Participate in a Christmas Bird Counts

Spend a day with the birds this holiday season by joining in the 109th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count program, an annual hemispheric early-winter bird census.

This winter’s count is Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 and ranges from the Pacific Islands to the Canadian provinces. During a count, each bird seen or heard during a calendar day (midnight to midnight) in a specific geographic area - a 15-mile diameter circle - is recorded.

The results give biologists a snapshot of the numbers and diversity of early-winter bird populations. The 2007 count proved instrumental in developing two Audubon reports. One revealed sharp population declines among some of America’s most familiar birds over the past 40 years, according to Audubon.

The Georgia Ornithological Society Web site lists more than 20 counts across Georgia, from Atlanta to Savannah and from Bainbridge to Blue Ridge. Most are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to participate.

The Audubon Society compiles the data and publishes the annual Christmas Bird Count reports.

Birding Enthusiasts & Emmy-Winning Georgia Outdoors!

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is providing a new e-newsletter for anyone interested opportunities for young birders. Review the first issue of Georgia's Young Birders, it includes a photo quiz, updates about the 2009 Youth Birding Competition and opportunities for folks to get out birding. Future issues will highlight field trips for young birders and updates about the 2009 Youth Birding Competition.

To learn more about the Youth Birding Competition watch this Emmy-winning Georgia Outdoors episode!

Report nesting eagles

Georgians who spot nesting bald eagles can report the sightings.

The Wildlife Resources Division monitors known eagle nests and works with landowners to help protect them. Georgia’s nesting eagle population has been increasing, with new nesting territories established each year. Bald eagles return to these territories in late summer or early fall and usually have eggs by December. The eggs hatch about a month after being laid and the young leave the nest about 12 weeks later, typically in late March or April.

Information that might indicate the presence of nesting eagles can be forwarded to the Wildlife Resources Division by filling out a form available on their website.

Project Feeder Watch

Thousands of bird watchers in Georgia and across the nation will be keeping a close eye on their feeders this winter as part of Project FeederWatch. The 22nd season for this popular citizen-science project runs from Saturday, Nov. 8, through April 3. But it's not too late to join!

FeederWatch participants help scientists monitor changes in bird populations by tracking birds at their feeders during the 21 weeks. Georgians are encouraged to join in, contributing to the science, conservation and enjoyment of North American feeder birds.

Project FeederWatch surveys birds that visit feeders at backyards, nature centers, community areas and other sites. Participants periodically count the highest numbers of each species they see at their feeders for the period. The data help scientists track broad-scale movements of winter bird populations and long-term trends in bird distribution and abundance.

Watchers also benefit. More than 100 studies have shown that getting closer to nature reduces stress and promotes a feeling of well being.

Highlights from the most recent season include the largest southward movement of red-breasted nuthatches in the project’s history, part of an expected influx of northern birds flying farther south when their food supplies run short, according to FeederWatch. Among rare birds reported was a streak-backed oriole in Loveland, Col. - the state’s first report of this Mexico native - and a dovekie deposited by a December nor’easter in Newton, Mass., the first time this North Atlantic seabird has been recorded in Project FeederWatch.

The project is conducted by individuals and groups of all skill levels. While the season opens Saturday, participants are encouraged to join any time.

To learn more or sign up, visit Project Feeder Watch website or call the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473. The fee is $15 ($12 for lab members). Participants receive the "FeederWatcher’s Handbook,” an identification poster of the most common feeder birds in their area, a calendar, instructions and the FeederWatch annual report, “Winter Bird Highlights.”

Volunteers With Ear, Heart For Frogs Sought For Survey

The frogs are calling. The question is, will Georgians who know what they’re hearing answer?

The second year of a calling frog survey in Georgia starts Jan. 15. There are 78 survey routes but only about 30 volunteers lined up to cover them. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, needs some 50 more listeners who can decipher the croaks, trills and peeps of Georgia’s 31 frog species.

The effort is important. The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program survey developed by the U.S. Geological Survey is aimed at tracking regional and national trends in frog distribution and abundance. Given the sensitivity of amphibians to air and water quality changes, those trends can signal environmental problems and shape conservation priorities. But in Georgia, baseline data is needed first.

Which means more survey volunteers with an ear and even a heart for frogs.

Before being assigned one of the pre-set routes scattered across the state, participants must pass an online quiz testing their ability to audibly identify frog species. Helpful resources include the online supplement to the new reference “Amphibians and Reptiles of Georgia.” published by the University of Georgia Press. The DNR Wildlife Resources Division also has available the compact disk "Calls of the Wild -Vocalizations of Georgia's Frogs.”

The quiz is available online at and allows would-be monitors to test their skills.

Volunteers are asked to commit to the survey for at least three years, underscoring the need for consistency in such citizen-science projects. Routes are run three nights a year, once each in three call periods: Jan. 15-Feb. 28, March 15-April 30 and May 15-June 30.

To sign up or find out more, contact the Wildlife Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section at (478) 994-1438.

5 Reasons it's a Perfect Time to Plant your Backyard Habitat

Right now is the perfect time to add plants to your garden!

1. The soil is nice and warm, allowing roots to grow faster than when planted in spring.
2. It's easier on your wallet since nurseries usually have many plants on sale.
3. You’ll save on water since cooler temperatures mean water doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
4. The cooler temperatures also make gardening easier for you.
5. You’ll attract beautiful birds and other small animals right away.

Plant your garden this weekend and certify it as a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat!

What's your water footprint?

Checkout the new on-line water calculator! It helps you understand your unique water footprint and provides personalized tips with simple ways to conserve water. The calculator is fun and easy to use, and a great teaching tool for children.

Georgia Hunters Can Help in the Fight Against Hunger

GEORGIA HUNTERS CAN HELP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HUNGER - Ten collection sites available beginning September 13

For the past 15 years, hunters across the state have been bringing meat to the tables of those in need through the Georgia Hunters for the Hungry program. This successful program celebrated serving its one-millionth meal in 2007 and provides numerous opportunities for hunters to share their harvest with those in need. This year, hunters can donate deer at ten participating processors beginning September 13 and continuing through January 15.

Hunters interested in participating in Georgia Hunters for the Hungry should bring field-dressed deer to any of the drop-off locations listed below. All hunters who donate a deer during this collection period will be entered into a drawing for a deer rifle, sponsored by the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

For information about collections sites visit this website: www.gohuntgeorgia.com

Tonight is the Great American Backyard Campout

Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for NWF’s fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008!

Be part of this nation-wide event! Visit this website for help making the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips and more.

Great American Backyard Campout

Join thousands of neighbors, friends, and families across the country for NWF’s fourth annual Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 28, 2008!

Be part of this nation-wide event! Visit this website for help making the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, wildlife guides, activities, tips and more.

National Trails Day this Saturday June 7

National Trails Day is a celebration of trails that evolved from the report by the President's Commission on Americans Outdoors. In 1987, the report recommended that all Americans be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes, be on trails that wind through their cities or towns and bring them back without retracing steps. The recommendation, dubbed Trails for All Americans, became the impetus behind several public and private parties joining American Hiking Society in launching National Trails Day in 1993.

To learn more about National Trails Day events in Georgia visit this website.

Today is World Turtle Day, May 23

Turtles are one of the most endearing and symbolic of America's
native wildlife. Turtles not only fascinate each passing generation of children, who find endless wonders under those hard shells, but they also continue to serve as a timeless role model in children's literature: the slow and steady turtle, whose patient progress always wins out against his fast but feckless competitor.

Yet the turtles' lofty status hasn't prevented humans from abusing the creature. In fact, all land, freshwater, and sea turtles are facing imminent threats to their survival, simply because of human activities. Turtles are the reptile most affected by the pet trade, not to mention the food and traditional medicine industries. Many turtle species also suffer from the effects of pollution as well as from the destructive effects of industrial fishing operations.

Despite these hardships, May is a busy month for turtles. Many have recently emerged from winter hibernation and are beginning their search for mates and nesting areas. For this reason, May 23 was designated World Turtle Day.

World Turtle Day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue, a turtle and tortoise rescue organization founded in 1990. The group brings attention to turtle conservation issues and highlights ways each of us can help protect these gentle but jeopardized animals. In the spirit of World Turtle Day, check out these suggested actions you can take to honor these fascinating creatures.

Georgia Outdoors: Georgia's Sea Creatures featuring the Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Georgia Outdoors: Longleaf Pine Ecosystem featuring the Gopher Tortoise.

Manatees are Back

The first manatees of the season have been spotted along the coast of Georgia. This means it is time again to remind boaters to be on the lookout to avoid collisions with the endangered animals.

With an estimated population of only 3,000 animals in U.S. waters, manatees, also known as sea cows, are protected as an endangered species under federal and Georgia law. Approximately one quarter of all manatee mortalities in Georgia since 1980 were caused by watercraft collisions. Other dangers to the species include entanglement in fishing gear and harmful algal blooms known as red tides.

Although Florida manatees are present throughout the year in Florida, they are migratory in Georgia. Manatees begin their slow migration up the Georgia coast each spring when water temperatures rise into the upper 60s. They can be found in tidal rivers, estuaries and near-shore marine waters throughout Georgia and the Carolinas throughout the summer months. Manatees return to Florida in September and October as water temperatures cool.

Adult manatees are approximately 10 feet long and weigh up to 1 ton. Their skin varies from gray to brown, and their bodies are rounded with two pectoral flippers and a wide, flat tail. Subsisting on marsh grass and other aquatic plants, the animals are gentle and pose no threat to humans. It is illegal to hunt, play with or harass manatees.

Manatees have a slow reproductive rate. Females are not sexually mature until about 5 years old, and males mature at approximately 9. On average, an adult female gives birth to one calf every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year.

Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, so a calf may remain dependent on its mother during that time. Manatee calves are approximately 4 feet long at birth and about 60 pounds.

The number of manatees along Georgia’s coastline each year is unknown because the turbid, murky waters near the coast make surveys difficult. Georgia residents can help biologists learn more about the movements and habitat use of manatees by reporting any sightings and taking photographs.

Collisions between boaters and manatees are more likely to occur in shallow waters, particularly around docks and at the edge of marshes where manatees feed. Following boater safety regulations in these areas can reduce the risk of a collision. Boaters should also watch for
manatee backs, tails, snouts and “footprints” - a series of round swirls on the surface caused by a swimming manatee’s tail.

If a boat accidentally collides with a manatee, the DNR Wildlife Resources Division asks that the boater stand-by and immediately contact the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 or DNR at (800) 2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Doing so provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather valuable scientific data. According to Wildlife Resources, boaters will not be charged if they were operating their boat responsibly and the collision was an accident.

If you see or photograph a healthy, injured or dead manatee, please contact DNR at (800) 2-SAVE-ME or (912) 269-7587. Please note the date, time, location and number of manatees seen, as well as the coordinates, if possible. Photographs of scars on their backs and tails are especially useful because they can often be used to identify previously known manatees.

Here are some other ways Georgia residents can help protect manatees:

• Look around for manatees before cranking your boat’s motor.

• Use caution when navigating in shallow water and along the edge of a marsh. Manatees cannot dive away from boats in these areas.

• Please heed “slow speed,” “no wake” and manatee warning signs, especially around docks.

• Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce glare, making it easier to spot manatees below the surface.
  

• Watch for large swirls in the water called footprints that may be caused by manatees diving away from the boat.

• Dock owners should never feed manatees or give them fresh water. This could teach the animals to approach docks, putting them at greater risk of a boat strike.

• Never pursue, harass or play with manatees. It is bad for the manatees and is illegal.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Coastal Sports and Wildlife

Today is Endangered Species Day, May 16

Celebrate endangered species success stories, including the American bald eagle, peregrine falcon, gray wolf, grizzly bear, humpback whale and many others. This will be the third consecutive year for this national celebration of America's commitment to protecting and recovering our nation's endangered species. Events are held across the country to highlight endangered species stores.

This year, Endangered Species Day will raise awareness about the threats to endangered species – including global warming - and the success stories in species recovery. It will provide an opportunity for schools, libraries, museums, zoos, botanical gardens, agencies, businesses, community organizations and conservation organizations to educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species. It is also an opportunity to highlight the everyday actions that individuals and groups can take to help protect our nation's wildlife, fish and plants. Because 2008 has been designated as The Year of the Frog by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a special focus will be on the threats faced by declining amphibian populations.

With more than 1,800 species now listed as threatened and endangered, and thousands more threatened with extinction unless they receive Endangered Species Act protections, all public education efforts are extremely valuable. Help celebrate Endangered Species Day by learning about endangered species in your area, providing habitat for wildlife in your backyard, joining Frogwatch, visiting your local zoo, aquarium or endangered species habitat.

To find Endgangered Species Day Activities in your area visit the Endangered Species Coalition website.

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Georgia's Rare, Threatened and Endganged Species

National Bike-to-Work Week

May is Bike Month.

May 12-16 is Bike-to-Work Week.

May 16 is Bike-to-Work Day.

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) celebrates National Bike Month each year in May. It's a chance for people to consciously promote cycling and the many ways bicycling is such a fun and useful way to get around.

Need some ideas? Here are 50 ways to celebrate Bike Month.

Also, download this pamphlet on the How's, Why's and Simple Pleasures of the Two-Wheeled Commute.

For information about events in your area the League of American Bicyclists .



Watch Georgia Outdoors: Biking.

Record the Ribbit this Sat, May 3

FrogWatch 2008: Record the Ribbit this Saturday, May 3rd

Leap into spring with your family and friends to celebrate FrogWatch 2008: Record the Ribbit. Participate in this one-day event to raise awareness about frogs and toads. Record the Ribbit is easy, free, and perfect for people of all ages.

Prepare by listening to calls and viewing photos of local species in your area, head outside on a nature walk, and then come back to share your findings online. Make sure to take a notepad with you to jot down your observations.

Record the Ribbit is a special event of Nature QuestSM FrogWatch USA™, National Wildlife Federation’s popular citizen-science amphibian monitoring program.

Download a Record the Ribbit Data Sheet for Your Region and get hopping!

Watch Georgia Outdoors: Reptiles and Amphibians to learn more about frogs.

"Orphaned" Wildlife Need no Rescue

Concern for “orphaned” wildlife is simply human nature. Most people who come across a deer fawn, a young bird or a newborn rabbit will initially watch in amazement and then immediately wonder if the animal is in need of help. This spring, as newborn wildlife blossom into existence, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages residents to resist the natural urge to rescue these “orphaned” wildlife.

"While a person may have good intentions, young animals unnecessarily taken into captivity lose their natural instincts and ability to survive in the wild,” says WRD Assistant Chief of Game Management John Bowers. Thus, the urge to “help” or “save” these animals is strongly discouraged both for the survival of the animal and the safety of the individual.

“Most of the time, young animals that appear to be helpless and alone are only separated from the adults temporarily. This separation of adults from newborns is a critical survival mechanism. Adults spend a significant amount of time away from their offspring to minimize predation, but do frequently check on their young,” explains Bowers.

“Additionally, handling wild animals and bringing them into the home poses a health risk for both people and pets. Wildlife can transmit life-threatening diseases such as rabies and can carry parasites such as roundworms, lice, fleas and ticks,” explains Bowers.

Residents who encounter a seriously injured animal or an animal that clearly has been orphaned should contact their local WRD office to obtain a contact number for a certified wildlife rehabilitator who is licensed to provide proper care for the animal until it can be released back into the wild. Individuals who are not trained in wildlife rehabilitation should not attempt to care for wildlife. Georgia law prohibits the possession of most wildlife without a permit.

Residents who encounter an animal such as a bat, fox, skunk, raccoon, coyote or bobcat during the daytime that appears to show no fear of humans or dogs, or that seems to behave in a sick or abnormal manner (i.e. weaving, drooling, etc.), should avoid the animal and contact the local county health office and/or a WRD office for guidance.

The animal may be afflicted with rabies, distemper or another disease. Residents should not attempt to feed or handle the sick animal. Pets, livestock and humans should be kept away from the area in which the animal was observed.

The two most important steps people can take to protect themselves and their pets from rabies is to 1) get pets vaccinated and 2) avoid contact with wildlife. As another precautionary step, adults should instruct children to NEVER bring wildlife home.

For more information on orphaned, injured or diseased wildlife, visit www.georgiawildlife.com.

25 Ways to be a Green Mama or Papa

1. Paint the nursery with Earth-friendly paint, such as zero-VOC, low-VOC or milk-based.

2. Save the gift bags from your shower and reuse them. They also can be cut up and turned into thank-you notes and borders for scrapbooking.

3. Buy used baby products whenever possible. Consignment shops offer high quality and good prices. (Experts recommend buying some items, such as crib mattresses, new.)

4. Don't overbuy. Babies don't need much stuff.

5. Don't sign up for baby-product catalogs. If companies find you anyway —- and you know they will —- call and ask to be taken off the mailing list.

6. Nurse if you can. If you can't, recycle formula containers.

7. Baby products use a lot of batteries. Recycle —- IKEA accepts alkaline batteries and fluorescent light bulbs —- or use rechargeable ones.

8. Develop Earth-friendly diaper habits. Some parents swear by flushable —- and adorable! —- gDiapers (www.gdiapers.com). Even with disposables, solid waste should be flushed. Offset water used in washing cloth diapers with even shorter showers.

9. If you're using cloth diapers, use cloth wipes. Cut-up T-shirts work well. For a cleaning solution, try water, baby soap and a few drops of baby oil in a spray bottle.

10. Line-dry diapers, cloth wipes and clothing when possible.

11. Save outgrown sleepers for the next child, hand them down to a younger baby, or turn them into dust cloths.

12. Use biodegradable cleaning products. You can clean just about anything with baking soda, vinegar, liquid dish soap, lemon juice and hot water.

13. Organize a neighborhood swap meet to get rid of outgrown baby gear and pick up gently used items.

14. Try making some or all of your baby food (www.wholesomebabyfood.com). Recycle glass baby food jars.

15. Get in the habit of eating local produce by getting a Community Supported Agriculture membership. Shop at farmers markets. Plant a garden.

16. Compost the produce you don't eat. Compost tumblers are easy, fun and don't stink.

17. Find close-by places to play to avoid excess driving.

18. Use public transportation whenever possible.

19. Love the library, not just for children's books but also for parenting advice books, magazines, DVDs and more.

20. Turn recycling, composting, gardening and water conservation into games to play with your child.

21. When a new toy comes in the house, have your child select a toy to donate to charity.

22. Keep birthday parties small and simple.

23. Practice creative gift-giving. For a 2-year-old, try a small saucepan, a wooden spoon and a whisk. When the birthday boy gets bored, Mom's kitchen can absorb the gift.

24. Have a post-holidays gift-swap party. Every child brings a toy or two and leaves with a toy or two.

25. Eat dinner together at the table when possible. Use cloth napkins. You're doing laundry anyway, right?

Source: Metro Atlanta mothers, including members of the Intown Atlanta Parents of Multiples Club, Decatur Mamas, Atlanta Mommas and other parenting groups.

Co-existing with Coyotes

The distinctive call of the coyote or “song dog” can be heard all across our state - from the more welcoming rural areas of wooded forests and open fields to the less inviting backyards of metro Atlanta neighborhoods. Rapid human population growth across the state coupled with the coyote’s unique ability to adapt and thrive wherever food is available, contributes to today’s increased observation of coyotes in urban settings.

While coyotes closely resemble a small dog in appearance, the distinctive characteristics that set the species apart are upright, pointed ears, a pointed snout, low forehead, a mottled color fur pattern ranging from black to reddish-blonde and a bushy tail that is generally carried straight out below the level of its back.

“Historically, coyotes were most commonly found on the Great Plains of North America. However, their range has expanded from Central America to the Arctic. They are one of the most adaptable species on the planet. In fact, coyotes have adapted quite well to living in suburbs and cities like Los Angeles, New York and Atlanta,” says John Bowers, Assistant Chief of WRD Game Management. “Preventive methods are the best solutions for residents to reduce the potential for human-coyote conflicts.”

Though the coyote’s principal diet typically consists of small rodents and fruit, they are characterized as “opportunistic” and will prey on small domestic animals if given the opportunity. Because of this, small house pets (especially cats), young or small livestock and poultry are vulnerable and susceptible prey. Landowners and homeowners to heed the following precautions to ensure the safety of their animals:

• Take pets indoors during the night, as this is the coyote’s primary hunting time. (In addition to coyotes, small pets may fall preyto free-roaming dogs and great horned owls.)



• If the pet must be kept outside, install fencing and motion sensitive flood lights to discourage predators.



• Small livestock or poultry should be kept in an enclosed orsheltered area. Coyotes rarely bother larger livestock although theyare often blamed for such nuisance instances. (It should be noted that free-roaming dogs,
• rather than coyotes, are notorious for harassing, damaging or killing livestock.)



• NEVER, under any circumstances, feed a coyote.



• Keep items, such as grills, pet food or bird feeders off-limits.



• Clean and store grills when not in use, keep pet food indoors or feed pets indoors and refill bird feeders infrequently and in small amounts.



• Make trashcans inaccessible. Keep lids securely fastened or store trashcans in the garage until trash day.

Additional solutions against nuisance coyotes include trapping and/or hunting. Because coyotes are a non-native species in Georgia, there is no closed hunting or trapping season. WRD does NOT offer trapping services, but maintains a list of permitted and licensed trappers across the state. Residents interested in hiring a private trapper can contact the local WRD office or call 770-918-6416 for a referral.

And watch Georgia Outdoors: Urban Wildlife for more information about the kinds of critters you just might spy in your part of town.

March is the beginning of Appalachian Trail season

March is the traditional starting month for folks embarking on a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. The southern terminus of the trail is right here in Georgia-- on Springer Mountain, to be precise. The northern terminus is 2,175-miles north on Mount Katahdin in Maine.

Every year hundreds of hikers attempt a thru-hike. Many are out for an adventure of a lifetime, some just love hiking and others are out to prove to themselves that they can do it. But two hikers are hoping to make a difference on a larger scale. They hope to raise $150,000 for Keep America Beautiful. People can donate to their cause via their website Trek Against Trash. Donors are encouraged to give a penny per mile for a modest total of $21.74.

A thru-hike takes a lot of planning so most of you reading this shouldn't make a thru hike attempt until next spring. In the meantime, there are 75 miles of AT in Georgia with many opportunities for day hikes and short overnights.

Here are some online resources to help you:

Georgia Appalachian Trail Club, Inc.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

American Hiking Society

Georgia Backpacker