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:

N Atlanta, just south of Perimeter Mall

Hike: Birding and Aquatic Wildlife Walk at Murphey Candler Park

Date(s) & Time:

Thu, May 10 2012 7:30 am >> Thu, May 10 2012 10:30 am

Registration Opens:

Wed, May 9 2012 11:00 am

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, May 9 2012 11:00 pm

Event Duration:

3 Hours

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:

3 / 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 7:30 AM in the free parking lot by the lake at Murphey Candler Park (see easy directions below). The forecast calls for nice weather! Mostly sunny with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
Often overlooked as a great place for birdwatching, the park's beautiful lake is also a great place for viewing turtles and other aquatic species.   The quiet morning hours of early May 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.
The hike will probably be no more than 3 miles in total distance, with negligible ascents and descents near the river.
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:  Click on "Field Trips" in the upper left corner of 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.
http://www.atlantaaudubon.org/

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, Sport Sandals 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).
• Camera (ideally with a good zoom feature).
• 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 COORDINATES of PARKING LOT for your GPS or Google.com/maps destination (Use in conjunction with above directions): 33.9095,-84.3225

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.