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Migratory Birds Of Kennesaw Mountain




The Basics:
Event Type:Learn
Event Location: Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Apr 25 2010  8:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Thu, Apr 15 2010 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Apr 24 2010 9:00 pm
Event Duration:about 3 hours, give or take
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Jason B
Scott Looper
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:0
Number Registered So Far: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
Kennesaw Mountain is one of the premier spots in the entire Southeastern U.S. for neo-tropical migrant songbirds.  It acts as a “sky island” for birds on their way to their northward breeding grounds from Central and South America, and is designated an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society.  This walk is concurrent with the peak of Spring migration and you can expect to see (and hear!) many colorful and exotic species of warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, and flycatchers, among others. 

You will learn the basics of “birding,” including the process of hunting first by ear and then using your eyes to follow up on what you have heard.  You will learn to recognize specific bird songs.  But perhaps the biggest thrill will be seeing some of the spectacularly colorful birds like scarlet & summer tanagers, indigo buntings, or blackburnian warblers (a.k.a “firethroats”) which will fill the trees.   

There will also be a demonstration of how to use an Ipod touch as a field guide (there’s an app. for that!)  and device for learning bird songs, as well as how it can be used to call a bird in to within (hopefully) a few feet for a close look!  That is always a crowd pleaser.  Also, you will see the technique known as “pishing” where you make sounds with your own mouth to attract birds. 

Please understand that this is not a “hike” but rather a “walk.”  We will be moving deliberately.  Still, the itinerary will include walking up the main road to the top and back (about 2 miles round trip) so participants should be in reasonably good health and able to walk uphill.  
We will also be joined by some beginning birders from the Atlanta Audubon Society. 

Please note that dogs are not permitted on this event. 

Required Items to Bring:
Binoculars if you have them
Comfortable walking shoes
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Field guide to birds
Light snack
Some water
Rain jacket or poncho in case of showers

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Event Directions:  Please note there has been a road closure along Old Highway 41 between Ridenhour Road and Stilesboro Road.   From Atlanta,
take I-75 north from Atlanta to exit 267B, and follow the exit ramp to
the right in a circle back across I-75.  Follow the signs to U.S. 41,
and turn right at the traffic light onto 41 north.  After about 0.5
miles, look for a Burger King on your left, at which point turn left at
the traffic light onto Bells Ferry Road and keep right.  Make the first
right onto Old U.S. 41.  After 1.2 miles, turn left onto Stilesboro
Road and make an almost immediate left into the visitors center parking
lot.  (Note that if you arrive before 7:30 AM and the gate isn’t open yet, park along Old US 41
just past Stilesboro Road.)
 

Notes:
Please feel free to call or email me at any time if you have questions about this event.  I am looking forward to meeting you. 


* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: Event will be rescheduled if it rains.