Smithgall Woods Regional Education Center

06/09/2026

NO FLY IN JUNE AND JULY: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CANADA GEESE THIS SUMMER

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (June 9, 2026) – In late spring and early summer, you might note that Canada geese become more noticeable in many Georgia communities. Why is that? It is because these adaptable birds molt and temporarily become flightless. This inability to leave the area can sometimes lead to increased wildlife conflicts, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).
“Generally, around the last few weeks in late June through early July, Canada geese will molt - or replace their flight feathers. During this process, geese are unable to fly,” says Kara Nitschke, WRD Migratory Gamebird Biologist. “It's important to remember this only lasts a short time and they will be able to fly again in a few weeks.”
Do you have goose problems? Most times of the year, geese can be deterred with the use of harassment techniques. But, because geese cannot fly during the molt, these techniques may not work right now. Instead, property managers and homeowners are encouraged to be tolerant until the geese can regrow their flight feathers. Then, the geese will regain their ability to fly and will likely move on.
If property owners continue to experience issues with Canada geese post-molting season, here are a few tips to try:
• Harassment: First, try a variety of harassment techniques (also called hazing), including metallic streamers/tape, noise makers, or even trained herding dogs. These techniques may scare the geese away from your property.
• Chemical Repellents: Repellents can be sprayed on the grass in your yard to deter geese from feeding in treated areas. Most repellents require re-application after mowing or after rain.
• Physical Barriers: Barriers, such as wire or string 12-18 inches above the ground, or heavy vegetation (like cattails), along property lines or the shoreline can deter geese from using your property. This method requires consistency from the property owner and may not always be 100% effective.
• Special Permits to Remove Geese: In cases where the above techniques have been unsuccessful, homeowners who want to reduce or eliminate the goose population on their property can obtain a permit from their local WRD Game Management office (GeorgiaWildlife.com/about/contact). This permit allows for the legal and lethal removal of the animals. The removal can be done by the homeowner or by a licensed nuisance wildlife trapper (list found at GAdnrle.org/special-permits ).
It is important to remember that Canada geese are a protected species under state and federal law. It is illegal to hunt, kill, sell, purchase or possess Canada geese except according to Georgia's migratory bird regulations.

For more information, go to GeorgiaWildlife.com/preventing-wildlife-conflicts and then scroll down and click on “Canada Geese.”

As Georgia’s suburban and urban environments continue to grow, more humans and wildlife are interacting. These interactions can be positive, like enjoying birds at your birdfeeder, or negative, like a bear or squirrel eating your birdseed. Negative interactions can cause conflicts between humans a...

05/31/2026

BE GATORWISE: SMART CHOICES BEAT CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 28, 2026) – Sharing our waterways with alligators is nothing new in Georgia. With summer right around the corner, sightings may increase this time of year. Whether you are spending a quiet day on the water or spending the day outside with family and friends, it’s important that Georgians stay GatorWise, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“Warmer weather and longer days mean more opportunities to see alligators while enjoying the outdoors. Alligators become more active this time of year - basking on banks and swimming in rivers, creeks, ponds and lakes,” said Kara Nitschke, WRD’s state alligator biologist. “Remember the GatorWise basics when spending time in the water to ensure everyone has a safe and fun experience. These simple principles can go a long way in minimizing potential conflicts with alligators.”

Learn The GatorWise Basics:
• Assume Alligators are Present: Alligators can live in any water body in their range. They are good at hiding and may be found in places where you have never seen them, especially after storms or floods. Keep your distance.
• Never Feed Alligators: Feeding alligators on purpose or by accident is illegal in Georgia. Fed alligators learn to associate people with food and lose their natural fear of people.
• Don’t Dispose of Fish or Food Scraps in the Water: Throwing fish scraps in the water is one of the most common ways people unintentionally feed alligators. Properly dispose of bait, fish scraps and food items.
• Never Harass, Capture or Handle an Alligator: Approaching, capturing or handling alligators puts you at risk. View and photograph alligators from a distance.
• Be Responsible for People and Pets in Your Care: Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Supervise small children near the water.
• Maintain Awareness: Observe alligator warning signs. Stay away from the water if you see an alligator. Avoid swimming in areas with dense vegetation and only swim during daylight hours.

In Georgia, alligators typically live along and south of the fall line (which roughly traverses the cities of Columbus, Macon and Augusta). On rare occasions, they may be seen further north due to excessive rain and/or drought causing movement or if they have been placed in waterways by humans.

GatorWise promotes realistic public perceptions about alligators and provides guidance on responsible human behavior to minimize conflict between people and alligators.

GatorWise was developed with cooperation from state fish and wildlife agencies of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas, all states within the range of the American Alligator.

More about GatorWise at https://www.gatorwise.org/. More about alligators in Georgia at https://georgiawildlife.com/alligator-info.

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05/31/2026

CAST OFF AND CELEBRATE: NATIONAL FISHING AND BOATING WEEK RETURNS JUNE 6–14

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 28, 2026) – Looking for the perfect reason to spend time outdoors? National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW) returns June 6–14, 2026, offering Georgians a great opportunity to get on the water, introduce someone new to fishing, and take advantage of two FREE Fishing Days, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“There is no better time to enjoy Georgia’s incredible fishing and boating opportunities than during National Fishing and Boating Week,” said Scott Robinson, Chief of the WRD Fisheries Management Section. “Whether you are introducing a child to their first fishing trip, spending time with friends and family, or simply enjoying a quiet morning on the water, fishing and boating create lasting memories while supporting conservation through outdoor recreation.”

Established in 1979, National Fishing and Boating Week celebrates America’s longstanding outdoor traditions while encouraging people of all ages and experience levels to discover the joys of fishing and boating.

Ways to Join the Celebration:
• Fish for Free: Georgia offers two FREE fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week on Saturday, June 6, and Saturday, June 13, 2026. On these days, Georgia residents can fish public waters without a fishing license, trout license, or Lands Pass.
• Attend a Fishing Event: Family Fishing Events and other educational opportunities will take place across the state during the celebration. Find an event near you at https://gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/.
• Learn Something New: If you cannot make it outdoors, kids can still join the fun through Angler Academy, an online resource from https://www.takemefishing.org/ filled with games, crafts, puzzles, and educational fishing content. Visit https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/fishing-resources/angler-academy-for-kids/.

Find Your Perfect Spot:

From mountain trout streams to neighborhood ponds, major reservoirs, rivers, and coastal waters, Georgia offers endless opportunities to get outside and wet a line. Need a place to start? Visit one of Georgia’s 11 Public Fishing Areas (https://georgiawildlife.com/allpfas) or explore fishing opportunities at Georgia State Parks (https://gastateparks.org/).

For more information about National Fishing and Boating Week in Georgia, visit https://GeorgiaWildlife.com/nfbw.

All the fishing, boating resources you need in one place. Find places to fish, boat near you. Learn, plan, equip for a day on the water. Get Started in minutes

05/22/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: QUOTA HUNT APPLICATIONS OPEN JUNE 1

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (May 22, 2026) – Another hunting season is on the horizon. Beginning June 1, hunters can electronically apply for most quota hunts including certain youth, deer, alligator, waterfowl, dove and many others, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“Having quota hunts allows us to offer a wide variety of high-quality hunts year after year,” says Tina Johannsen, Assistant Chief of the Game Management Section with the Wildlife Resources Division. “Mark your calendars now so you don’t forget to apply.”

A quota hunt is a scheduled event at a Wildlife Management Area or other state-managed property where a limited number of hunters are allowed. Quota levels, such as the number or type of hunters that can participate and the harvest limit, are carefully set to provide a quality hunt, minimize crowding, and protect game populations. Selected hunters must be properly licensed to participate in a quota hunt.

How do you apply? It’s easy! Visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com and select “Quota Hunts” and follow the steps to complete your application. Be sure your email is current and correct to receive quota updates, confirmations, or any further notices about quota hunts. If you are still unsure how to apply or want to check to see if you applied correctly, call 1.800.366.2661 to receive assistance.

Application deadlines vary depending on the hunt type. The first deadlines are July 15 for Alligator, August 15 for Dove (including Adult/Child hunts), and September 1 for most types of Deer Hunts (including Youth hunts). Youth must be 15 or under to apply for Youth quota hunts.

For all quota hunt deadlines, selection odds and more, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/hunting/quota.

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05/22/2026

RAYONIER DONATION SUPPORTS GEORGIA DNR EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA (May 18, 2026) – The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (DNR WRD) recently received funding support from Rayonier to strengthen emergency response capabilities through the purchase of chainsaw kits for DNR crews.

“Georgia DNR values partnerships that champion conservation, public safety and support communities, and Rayonier’s generous donation is just another example of their dedication to those causes,” said DNR WRD Director Chris Harper. “These funds will allow us to procure additional needed tools to support emergency response personnel.”

DNR staff regularly assist with disaster response efforts across the state, particularly after hurricanes, tornadoes and other major storms that can leave roads blocked and access limited. The addition of chainsaw kits will help crews respond more efficiently when rapid action is needed most.

“For decades, Rayonier has worked with the Georgia DNR to ensure the long-term sustainability of Georgia's wildlife, water, land resources, and rural communities,” said Andres Villegas, Vice President of Government Relations with Rayonier. “After a major weather event, DNR crews are often the first on the ground, clearing the way for recovery. We are pleased to provide funding for chainsaw kits to bolster their disaster response capabilities, ensuring that the DNR’s emergency crews have the resources necessary to quickly restore access and safety to the communities that depend on them most during times of crisis.”

For more information about Rayonier, visit rayonier.com. For more information about the Georgia DNR WRD, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com.

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05/15/2026

SOCIAL CIRCLE, GA (May 15, 2026) – Do you need a reason to go fishing? Make it a summer challenge to get your 2026 Georgia Bass Slam, says the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (GADNR WRD).

A Georgia Bass Slam is earned by anglers who catch at least five of the ten black bass species found in Georgia within a calendar year. Those species are largemouth, smallmouth, shoal, Suwannee, spotted, redeye, Chattahoochee, Tallapoosa, Altamaha, and Bartram’s bass.

Successful Bass Slammers receive a personalized certificate, two passes to the Go Fish Education Center, and special decals to celebrate their accomplishment. Anglers also are recognized on the Georgia Bass Slam webpage (BassSlam.com) and may be featured on social media. All successful submissions are entered into a drawing for an annual grand prize.

The annual grand prize winner for 2025 was Mr. William Strasburg of Marietta, GA (Cobb County). Mr. Strasburg was one of 68 anglers that got a Georgia Bass Slam in 2025.He has been participating in the program since 2017 and has six total Bass Slams. His prize included a cooler, camp chair, tackle box and a beautifully framed bass print.

Check the Rules:
• Fish must be legally caught in Georgia waters where you have permission to fish or from boundary waters under a reciprocal license agreement.
• Length limits apply—fish must meet legal size limits or be at least eight inches long if no limit is specified.
• Anglers must submit clear photos of each catch, including at least one photo with the angler holding the fish and a side photo showing the fish’s length.
• Submission details must include the angler’s name, DNR Customer Number, fish length (weight optional), county, and water body.

Complete rules, submission link and additional information can be found at BassSlam.com.

05/06/2026

LOGGERHEAD NESTING SEASON STARTS IN GEORGIA

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (May 6, 2026) – Georgia’s nesting season for loggerhead sea turtles is on with nests confirmed on St. Catherines and Cumberland islands Tuesday.

Georgia Sea Turtle Program Coordinator Mark Dodd said the turtles’ annual return to lay eggs on beaches along the Southeast starts around the first of May. “It’s like clockwork,” added Dodd, a senior wildlife biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources.

Daily nest monitoring on all Georgia beaches starts in mid-May. But the first loggerhead nests this year were reported Tuesday from St. Catherines, a privately owned barrier island in Liberty County, and Cumberland Island National Seashore off St. Marys.

As for how the season will go for the state’s primary nesting sea turtle, that outlook is less predictable. Population modeling that shows nesting in the region following a three-year pattern pointed to a surge last summer. Instead, the nest total slid to 1,879, the fewest since the Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative reported 4,071 loggerhead nests in 2022. The latter marked a record high since comprehensive surveys on all of the state’s barrier island beaches began in 1989.

So while Dodd and many of his colleagues are bracing for an unusually busy nesting season, they’re also realistic. “Just when you think we have it figured out, the turtles go do something different,” he said.

Although nest counts vary by season, the loggerhead population has been increasing at about 4 percent annually since the early 1990s. The model developed by DNR, the University of Georgia and the U.S. Geological Survey using nesting and genetics data indicates that while the population will plateau at current levels for more than a decade – thanks to low recruitment during the early 2000s – if current protections remain in place at least through that period, loggerhead numbers will then begin to grow again. At that point, the turtles could reach levels not seen since the late 1950s, Dodd said.

Two of the last four summers have exceeded the recovery goal of 2,800 nests a year, a target set in the National Marine Fisheries Service/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plan for the federally protected turtles. Helping loggerheads meet that goal is the focus of the Sea Turtle Cooperative. The DNR-coordinated network of some 200 volunteers, researchers and agency employees patrol beaches daily during nesting season. Working under a permit from DNR, members mark, monitor and protect loggerhead nests, plus those of other species that seldom nest in Georgia, such as green and Kemp’s ridley.

Cooperators collect data that is critical for analyzing loggerhead populations, assessing threats and informing management. The cooperative also help with beach management, including curbing predators. The program has been in play on Georgia beaches for more than 30 years.

“Just like the turtles, we’re here every year,” Dodd said. “To monitor wildlife populations you often need a long-term data set to figure out what’s going on. The more data we have, the better we understand the status of the species.”

The cooperative's work surveying each barrier island beach daily has helped empower the massive turtles’ slow progress toward recovery. “We started out averaging about 850 nests a year and in the last six years we’re just over 3,000 nests a year,” Dodd said.

Like other marine turtles, loggerheads – named for their large heads – crawl ashore on barrier island beaches, dig a hole at the base of the dunes and lay their eggs, usually at night.

To prep for the season, Dodd and staff have been training interns, working with volunteers, partner agencies and organizations, moving equipment to barrier islands, and teaming with DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. Game wardens enforce regulations including the use of turtle excluder devices, or TEDs, in commercial sh*****ng.

The process followed Tuesday on Cumberland and St. Catherines will be repeated hundreds of times this year. One egg from each nest – which represents less than 1 percent of the average clutch size – is collected for UGA genetic analysis documenting the number and relatedness of loggerheads nesting in Georgia. Nests are then covered with a screen to protect the eggs from predators.

DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section works to conserve sea turtles and other wildlife not legally fished for or hunted, as well as rare plants and natural habitats. The agency does this largely through public support from fundraisers, grants and contributions.

Key fundraisers include sales of the monarch butterfly license plates and sales and renewals of bald eagle plate and older designs, such as the ruby-throated hummingbird. These tags cost only $25 more than a standard plate to buy or renew. Up to $20 of that fee goes to help wildlife.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

All marine turtles in Georgia are protected by state and federal law. To help conserve these species:
Minimize beachfront lighting during sea turtle nesting season. Turn off, shield and use turtle-friendly lighting.
When walking the beach at night, don’t use flashlights and flash photography. The light can deter turtles from coming ashore to nest or cause them to abort nesting.
If you encounter a sea turtle on the beach, remain quiet, still and at a distance.
Leave turtle tracks undisturbed. Researchers use them to identify the species and mark nests for protection.
Properly dispose of your garbage. Turtles may mistake plastic bags, Styrofoam and trash floating in the water as food. Ingesting trash can kill them by clogging their intestines.
Protect beach vegetation: It stabilizes sand and the natural coastline.
When boating, stay alert and avoid turtles. Of the 72 sea turtles found dead or hurt in Georgia last year, 24 percent that could be assessed had suffered injuries consistent with being hit by a boat. Boaters who hit a sea turtle are urged to stand-by and immediately call DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363).
Also report any dead or injured sea turtles seen at 800-272-8363. (If the turtle is tagged, include the tag color and number in the report if possible.)

Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgia DNR

ACCIDENTAL CATCHES
Anglers who hook or entangle a sea turtle should call DNR at 800-2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363). Also:
Keep your hands away from the turtle’s mouth and flippers.
Safely land the turtle using a net or by walking it to shore. Do not lift the turtle by the hook or by pulling on the line.
Leave the hook in place; removing it can cause more damage. (Anglers are encouraged to use non-stainless, barbless hooks when possible.)
Keep the turtle out of direct sunlight and cover it with a damp towel.

If an angler cannot reach DNR, cut the line as short as possible and release the turtle.

LOGGERHEADS AT A GLANCE
Caretta caretta: Most common sea turtle on Georgia’s coast; found off coast year-round. Also one of the world’s largest turtles, topping 350 pounds and sporting a carapace up to 44 inches long. How long loggerheads live is not known.
Range: The Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. Nests in the U.S. from Virginia to Texas.
Nesting: Females reach sexual maturity at 30-35 years. From about May through September, they crawl ashore at night, dig a hole in the face of dunes along barrier island beaches, and deposit and cover eggs.
Pilgrimage: Eggs hatch in 55-65 days. The young scramble for the water, beginning a journey that can take them from sargassum w**d off Georgia’s shores to a current-powered loop that circles to the Azores and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, south to west Africa and back to the western Atlantic.
Eats: Fish eggs and small invertebrates when small. As adults, they eat mainly crabs and mollusks, but also forage items like jellyfish and dead fish.
Status: Federally listed as threatened since 1978. Georgia DNR reclassified loggerheads in the state from threatened to endangered in 2006.
Threats: Primarily mortality associated with commercial fishing activities, but also nest predation by raccoons, feral hogs and coyotes, poaching, loss of habitat, boat strikes, and even ingestion of plastic litter mistaken as food.

FOR MORE
Georgia nesting updates by beach: http://seaturtle.org/nestdb/?view=3
Georgia Sea Turtle Cooperative: https://georgiawildlife.com (also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/228230141073849)
Loggerhead profile: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/loggerhead-turtle

NESTING IN GEORGIA
Annual loggerhead nest totals since comprehensive surveys began in 1989.
1989 – 675
1990 – 1,031
1991 – 1,101
1992 – 1,048
1993 – 470
1994 – 1,360
1995 – 1,022
1996 – 1,096
1997 – 789
1998 – 1,055
1999 – 1,406
2000 – 1,060
2001 – 852
2002 – 1,028
2003 – 1,504
2004 – 358
2005 – 1,187
2006 – 1,389
2007 – 689
2008 – 1,649
2009 – 997
2010 – 1,761
2011 – 1,992
2012 – 2,241
2013 – 2,289
2014 – 1,201
2015 – 2,335
2016 – 3,289
2017 – 2,155
2018 – 1,735
2019 – 3,950
2020 – 2,786
2021 – 2,493
2022 – 4,071
2023 – 3,431
2024 – 2,490
2025 – 1,879
Source: Georgia DNR

Loggerheads are the most abundant species of sea turtle found in U.S. coastal waters. They are named for their massive heads and strong jaws which they use to eat hard-shelled animals like whelk and conch. Learn more about these marine reptiles.

04/27/2026

CAST A LINE AND MAKE MEMORIES AT GEORGIA’S FAMILY FISHING EVENTS

SOCIAL CIRCLE, Ga. (April 24, 2026) – Spring is the perfect time to get outside, spend quality time together, and introduce your family to the joys of fishing. Not sure where to begin? Check out the list of Family and Kids Fishing Events and make plans to attend one, suggests the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

“Fishing with your child is such a great opportunity to connect with them and will create incredible memories for both of you to last a lifetime,” says Scott Robinson, WRD Chief of Fisheries. “If you aren’t sure how to get started, Family and Kids fishing events offer a great place to begin. Volunteers and staff organizing the event are focused on helping you and your child have a great experience and develop a love for fishing before you try to ‘tackle’ it on your own.”

Family and Kids fishing events are held mainly in the spring and summer across the state on public and private waterways. They typically take place at locations with successful catch rates to make the experience even better for new anglers. Many events have on-site volunteers to assist those who are new to fishing. Some even offer additional amenities such as lunch or snacks, prizes, and educational information.

Family and Kids fishing events are sponsored by multiple partners, including counties, municipalities, conservation groups, and more. WRD co-sponsors many events by providing catfish or trout to enhance fishing opportunities, educational materials for participants, and guidance for sponsors.

How do you find more information or local events? Visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/KidsFishing. There, you will find tips on fishing with kids, recommended places to fish with children, a “Kid’s First Fish Certificate.” You can also visit GoOutdoorsGeorgia.com to search for events near you.

For more on fishing in Georgia, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/fishing/angler-resources.

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04/22/2026

AT 20, DNR YOUTH BIRDATHON ‘STILL GOING STRONG’

MANSFIELD, Ga. (April 21, 2026) – The annual Georgia Youth Birding Competition turned 20 this year with about 115 young birders flocking to the Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center near Mansfield Saturday for an awards banquet capping the event.

Competition founder and coordinator Tim Keyes of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said the interest and turnout, which included eight new teams, “was an affirmation that the program is still going strong.”

The Awesome Anhingas from Cobb County won the High School Division and overall competition, seeing or hearing 128 species in a 24-hour search that ranged from the Georgia coast to Kennesaw Mountain in metro Atlanta. Nine of the 32 teams reported 70 or more species and two had over 100.

The Youth Birding Competition is aimed at inspiring an awareness and appreciation of Georgia birds and the outdoors. This year’s event ran from 5 p.m. April 10 to 5 p.m. Saturday. During that nine-day span, kindergarteners through high-schoolers picked a 24-hour period and competed by age group to find the most bird species. Teams sporting names such as Rockin’ Robins, Tuff Titmice and Bufford Bluebirds hailed from Morgan County to Atlanta and Rome.

Eight teams chose to fundraise for conservation organizations, totaling $2,872. Eagle Eyes, from Brunswick, led with of $1,489 pledged to Birds Georgia. Other recipients included the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and The Environmental Resources Network Inc. or TERN, friends group of DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.

MENTOR HONORS

For the second straight year, Tasha Messer was named the top mentor. The Atlanta naturalist spent 163 hours prepping and mentoring three teams representing DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs: Birding Crew in the Primary Division and Angel Chicks and Halo Hawks in the Elementary Division. Messer received a framed print of an orchid oriole by Dick Parks, a founding member of the Georgia Ornithological Society, which helps sponsor the competition.

The award was renamed the David Hedeen Mentor Award this year in memory of the well-known Georgia birder who died in January. The honor also connected to the Youth Birding Competition’s roots.

In 2004, Hedeen’s invitation for Keyes to take part in the World Series of Birding based in Cape May, New Jersey, led to the wildlife biologist starting the DNR event in 2006. “I was blown away by the quality of some of the youth teams” at the World Series, Keyes said. The morning after – “sleep-deprived and drinking coffee” – his discussions with other birders spawned the idea of the Georgia competition. Keyes received a TERN grant to start the Youth Birding Competition, “got 70 kids that first year and it’s been going great ever since.

“Without David,” he added, “there would not be a YBC.”

BLUE-RIBBON ARTISTS

Saturday’s banquet at the center near Mansfield also featured the winners and 140-plus entries in a T-shirt art contest. Birding participants received shirts featuring a black-and-white warbler by Emma Lo of Sandy Springs. At 9 years old, the fourth grader at SKA Academy of Art and Design in Duluth is the competition’s youngest grand-prize winner. Lo, who also led the elementary school division, received a $100 Amazon gift card.

While DNR named most T-shirt division winners in March, the top entry from a youth who took part in the birding competition was announced Saturday. That award went to Mattie Middleton for her painting of a wood thrush. The senior from Model High School in Rome birded with the Bufford Bluebirds team, which led the high school division in fundraising. Mattie won Best Artwork by a Birder last year, as well. Winning art entries are posted at https://bit.ly/2026YBCT.

2027 COMPETITION

The 2027 Youth Birding Competition banquet will be April 17. Registration opens online this winter.

The competition and art contest – which have inspired similar events in other states, including Birmingham Zoo’s recent Alabama Bird Search Youth Challenge – are sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Section, TERN, Georgia Ornithological Society, Birds Georgia and Georgia Power. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/ybc for details.

The Wildlife Conservation Section conserves Georgia wildlife not legally fished for or hunted, as well as rare plants and natural habitats. The agency depends primarily on fundraisers, grants and contributions. Learn more at https://gadnr.org/license-plates and https://georgiawildlife.com/donations.

COMPLETE RESULTS

High School Division
Awesome Anhingas (Cobb County): 128 species, division and overall competition winner
Kestrels (Tucker): 111 species
Feather Finders (Atlanta): 86 species

Middle School Division
Carolina Wrinners (Atlanta): 84 species
Eagle Eyes (Brunswick): 80 species
Bird Dawgs (Morgan County): 73 species

Elementary School Division
(tie) Rockin’ Robins (Morgan County) and Angel Chicks (DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs): 65 species
Halo Hawks (DeKalb County RPCA: 63 species

Primary School Division
Birding Crew (DeKalb County RPCA): 65 species
Wild Wrens (Oxford): 22 species
Blue Jays (Troup County): 18 species

Fundraising (division leaders)
Middle: Eagle Eyes (Brunswick): division and overall top fundraiser, raising $1,489 (for Birds Georgia)
Elementary: Halo Hawks (DeKalb County RPCA): $278
Primary: Birding Crew (DeKalb County RPCA): $150
High: Bufford Bluebirds (Rome): $100
Fundraising for conservation is a voluntary part of the event.

Top first-year teams
Primary: Blue Jays (Good Hope), 18 species
Elementary: Angel Chicks (DeKalb County RPCA), 65 species
Middle: Carolina Wrinners (Atlanta), 84 species

David Hedeen Mentor Award
Tasha Messer, mentoring Birding Crew in the Primary Division and Angel Chicks and Halo Hawks in the Elementary Division, all from DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs.

2026 T-shirt Art Contest details and results are at https://georgiawildlife.com/YBCTshirtArtContest.

Hey, kids! Would you like your artwork to appear on the annual Youth Birding Competition T-shirt? How about winning an Amazon gift card for free art supplies? Then plan on taking part in the Youth Birding Competition's T-shirt Art Contest!