Live. Join us on the Georgia Audubon Facebook page every other Friday at 9:00 AM for a virtual bird walk with Georgia Audubon staff and volunteer trip leaders as they explore their yards or nearby birdy patches and talk about what they're seeing. |
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Webinar: Birds and Beers Featuring Special Guest David Sibley
Wednesday, August 19 7:00 PM Georgia Audubon and Eagle Eye Book Shop will co-host the next installation of our popular online Birds & Beer, featuring special guest author and illustrator David Sibley. Join us on Wednesday, August 19, at 7:00 PM for this conversation, followed by an audience Q&A, moderated by Georgia Audubon’s Director of Conservation, Adam Betuel, as they discuss David’s newest release and New York Times’ Bestseller What It’s Like to Be a Bird. “Can birds smell?” “Is this the same cardinal that was at my feeder last year?” “Do robins ‘hear’ worms?” In What It’s Like to Be a Bird, David Sibley answers the most frequently asked questions about the birds we see most often. This special, large-format volume is geared as much to non-birders as it is to the out-and-out obsessed, covering more than two hundred species and including more than 330 new illustrations by the author. Note on ticket pricing: Georgia Audubon is partnering with Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur to make available signed, hard-cover copies of Sibley’s latest book, What It’s Like to Be a Bird. The books may either be picked up in the retail store or shipped to your home for an additional fee. Eagle Eye Book Shop donates a portion of the proceeds of books sold to Georgia Audubon. Ticket prices are per device, so if you and your family would like to watch on the same device it is fine to purchase only one ticket. Book Update (7/3/2020): David Sibley's new book is currently out-of-stock with the publisher. The book is expected to be back in-stock around July 17. If you purchase a webinar ticket that includes a copy of the book, it will ship to you as soon as they are back in-stock. If you are planning to pick-up your book in person at Eagle Eye Book Shop, please contact the store directly to ensure it is in-stock (404.486.0307). Webinar Only: $7 – Georgia Audubon members $10 – non-members Ticket and copy of What It’s Like to Be a Bird (You must pick up book at Eagle Eye Book Shop, Decatur) $40 (includes one webinar ticket and a book that you will pick up at Eagle Eye Book Shop) Ticket and copy of What It’s Like to Be a Bird (shipped to you at your home) $45 (includes one webinar ticket and a book that will be shipped to your home) |
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Tennessee Warbler injured in a building collision. Photo by Adam Betuel.
Webinar: Birds and Buildings: Understanding This Threat to Birds and How You Can Help
Thursday, August 20
7:00 to 8:30 PM
Free
Did you know that collisions with buildings and other structures pose a serious threat to birds, claiming the lives of 365 million to 1 billion individuals annually? That is the third leading cause of bird death in the United States! To better understand this across the state, we at Atlanta Audubon created Project Safe Flight, a program aimed at collecting data on collisions and working towards making our state safer for our birds. During spring and fall migration, Project Safe Flight volunteers monitor for collisions victims, gathering vital data for this initiative.
Join us on August 20th as Director of Conservation Adam Betuel outlines the ways buildings are a threat to our birds, what can be done to make our state safer for birds, as well as how you can participate in Project Safe Flight. This webinar is aimed at participants who want to know more about this issue, those interested in volunteering for our collision reduction programming, and for returning volunteers who need a refresher on data collection and correct protocols. Fall migration is rapidly approaching and we need your help!
Thursday, August 20
7:00 to 8:30 PM
Free
Did you know that collisions with buildings and other structures pose a serious threat to birds, claiming the lives of 365 million to 1 billion individuals annually? That is the third leading cause of bird death in the United States! To better understand this across the state, we at Atlanta Audubon created Project Safe Flight, a program aimed at collecting data on collisions and working towards making our state safer for our birds. During spring and fall migration, Project Safe Flight volunteers monitor for collisions victims, gathering vital data for this initiative.
Join us on August 20th as Director of Conservation Adam Betuel outlines the ways buildings are a threat to our birds, what can be done to make our state safer for birds, as well as how you can participate in Project Safe Flight. This webinar is aimed at participants who want to know more about this issue, those interested in volunteering for our collision reduction programming, and for returning volunteers who need a refresher on data collection and correct protocols. Fall migration is rapidly approaching and we need your help!
Doug Tallamy, by Rob Cardillo.
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Webinar: Nature's Best Hope with Doug Tallamy
Thursday, September 17, 2020 7:00 PM Georgia Audubon is thrilled to welcome award-winning author and entomologist Doug Tallamy for a webinar on the evening of September 17. This is an amazing opportunity to hear Doug’s message of hope and to learn how we all can be part of the solution to address declining biodiversity and save birds, too. |
Past webinars
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Webinar - Birding Michigan: Conservation, Connectivity, and Species Diversity
Recorded: July 16 In 2019, Adam Betuel, Atlanta Audubon director of conservation, led a trip a birding trip to northern Michigan. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, an extensive state forest system, and a diversity of habitats, it is no wonder that Michigan is a top birding destination. Less apparent are the ways birds connect both Michigan and Georgia. Upland Sandpipers migrate south from breeding grounds and visit our rural sod farms. Over 60% of the endangered Great Lakes breeding population of the Piping Plover overwinter on the Georgia coast. In addition, one of the rarest birds in our country, the Kirtland’s Warbler, breeds almost exclusively in Michigan and during migration is found in its highest density in Georgia. All told, the group spotted 145 species of birds. Adam shares slides and tales from this remarkable trip. |
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Webinar - June Monthly Meeting: Atlanta's Secrets, Hidden Trails, and, of course, Birds with Jonah McDonald
Recorded June 28, 2020 Though birding in Atlanta is not secret, we birders do look at the city differently. Atlanta Audubon welcomes Jonah McDonald, an Atlanta writer, storyteller, historian, and naturalist, as the presenter for our June Monthly Meeting. Jonah's new book, Secret Atlanta: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure contains 90 short stories about unusual and forgotten places in Atlanta. |
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The Atlanta Coyote Project with Dr. Chris Mowry and Larry Wilson
Recorded June 24, 2020 Join us for a fascinating presentation from Dr. Chris Mowry and Larry Wilson on the Atlanta Coyote Project and their current collaboration with the Urban Wildlife Information Network, based out of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. The project is studying the overall biodiversity (including coyotes) in Atlanta while also making geographic comparisons with other cities. Why study urban wildlife, including coyotes? Wildlife can be surprisingly abundant and diverse even in the densest of cities, including Atlanta. Studying urban animal communities helps us understand stressors on wildlife populations, species interactions, and sources of human-wildlife conflict in order to preserve biodiversity, maintain ecosystem function, reduce property damage, foster safe neighborhoods, and encourage positive associations with wildlife. |
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Lunch and Learn: Paraguay Trip Report with Adam Betuel
Recorded June 10, 2020 In 2017, Adam Betuel, Atlanta Audubon director of conservation, and Paul Smith, an authority on Paraguayan birds who is active in scientific research, conservation, and tour leading, led a group of intrepid birders on a birding adventure to Paraguay. During the 14-day adventure, the group visited the wet and dry Chaco, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest and took a trip to the famous Iguazu Falls in Argentina. Enduring bumpy roads and a few “unplanned” incidents, the group saw 320 species of birds along the way, including the Greater Rhea, White-winged Nightjar, Spot-billed Toucanet, Black-bodied Woodpecker, and Quebracho-crested Tinamou, to name just a few. |
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Lunch and Learn: A Year in the Life of Hummingbirds
Recorded May 21, 2020 Everyone loves hummingbirds! These tiny birds with extraordinary abilities lead a fascinating life. Join Georgia Audubon Director of Education Melanie Furr to learn about a year in the life of these magical little birds and get a chance to meet our education ambassador hummingbirds, Sibley and Polly. |
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Georgia Audubon Travel to Guatemala Trip Report
Recorded May 27, 2020 In November 2018, Conservation Director Adam Betuel led a group of eleven Georgia Audubon members on an international birdwatching adventure to Guatemala. Boasting an amazing array of avian life, Guatemala was chosen because it offered many regionally difficult species as well as bird species that strongly connected with Georgia Audubon’s conservation programs. The group visited a shade-grown coffee farm in the Pacific Highlands and searched for wintering Wood Thrush at Tikal National Park. Some of the species the group was seeking included White-bellied Chachalaca, Yellow-naped Parrot, Rufousnaped Wren, Ocellated Turkey, Cinnamon Hummingbird, Tody Motmot, Slender Shear-tail, Sparkling-tailed Hummingbird, and many more. A small group also trekked up the upper slope of the Atitlán volcano in hopes of spotting the elusive Horned Guan. |
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Wildlife Photography: Shooting and Editing in RAW formats with DSLR Cameras
with Stephen W. Ramsden, Director Sunlit Earth! Recorded May 12, 2020 Join Stephen W. Ramsden, Director of Sunlit Earth!, for a free webinar introducing you to shooting and editing in RAW formats with DSLR cameras. In this webinar, Stephen discusses the reasons you should be shooting images in RAW format, and shows you how it can greatly increase the quality of your wildlife photography in no time with very little effort. Stephen will take field images in RAW format and show viewers how to process them using the RAW importer in Lightroom/Photoshop CC. This is very similar to any other RAW importer software and the methods are usable in any RAW editing software. Sunlit Earth! is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that supports solar astronomy outreach, nature hikes, Sunlight's effect on terrestrial biosystems and general STEM outreach by spreading information, teaching classes, supplying equipment and logistical support in the United States and 27 countries around the world. |
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Digital Birds and Beers III
Recorded May 8, 2020 Join Georgia Audubon Director of Conservation Adam Betuel for a fun, interactive, and relaxed conversation with an exciting diversity of bird professionals via webinar. Adam virtually “sits down” with the following speakers for a laid back dive into the world of birds.
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Feathers and Flames: Relationships Between Birds and Fire in Georgia with Malcolm Hodges
Recorded May 3, 2020 Many habitats in the southeast depend on fire, so many of our native birds have adapted to it. We look at some of the ways our birds cope with and even rely on fire to survive. About the presenter: Malcolm Hodges grew up in coastal Mississippi, and has a BA in Biology from Rice University and a Masters in Zoology from Mississippi State. He has worked for The Nature Conservancy in Georgia as an ecologist and land manager since 1992. His current interests are conservation management of threatened biota in the Southeast US; lichen systematics, distribution and conservation in the Southeast; and just about anything to do with birds. |
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Georgia Audubon Digital Birds and Beers II
Recorded April 24, 2020 Join Georgia Audubon Director of Conservation Adam Betuel for a fun, interactive, and relaxed conversation with an exciting diversity of bird professionals via webinar. Adam virtually “sits down” with the following speakers for a laid back dive into the world of birds.
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Georgia Audubon Digital Birds and Beers I
Recorded April 10, 2020 Join Georgia Audubon Director of Conservation Adam Betuel for a fun, interactive, and relaxed conversation with an exciting diversity of bird professionals. Adam hosted a virtual "sit down” with the following speakers:
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Costa Rica Trip Report with Adam Betuel
Recorded March 31, 2020 In January 2020, Director of Conservation Adam Betuel led a group of Georgia Audubon members on an international birdwatching adventure to Costa Rica. For many Americans, there is no place more synonymous with tropical birds and luxuriant landscapes than Costa Rica. Long known as a safe, diverse, and biologically rich country, Costa Rica is a true birdwatchers' heaven. The group saw hundreds of bird species, including regional specialties, colorful gems, and some of our overwintering visitors. Along with stellar birding and breathtaking landscapes, the group visited a shadegrown coffee farm and had the opportunity to join bird banders from the Costa Rica Bird Observatories. |
SOcial Media Fun and Facebook Live Events
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Meet Sibley and Polly, Georgia Audubon's Hummingbird Ambassadors on Facebook LIVE
When: Tuesday, May 21, at 11:00 AM Where: Georgia Audubon Facebook page Join us for a virtual sit down with Sibley and Polly, Georgia Audubon’s ambassador birds, and their caretaker Melanie Furr, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and Georgia Audubon director of education. Sibley and Polly are both Ruby-throated Hummingbirds who were injured in window collisions. Sibley and Polly now serve as Atlanta Audubon Ambassador Birds educating youth and adults about the dangers of window collisions and giving people an up-close and personal look at these tiny birds. Melanie will introduce Sibley and Polly and talk about what goes into their care and feeding. |
Meet Georgia Audubon's Ambassador Hummingbirds Sibley and Polly at this Facebook Live event.
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Virtual Ask Chippy Session on Facebook LIVE
When: Wednesday, May 6, at 9 AM Where: Georgia Audubon Facebook page Do you have questions about birds, bird feeding, birding, plants for birds, what to do if you find a baby bird, or other bird-related questions? If so, join us for this Facebook Live event where you can Ask Chippy (our Georgia Audubon bird-help email) your bird related questions. Panelists will include Dottie Head (aka Chippy) and director of membership and communications; Adam Betuel, director of conservation; Melanie Furr, director of education and a licensed wildlife rehabilitator; and Gabe Andrle, habitat conservation coordinator. Join us on the Georgia Audubon Facebook page for this live event. |
SOCIAL DISTANCING BIRDER'S BINGO
There's nothing funny about the COVID-19 outbreak, but we had fun creating this Social Distancing Birder's Bingo. Since many of us are under shelter-in-place orders and many of our favorite birding spots are closed, we created this version so it can be used in your yard or nearby favorite birdy patch. Click below to download a PDF version of this form so you can play at home.
There's nothing funny about the COVID-19 outbreak, but we had fun creating this Social Distancing Birder's Bingo. Since many of us are under shelter-in-place orders and many of our favorite birding spots are closed, we created this version so it can be used in your yard or nearby favorite birdy patch. Click below to download a PDF version of this form so you can play at home.
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GEORGIA BACKYARD BIRD MADNESS
Does social distancing and the cancelation of March Madness have you feeling down? Then play along with us in this Georgia Backyard Bird Madness. Instead of regions, we picked famous bird personalities for our groupings. Twice each day, we'll post a matchup on Facebook and Instagram. Vote for your favorite using our online poll. The winner will move onto the next round until we have crowned the ultimate Georgia bird. To learn more, visit our Georgia Backyard Bird Madness page. Thanks to everyone who played along with us. The Eastern Bluebird was crowned the Backyard Bird Madness Champion for 2020! |
Videos
Exploring Tapestry, A Georgia Audubon Certified Wildlife Sanctuary
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Join Gabe Andrle, Georgia Audubon's habitat conservation program coordinator, for a tour of Tapestry, one of Georgia Audubon's certified wildlife sanctuaries. This 7+ acre piece of land is owned by the Tapestry Homeowners Association and runs along Stockade Creek, part of the headwaters of Intrenchment Creek. The property features an amazing diversity of native plants and wildlife and includes three trails—Stream Path, Meadow Path, and Woodlands Path.
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Introducing Polly
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Polly, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird, recently joined Sibley as a Georgia Audubon Ambassador Bird. Polly (and Sibley) live with Melanie Furr, Director of Education, and travel around the metro area for educational programs teaching adults and children about the problem of bird-building collisions.
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Nature with Gabe: nesting Nuthatches
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Brown-headed Nuthatches are endemic to the southeast, but they are declining across many parts of their range. In this episode of Nature with Gabe, Georgia Audubon's Habitat Conservation Coordinator talks about these small birds that make a sound like a dog's squeaky toy and suggests ways you can help this iconic bird.
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Breakfast with Sibley
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Did you ever wonder what a day in the life is like with Sibley, Georgia Audubon's Ambassador Ruby-throated Hummingbird? We put together this short video with Melanie Furr, Georgia Audubon Director of Education and Sibley's handler, to help you learn more about Sibley. Injured in a window collision that rendered him flightless, Sibley now lives with Melanie at her house and visits schools, garden clubs, and community programs to help teach people about the dangers windows pose to birds.
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Big Creek Greenway Habitat restoration
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Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 outbreak, Georgia Audubon is continuing its habitat restoration work. In this video, we feature a 2-part habitat restoration project taking place at Big Creek Greenway in Alpharetta, GA.
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Sleepless Flight
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Our Project Safe Flight Program was recently featured in a film entitled “Sleepless Flight". Produced by Foot Trail Films this conservation documentary is set in Atlanta and addresses the issue of light pollution in Atlanta and other urban areas and the issue of bird-building collisions.
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Habitat Restoration work at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
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Despite the COVID-19 Outbreak, Georgia Audubon's work continues. On Thursday, March 19, Georgia Audubon Director of Conservation, conducted a bird survey at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve in Fulton County. Learn more about our habitat restoration work funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation in this short video.
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What is Birding with Gabe Andrle
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Gabe Andrle, Georgia Audubon's Habitat Conservation Program Manager, has a fun YouTube series called Nature with Gabe. In this episode, Gabe interviews people out in nature and asks the question, "What is birding?" You may be surprised by the variety of answers!
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What is Bird Banding?
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In this episode of Nature with Gabe, Georgia Audubon's Habitat Conservation Coordinator visits the Panola Mountain Banding Station to participate in a bird banding event. See what happens and how bird banding helps scientists learn more about Georgia's resident and migratory birds
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Fun for Youth
Learning ABout Birds Curriculum
Georgia Audubon's Learning About Birds (LAB) curriculum provides activities and materials to educators interested in exposing students to hands-on, interactive learning about birds, habitats, and conservation. All units are aligned with the Georgia Performance Standards in science. Click the units below to download.
