Several bird walks will be conducted on Saturdays in Fernbank Forest this spring. The walks are led by experienced biologists from Fernbank Science Center. If you have an interest in birds, the walks are a great way to see and learn about them in a wonderful old-growth forest setting.  The walks begin in the parking lot of Fernbank Science Center at approximately 8:00 a.m. and last until 10:00 a.m. (you may leave at any time).  Please bring your own binoculars. Checklists will be provided. This is a great way to meet people who share your interest in birds. Hope to see you there!

The dates are:

• 3/22
• 3/29
• 4/26
• 5/3
• 5/10

2008 MAPS Bird Banding

Coming Soon!

MAPS Bird Banding.  MAPS stands for Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship.  This program relies on banding birds and recapturing them to gather data on longevity, dispersion and survivorship.  There are over 500 MAPS stations in the United States and Canada.  Fernbank Forest is one of four sites located in Georgia.  MAPS provides valuable information about bird populations that is used to make management decisions that affect birds.  The highlight of our banding season is recapturing Wood Thrushes.  Wood Thrushes are neo-tropical migrants that are experiencing significant population declines.

Please Join Us!
You are welcome to join us and help band birds!.  We arrive at Fernbank at sunrise and begin setting up our equipment. You are welcome to come early and help us set up.  We will be banding birds for most of the day (until about 1:00 p.m.) and you can arrive at anytime during the day even if you just want to watch. Our banding station will be set up near the entrance to Fernbank Forest (behind the Science Center Building).  Please call Trecia Neal (404-370-8091) or Chris Showalter (678-874-7135) for more specific information. 

*Please be aware that bird banding is weather dependent. If it is raining the session will most likely be canceled and made up at a later date. Please wear appropriate clothing. There is a considerable amount of Poison Ivy in the forest...long pants are suggested.