Fernbank Forest Spring Migration Birding Hike

The quiet early morning hours of mid-April are considered prime time for observing rare birds that are migrating through Atlanta. Spring is also a beautiful time of year for becoming more familiar with Georgia's year-round resident species. Although we’ll literally have to “get up with the birds” for this 8 AM event sponsored by Fernbank Science Center, we’re sure to enjoy this leisurely 2-hour birding hike in the Science Center’s lush old growth forest.
Fernbank ornithologist Chris Showalter will lead the hike, help us identify birds that we see or hear, and teach us some of their distinguishing “field marks” and calls. Assisting us will be AOC member and event co-leader Jason Baumgardner who is an avid birder – also other expert birders from the Atlanta Audubon Society.  We expect to observe numerous songbirds including exotic migratory warblers – also perhaps a few large raptors such as barred owls and red-tailed hawks. Bring your binoculars if you have a pair!

FROM I-75/I-85 CORRIDOR IN DOWNTOWN ATLANTA:
1) Get off I-75 at Exit #248C, “GA-10 East/ Freedom Pkwy.”
2) Take Freedom Pkwy eastward about 2.3 miles to its end at Ponce de Leon Ave (avoiding the Carter Center exit).
3) Turn Right onto Ponce De Leon Ave (US-29/78), go about 2.7 miles, and look for an old arched concrete railroad bridge crossing the road ahead.
4) Just BEFORE passing under the railroad bridge turn Left at the traffic light onto Artwood Road and go just 0.2 mile.
5) Turn Right onto Heaton Park Drive and go just 0.1 mile to Fernbank Science Center on your left. Park in the “North” lot just beyond the Science Center and meet near the stone wall surrounding the round-domed observatory.  If necessary use an overflow parking space beyond the observatory or in front of the Science Center.

FROM I-285 EAST OF ATLANTA:
1) Get off I-285 at Exit #39A “US-78 West, Decatur/Atlanta.”
2) Take US-78 West about 5.1 miles, which en route becomes Scott Blvd, then merges with Ponce de Leon Ave. Look for an old arched concrete railroad bridge crossing the road ahead.
3) Just AFTER passing under the railroad bridge turn Right off Ponce de Leon Ave onto Artwood Road and go just 0.2 mile.
4) Turn Right onto Heaton Park Drive and go just 0.1 mile to Fernbank Science Center on your left. Park in the “North” lot just beyond the Science Center and meet near the stone wall surrounding the round-domed observatory.  If necessary use an overflow parking space beyond the observatory or in front of the Science Center.

Free event and free parking!