Birding and Aquatic Wildlife Walk at Murphey Candler Park

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Birding and Aquatic Wildlife Walk at Murphey Candler Park

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

About 1 mile south of I-285 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd exit in north Atlanta

Hike: Birding and Aquatic Wildlife Walk at Murphey Candler Park

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Mar 22 2019 8:00 am >> Fri, Mar 22 2019 10:30 am

Registration Opens:

Thu, Mar 21 2019 6:00 am

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Mar 22 2019 6:00 am

Event Duration:

2 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D1: Easy

Distance:

3 Miles

Pace:

Leisurely

Trip Leader(s):

Charlie Cottingham

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

OVERVIEW: This will be a free AOC "participation event" hosted by our friends in the Atlanta Audubon Society who are expert at identifying birds and other wildlife. We'll gather at 8:00 AM in the free parking lot by the beautiful lake at Murphey Candler Park (see easy Directions below).
Often overlooked as a great place for birdwatching, the periphery of the park's lake is also a great place for viewing turtles and other aquatic species. The quiet morning hours are a perfect time for observing wildlife and listening to the calls of great blue herons, ducks, geese, kingfishers, hawks, woodpeckers, cardinals, red-winged blackbirds, goldfinches and dozens of other gorgeous species.

EVENT PURPOSE, PLAN & PACE: This "walk-and-pause birding tutorial" will sharpen our ability to spot and observe birds and identify them from their body & wing markings, flight patterns, perching & feeding habits, and calls.
If you're chiefly an "exercise hiker," be advised that this will be a leisurely experiential and learning hike, with sporadic stops along the way for naked-eye and binocular birdwatching and for intent listening to birds that may or may not be in view.
Our total hike distance of hike will be no more than about 3 miles, with few steep ascents or descents. The weather forecast expects sunny blue-sky weather, but a bit chilly - only in the 40s during the event. Let's each bundle up in several outer layers plus a cap & gloves and we'll be fine!
Bring your binoculars if you have a pair—if not, you're welcome to share a couple of spare pair that your AOC hike leader will provide—also bring your birding field guide if you have one.
Our custom just after each Audubon birding hike is to gather briefly back at the trailhead to discuss and tally the birds and other wild animals that the group has identified. You'll likely enjoy staying with us for this final wrapup, but feel free to leave at any time if you so desire.

ATLANTA AUDUBON WEBSITE: http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/ Click "Field Trips" in the "Go Birding" dropdown menu atop the home page for info on upcoming free birding walks. Anyone with an interest in birds and wildlife is always welcome to attend these regardless of whether you're an Audubon Society member.

ONLINE FREE BIRDING GUIDE: For brushing up on your birding knowledge and skills in the comfort of your own home, here's a great web link that has nice color photos, song recordings and range maps for each species:
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/

Required Items to Bring:

• Wear comfortable Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots.
• Wear weather-appropriate comfortable Clothing Layers.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

• Binoculars if you have a pair (preferably light-weight).
• Smart Phone or Camera (ideally with a good zoom feature).
• Birding Field Guide(s) if you have.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

EASY DIRECTIONS from I-285 on ATLANTA'S NORTH SIDE:
1. Get off I-285 at Exit #29, "Ashford-Dunwoody Road."
2. Take Ashford-Dunwoody southward (away from Perimeter Mall) for about 1 mile to Nancy Creek Drive.
3. Turn Left onto Nancy Creek Drive and go 0.6 mile to the free parking lot on your left just beyond the lake. We'll gather with our Audubon friends there for the field trip.

LAT/LON of PARKING LOT to enter as your Destination Address with GPS or Maps.Google.com: 33.9095, -84.3225 (Be sure to include comma & minus sign!)

Notes:

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

Cost Includes:

Free event with free parking!

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.