Peach State Pop-up:
Birdsong and Trout Lilies in Southwest Georgia
Saturday, February 28-Sunday, March 1, 2026
Trip Leader: Melanie Furr, Feathers with Furr, LLC
Join Feathers with Furr to explore some picturesque, off-the-beaten path hotspots in Southwest Georgia, where birds that typically winter farther west or south often show up unexpectedly. We’ll be looking for wintering waterfowl, shorebird, and grassland species, as well as early migrants or other rarities reported in the area. Recent rare-bird reports in the region have included Vermillion Flycatcher, Snow Goose, Ross’s Goose, and Long-billed Dowitcher, and we expect to see grassland birds like Loggerhead Shrike, American Kestrel, Northern Harrier, Savannah Sparrow, Horned Lark, and Brewer’s Blackbird. We’ll also make a quick stop in the tiny town of Brinson to look for an established population of White-winged Doves. A highlight of the tour includes an afternoon exploring Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve. a 140-acre preserve in Grady County protecting millions of trout lilies and thousands of trillium.
My short “Pop-up” tours are planned to explore some of Georgia’s beautiful, off-the-beaten-path birding hotspots, highlighting fun, seasonal birding experiences, as well as other natural wonders and cultural experiences around the state. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, meals, and accommodations. Lodging recommendations will be provided for trip participants, and optional group meals will be arranged.
Trip details: The tour begins on Saturday morning at 8 AM near Colquitt, GA. We will bird in hotspots around Colquitt and Bainbridge, with a quick stop in Brinson to look for White-winged Doves. After a break for lunch, we will visit Wolf Creek Trout Lily Preserve to enjoy the stunning display of spring ephemeral wildflowers. Although we will be visiting toward the end of the lily blooming period, we expect to see plenty of lingering blossoms and a carpet of beautiful mottled leaves. The preserve is truly a magical and little discovered sanctuary! After our visit to Wolf Creek, we will head to Thomasville, Georgia to spend the night.
On Sunday morning, we will visit Birdsong Nature Center, a 565-acre preserve in Grady County that includes a diversity of habitats, including meadows, forests, ponds, and swamps. If time allows, we may visit another nearby hotspot before the tour concludes around noon.
Pacing and other considerations: While much of our birding will be done close to our cars, participants should be prepared to walk up to 2 miles on flat, grass/dirt trails each day. Please note that some of our birding locations may require pulling off into the dirt/grass on the roadside, so we will need to be mindful of passing cars at all times. Carpooling is encouraged.
Maximum group size: 9 people
Fee: $120 (one and a half days of guided birding with spotting scope and eBird checklists)
Your payment confirms your spot. No refunds will be given if you must cancel unless the spot can be filled. In the event of tour cancellation due to weather, quarantine, or other unforeseen emergency situation, a full refund will be given.
Please email Melanie Furr at featherswithfurr@gmail.com if you have any questions.