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Bird List 2008
Hey folks,
Hope you are fine. Here is the Bird List for the Woodpecker Trail. As I mentioned before, it has 306 species recorded to date for the all counties along the route of GA Hwy #121. Note that not all of the birds on the list are found in all of the counties. These are the birds that people are coming to see. Posting all of these species' names here will assure that when people do a search for a bird or group of birds, the Woodpecker Trail will come up as a place to find them. In these Bird List posts birds will be grouped by Family categories for easier reading. I will list species from the Georgia Ornithological Society using "The Annotated Checklist of Georgia Birds", 2003 edition. This classifies them as Regular (has a specimen, photograph, or 4+ accepted sight records) which are most of the birds for Georgia; Provisional (fewer than 4 accepted sight records); and Hypothetical (no accepted sight records; inadequate documentation or questionable wild status). The Hypothetical species are often suspected cage or zoo bird escapees or ones that would not be likely to be found in this part of the country. Only one Hypothetical species (Tropical Parula) was reported for a Woodpecker Trail county (Richmond) but this record was not accepted by the G.O.S. Two other Hypotheticals (Scarlet Ibis, Brewer's Sparrow) are listed for & near the Okefenokee NWR but are not identified further as to the exact county and thus might be in Ware, Clinch, or others. Thus, all the birds I am listing for the Woodpecker Trail are from the Regular list as defined by the G.O.S. publication. This list contains living, extinct, or possibly extinct species that have been recorded for the trail counties. It also includes both expected, rare, and accidental species. WOODPECKER TRAIL BIRD LIST WHISTLING-DUCKS, GEESE, SWANS, & DUCKS: Fulvous Whistling-Duck; Greater White-fronted Goose; Snow Goose; Ross's Goose; Brant; Canada Goose; Tundra Swan; Wood Duck; Gadwall; Eurasian Wigeon; American Wigeon; American Black Duck; Mallard; Blue-winged Teal; Cinnamon Teal; Northern Shoveler; Northern Pintail; Green-winged Teal; Canvasback; Redhead; Ring-necked Duck; Greater Scaup; Lesser Scaup; White-winged Scoter; Long-tailed Duck; Bufflehead; Common Goldeneye; Hooded Merganser; Common Merganser; Red-breasted Merganser; Ruddy Duck GROUSE & TURKEYS: Wild Turkey NEW WORLD QUAIL: Northern Bobwhite LOONS: Red-throated Loon; Common Loon GREBES: Pied-billed Grebe; Horned Grebe; Red-necked Grebe; Eared Grebe PELICANS: American White Pelican; Brown Pelican CORMORANTS: Double-crested Cormorant DARTERS: Anhinga BITTERNS, HERONS, & ALLIES: American Bittern; Least Bittern; Great Blue Heron; Great Egret; Snowy Egret; Little Blue Heron; Tricolored Heron; Reddish Egret; Cattle Egret; Green Heron; Black-crowned Night-Heron; Yellow-crowned Night-Heron IBISES & SPOONBILLS: White Ibis; Glossy Ibis; Roseate Spoonbill STORKS: Wood Stork NEW WORLD VULTURES: Black Vulture; Turkey Vulture HAWKS, KITES, EAGLES, & ALLIES: Osprey; Swallow-tailed Kite; Mississippi Kite; Bald Eagle; Northern Harrier; Sharp-shinned Hawk; Cooper's Hawk; Red-shouldered Hawk; Broad-winged Hawk; Red-tailed Hawk; Rough-legged Hawk; Golden Eagle FALCONS: American Kestrel; Merlin; Peregrine Falcon RAILS, GALLINULES, & COOTS: Yellow Rail; Black Rail; King Rail; Virginia Rail; Sora; Purple Gallinule; Common Moorhen; American Coot LIMPKINS: Limpkin CRANES: Sandhill Crane; Whooping Crane PLOVERS: Black-bellied Plover; American Golden-Plover; Semipalmated Plover; Piping Plover; Killdeer STILTS & AVOCETS: Black-necked Stilt; American Avocet SANDPIPERS & PHALAROPES: Spotted Sandpiper; Solitary Sandpiper; Greater Yellowlegs; Willet; Lesser Yellowlegs; Upland Sandpiper; Whimbrel; Ruddy Turnstone; Red Knot; Sanderling; Semipalmated Sandpiper; Western Sandpiper; Least Sandpiper; White-rumped Sandpiper; Baird's Sandpiper; Pectoral Sandpiper; Dunlin; Stilt Sandpiper; Buff-breasted Sandpiper; Short-billed Dowitcher; Long-billed Dowitcher; Wilson's Snipe; American Woodcock; Wilson's Phalarope; Red-necked Phalarope GULLS, TERNS, & SKIMMERS: Laughing Gull; Bonaparte's Gull; Ring-billed Gull; Herring Gull; Glaucous Gull; Sooty Tern; Least Tern; Caspian Tern; Black Tern; Common Tern; Forster's Tern; Royal Tern; Sandwich Tern; Black Skimmer PIGEONS & DOVES: Rock Pigeon; Eurasian Collared-Dove; White-winged Dove; Mourning Dove; Passenger Pigeon; Common Ground-Dove CUCKOOS & ALLIES: Yellow-billed Cuckoo; Black-billed Cuckoo BARN OWLS: Barn Owl TYPICAL OWLS: Eastern Screech-Owl; Great Horned Owl; Barred Owl; Long-eared Owl; Short-eared Owl; Northern Saw-whet Owl GOATSUCKERS: Common Nighthawk; Chuck-will's-widow; Whip-poor-will SWIFTS: Chimney Swift HUMMINGBIRDS: Ruby-throated Hummingbird; Calliope Hummingbird; Rufous Hummingbird KINGFISHERS: Belted Kingfisher WOODPECKERS: Red-headed Woodpecker; Red-bellied Woodpecker; Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; Downy Woodpecker; Hairy Woodpecker; Red-cockaded Woodpecker; Northern Flicker; Pileated Woodpecker; Ivory-billed Woodpecker TYRANT FLYCATCHERS: Eastern Wood-Pewee; Yellow-bellied Flycatcher; Acadian Flycatcher; Least Flycatcher; Eastern Phoebe; Vermillion Flycatcher; Great Crested Flycatcher; Western Kingbird; Eastern Kingbird; Gray Kingbird SHRIKES: Loggerhead Shrike VIREOS: White-eyed Vireo; Yellow-throated Vireo; Blue-headed Vireo; Warbling Vireo; Philadelphia Vireo; Red-eyed Vireo CROWS & JAYS: Blue Jay; Florida Scrub-Jay; American Crow; Fish Crow LARKS: Horned Lark SWALLOWS: Purple Martin; Tree Swallow; Northern Rough-winged Swallow; Bank Swallow; Cliff Swallow; Cave Swallow; Barn Swallow CHICKADEES & TITMICE: Carolina Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse NUTHATCHES: Red-breasted Nuthatch; White-breasted Nuthatch; Brown-headed Nuthatch CREEPERS: Brown Creeper WRENS: Carolina Wren; Bewick's Wren; House Wren; Winter Wren; Sedge Wren; Marsh Wren KINGLETS: Golden-crowned Kinglet; Ruby-crowned Kinglet GNATCATCHERS: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher THRUSHES: Eastern Bluebird; Veery; Gray-cheeked Thrush; Swainson's Thrush; Hermit Thrush; Wood Thrush; American Robin MOCKINGBIRDS & THRASHERS: Gray Catbird; Northern Mockingbird; Brown Thrasher STARLINGS: European Starling PIPITS: American Pipit; Sprague's Pipit WAXWINGS: Cedar Waxwing WOOD-WARBLERS: Bachman's Warbler; Blue-winged Warbler; Golden-winged Warbler; Tennessee Warbler; Orange-crowned Warbler; Nashville Warbler; Northern Parula; Yellow Warbler; Chestnut-sided Warbler; Magnolia Warbler; Cape May Warbler; Black-throated Blue Warbler; Yellow-rumped Warbler; Black-throated Green Warbler; Blackburnian Warbler; Yellow-throated Warbler; Pine Warbler; Kirtland's Warbler; Prairie Warbler; Palm Warbler; Bay-breasted Warbler; Blackpoll Warbler; Cerulean Warbler; Black-and-white Warbler; American Redstart; Prothonotary Warbler; Worm-eating Warbler; Swainson's Warbler; Ovenbird; Northern Waterthrush; Louisiana Waterthrush; Kentucky Warbler; Connecticut Warbler; Common Yellowthroat; Hooded Warbler; Wilson's Warbler; Canada Warbler; Yellow-breasted Chat TANAGERS: Summer Tanager; Scarlet Tanager EMBERIZIDS (SPARROWS & ALLIES): Eastern Towhee; Bachman's Sparrow; American Tree Sparrow; Chipping Sparrow; Clay-colored Sparrow; Field Sparrow; Vesper Sparrow; Lark Sparrow; Savannah Sparrow; Grasshopper Sparrow; Henslow's Sparrow; Le Conte's Sparrow; Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow; Fox Sparrow; Song Sparrow; Lincoln's Sparrow; Swamp Sparrow; White-throated Sparrow; White-crowned Sparrow; Dark-eyed Junco; Lapland Longspur CARDINALS & ALLIES: Northern Cardinal; Rose-breasted Grosbeak; Blue Grosbeak; Indigo Bunting; Painted Bunting; Dickcissel BLACKBIRDS & ORIOLES: Bobolink; Red-winged Blackbird; Eastern Meadowlark; Yellow-headed Blackbird; Rusty Blackbird; Brewer's Blackbird; Common Grackle; Boat-tailed Grackle; Brown-headed Cowbird; Orchard Oriole; Baltimore Oriole FINCHES: Purple Finch; House Finch; Pine Siskin; American Goldfinch OLD WORLD SPARROWS: House Sparrow Hope you get a chance to see some of these incredible creatures!! Take care. Sincerely, Sheila Willis Native American-Naturalist Talks & Tours Waycross, Ware Co., GA | Winter 2005
Hi folks,
Hope you are having a great week. Spring is just around the corner! I wanted to send along a description of a trip I recently took along the Woodpecker Trail with a fellow member of the Okefenokee Bird Club, June LaRoque. Our goal was to look for the Tundra Swans that are spending the winter at Merry Brothers (Boral) Brickyard Ponds in eastern Augusta as well as see how the Woodpecker Trail is looking these days along its upper sections. We traveled from Waycross to Blackshear & then picked up the trail to points north. I hope you enjoy this "virtual" adventure as much as we did in fact. Of particular interest to WTA members is how the trip began. That morning I was in the Waycross Wal-Mart parking lot putting oil in my car prior to departing. A young man stopped by to see if we needed help, but I told him "no, we're just getting ready to go on a day-trip to Augusta". He said, "On the Woodpecker Trail?" You can imagine how surprised we were at having that come right-out-of-the-blue! We saw that as a good omen and talked about it all day. I also asked the older gentleman who manages the entrance to the brickyard ponds if he knew about the Woodpecker Trail, and he said he did remember the name. So people still recall the "catchy" name of the route!! What a great thing that soon it will be more prominent in traveling circles as it is publicized more through this association & its website. When I reported my findings of the day to a birding listserve I belong to, I made a point to recommend that folks from South Georgia traveling north to see the swans take the route as a great birding & driving highway. I mentioned that it will soon have the attractive Red-headed Woodpecker logo signs along it. I know that people will want to stop & take pictures of these. As time will allow, I will make future trips in connection with my upcoming magazine article on the trail, and I will continue to keep the name "Woodpecker Trail" in the forefront of any reports I do to these groups. I will list below the observations made for each county as they relate to the Woodpecker Trail or an immediately adjacent area. Each county had something special that we noted in our trip log, and the drive certainly made us want to come back and explore the area more. Naturally, since Richmond County (Augusta) was the location for most of our explorations, it headed the list with most birds seen there. It was followed by Appling and Tattnall Counties in ranking. We were very happy to see that people along the route often provided homes & feeders for birds to use. On our journey, time and again we saw Turkey Vultures soaring gracefully in the blue skies, American Kestrel (Sparrow or Tilly Hawks) perching patiently on power lines, crows sitting quietly in the new-plowed fields, and Eastern Bluebirds shining brightly in the sun. Now & again a Red-shouldered Hawk, Killdeer, or Loggerhead Shrike would be spotted too. The Native American heritage of this region was evident in the names of rivers and creeks we drove over such as Alabaha, Altamaha, Ogeechee, and Canoochee, while farm names like Crosswinds (Jenkins), Saddle Creek (Burke), & Windy Hill (Burke) were intriguing as well. Small churches and their cemeteries held the promise of interesting artwork or testimonials. Some places we drove past like Big Hammock Wildlife Management Area (Tattnall) and Magnolia Springs State Park (Jenkins) would be worth a day's visit all to themselves. PIERCE COUNTY--North of Blackshear the highway was criss-crossed by many wooded waterways such as the Alabaha River and Tan Trough Creek. A graceful white Great Egret stood out against the ebony waters of a stream. Bright red Northern Cardinals often darted across the road. Near Bristol the Boatright Farms & Country Store invited travelers to see what local produce & other items were available and thus provided a unique experience you couldn't get by using an interstate. APPLING COUNTY--Many cattle ranches are located here and they are commonly known to provide stop-over sites for migrating shorebirds; however, at this time the most memorable and unexpected sight for us was that of a small herd of Longhorn Cattle ambling slowly across a pasture. The area around Surrency continued the pastoral effect with its many green grazing areas being fed by the waters of cypress-lined creeks. The north side of that small town held an architectural treasure of a uniquely-designed white wooden church with a tall slim steeple. Red Maple trees were starting to bloom, and always-beautiful Sycamore trees were found at a farm or two. Unfortunately, the remains of a Red Fox and a Striped Skunk were also seen in this county as road-kill, but their presence signifies that a varied wildlife population can be found here. TATTNALL COUNTY--It's the county where you begin to enter the "gently rolling hills" area of the upper Coastal Plain. The great Altamaha River forms the boundary between Tattnall & Appling Counties. Draining into it are a myriad of wooded creeks that cut across cotton fields still dotted with specks of downy white fibers---South Georgia's poor imitation of snow. A few miles north of Five Points, the roadsides were a photographer's dreamland with cluster after cluster of old farm buildings complete with red barns. The communities of Reidsville, Collins, and Cobbtown had wonderful mid-20th Century homes, deep-red brick buildings, or a decorative mural that would also look good thru a camera lens. The latter two towns had gazebos or small parks conveniently placed right along the road that looked inviting for a short break. Big Live Oaks or rows of Red Cedar trees caught your eye, as did the Keepsake Store in Collins that made our junkin' hearts skip a beat. North of Collins a beaver lodge could be easily seen from the roadside in one of the county's many large ponds. CANDLER COUNTY--This is the section of the trail where Chinaberry trees began to line the fields and dangle their yellow fruit. Knowing that they have lavender-colored flowers in spring, I can't wait to return for the scene. With the presence of the Guido Gardens in Metter, it was only natural to take notice of the wide variety of habitats found in the countryside from woodlands of oak, pine, and maple for the songbirds to ponds for the herons and egrets. Now & again the damper areas were indicated by graceful willow trees or a needlerush sink. Providing a perfect setting for a "Country Journal" photo-op were the big green pastures filled with black-and-white cows, while other fields had circular hay bales dotting the landscape. Homes for Purple Martins were noticeable on many farms. The drive through Metter was made even more pleasant by getting to see the many attractively-decorated and landscaped old-style houses and yards. EMANUEL COUNTY--While only a small section of the county borders the Woodpecker Trail, it still contains a number of different habitats that appeal to wildlife such as swampy areas along creeks, woody ponds, and oak ridges. Its cornfields in winter draw-in traveling groups of Eastern Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, Palm Warblers, and all sorts of sparrows. Near its southern boundary the wide stretch of trees that contained clump after clump of dark green Mistletoe must be a magnet for Cedar Waxwings whose folk name is the Mistletoe Bird because they love to eat its white waxy berries. JENKINS COUNTY--Many of the common farmland habitats of the trail reached their peak in this section. Again & again we noted cotton fields, pastures, and pecan orchards. Considering the latter, this section thus had many convenient spots for woodpecker-watching, because if you are looking for woodpeckers---especially the Red-headed---you go find a pecan tree. Although at times they will eat the nut, these birds do an excellent job of eating the many insects that come to feed on the wide leaves or hide under the plated bark. Other scenic areas in Jenkins that you could enjoy from your car were the wide bottomlands of the Ogeechee River watershed, and the acres upon acres of grass that made up the hayfields, the Bo Ginn Fish Hatchery landscape, and the Millen airstrip. These are home to many types of birds that specialize in using those features. At the southern edge of Millen a unique old water tower made us turn our heads and think of those whose hobby is photographing these structures. BURKE COUNTY--Rusty-orange broomsedge fields greeted us as we entered this next county, and we were glad to be able to find other "textured" areas such as reedy wetlands and old goldenrod meadows. A wide grassy marsh near Idlewood was inviting too, and the pastures with ponds of all sizes could certainly attract a rare migrating shorebird or two. Entering Waynesboro, we quickly noticed its distinctive water tower painted with a large brown dog as befits the "Bird Dog Capitol". Here too were 1940's & 50's style homes, gazebos, and the historic old courthouse which greeted us with the ringing of the High Noon bell. North of town the hills that flanked the creeks began to be steeper as we neared the Fall Line. RICHMOND COUNTY--In the McBean Creek area of the county a series of high hills gave us a pleasant roller-coaster ride, and the exposed embankments showed their deep red clay origins which is more characteristic of the Piedmont region of our state. Hephzibah's Richmond Factory Lake with its spillway was a dramatic feature here. In Augusta we left the Woodpecker Trail at Spur 56 (Doug Barnard Parkway) but just barely. GA #121 would continue to parallel the area of the Brickyard Ponds we came to visit but without giving access to it, and so to enter the site we had to take the short unmarked road to the east just below the parkway junction. Clay is mined here to make bricks, and the older ponds--now filled with water--have become a favorite fishing and birding area of many. However, note that in wetter weather the clay surface can be quite treacherous to travel and my four-wheel drive did come in handy later. We checked-in at the Fish Shack, admired the photos of past year's catches as an old yellow tabbycat slept in "its" chair, and along with other goodies bought the obligatory Moon Pie. While at the Merry Land Ponds we saw Double-crested Cormorants and Anhinga spreading their wings out to dry, Ring-billed Gulls clustering in noisy flocks, Belted Kingfishers perching on small trees while looking for fish, three types of sparrows popping out from weedy patches, and a Greater Yellowlegs picking among the floating plants at pond's edge. Diving birds such as Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, and ducks such as Canvasback, Bufflehead, and Ruddy were found enjoying the deep waters. Canada Geese were everywhere. At one spot over 150 Yellow-bellied Turtles basked in the sun or poked their heads up from the water!! Of course, the icing-on-the-cake was the sight of the two Tundra Swans that slowly drifted out from behind the shrubs growing on a sandbar in one of the ponds. Their heads rested peacefully on their backs, but soon they awoke and began to fluff their feathers. It wasn't long before one decided it was hungry. It would tip over into the water, then spring back up with a beak-full of vegetation and gobble it down. Eventually the pair swam onto the sandbar and did a little more "fixing-up". What a treat! Normally, this species winters only as far south as North Carolina, but occasionally some strays do turn up in Georgia. Amazingly, I-520 runs along the edge of this pond on an overpass, but the swans were unconcerned as busy commuters dashed by, not knowing of the beauty that lay just a few yards below. We returned to the Parkway, and before we finally aimed the car towards Ware County, we made some quick side stops at nearby Phinizy Swamp which was only a few miles south of the Brickyard Ponds. At the Wildlife Management Area parking spot, we were just in time to hear a lonely Barred Owl hoot. Next, we dashed to the Nature Park but it had just closed. However, a walk over the boardwalk that straddles Butler Creek let us watch a Great Egret catch minnow after minnow with ease. Then, as we were getting into our car, not one but two pairs of Barred Owls began their courtship calls from opposite sides of lot. One member of the closest couple apparently thought the others needed investigating and it flew silently through the trees to check them out. A family with young children came up the walk just afterwards, and they were as excited as we were to get to see and hear these special birds. After a few more miles on the Parkway, and a jog to the west on Tobacco Road, we came back to a junction with the Woodpecker Trail which we took for our travels home. The sun began to set in glorious golds and orange and that was the signal for hundreds of blackbirds to stream across the sky in row after row as they flew towards their nighttime roost. The remainder of the trip was done in darkness, but because we were often driving through the countryside that had large pastures and fields on either side of the road there was a clear view of the starry sky and all its constellations. A perfect end to a most wonderful day spent traveling the Woodpecker Trail. Can't wait to ride it again!! Take care. Sincerely, Sheila Willis Native American-Naturalist Talks & Tours Waycross, GA | Spring 2005
Hi folks,
Hope you are having a great week. Nature is putting on such a wonderful display! I wanted to send along a description of a trip I that took along the Woodpecker Trail on April 11 which involved driving from Blackshear (Pierce Co.) to the state line (Charlton Co.). If you recall, I had previously posted the details of a winter excursion that started in Blackshear (Pierce Co.) and ended in Augusta (Richmond Co.). These trips are in preparation for an article I am planning to write about GA Highway #121. I will list below the observations I made for each county as they relate to the Woodpecker Trail or an immediately adjacent area. As on the previous trip, each county had something special that I noted in my trip log. PIERCE COUNTY--- The starting point for a tour of the southernmost sections of the Woodpecker Trail was downtown Blackshear near the imposing courthouse with its massive cream-colored columns. The streets of this agriculturally-oriented city were lined with specialty stores, pleasant garden cafes, and former tobacco warehouses that had been converted into antique-centers visited by locals and tourists alike. The road soon wound past always-attractive Victorian-style homes which were decorated with hanging baskets of lush ferns, and then turned southward to enter the prominent sandhill areas of the county that were now "greening-up" with the fresh spring leaves of the oaks. Masses of Blue-eyed Grass filled the wet ditches with a swath of color that matched the sky, and a nod to the Native American heritage of the region was represented by patches of the distinctive white wildflower called Osceola's Plume. Many farms were found in the countryside, and their pastures, ponds, and pecan groves were visited by mockingbirds, cardinals, and other birds who sang their courtship songs from convenient perches. The effects of recent multiple spring rains could be seen when arriving at what is many-a boaters' favorite waterway--the Satilla River. Its tea-colored waters overflowed into surrounding lowlands in a swirl of white foam. BRANTLEY COUNTY--- After changing Coastal Plain counties here via multiple bridges, a traveler along the Woodpecker Trail encounters gradual inclines coming out of the "valley" of the Satilla River. As the outskirts of Hoboken were approached, it was seen that taking this particular scenic route gives one easy access to other interesting sites nearby. For example, a sign pointed the way to Blueberry Hill Restaurant, a local weekend dining spot that draws-in many repeat visitors because of its "down-by-the-creek" location, rustic atmosphere and unique cuisine. Inside the city limits, a scan of the streets revealed an amazing variety of antique and second-hand stores that could easily keep the bargain-hunter busy for hours. Also within this crossroads to the coast, one of the area's largest lumber yards stands as a testimony to the productivity of the pinelands. Another eye-catcher in the lower part of this county is the Humpty Dumpty Hotel, an immense poultry farm lined with white picket fences and dotted with the dainty forms of small Eastern Bluebirds. In addition to small ponds, thick stands of Black Needlerush, Blue-eyed Grass, pink Wild Azalea, and early yellow Spring Heleniums formed natural borders to the roadsides. Then, once more a handy sign gave directions, this time to a highly-popular gathering spot known as Twin Oaks where the sounds of fiddles and banjos would echo throughout the countryside during the many bluegrass music festivals held there. CHARLTON COUNTY--- The parts of the Woodpecker Trail that belong to the northern sections of this swampland county have a special place in Georgia's history. It is here near the ancient Live Oaks of Racepond that both geological and cultural timelines collide. Two large ancient sandbars of former coastlines---the east-west Waycross Ridge and north-south Trail Ridge---meet here and provide a white sand foundation for the growth of an assortment of oaks, Saw Palmetto, Gallberry, a few rare blooming Gopher Bushes, and the ever-present pines. It was at this junction too that in the 1800's a military outpost (complete with racetrack!) was created to protect the stagecoach lines and pioneer homes from attacks by local Seminole and Creek Indians who sought to preserve their own way of life amongst the neighboring rivers and swamps. A few miles past this historic hub the roadsides dip back thru the lowlands as the Little Okefenokee Swamp, Macks Island Creek, and Spanish Creek bring Pond Cypress, Water Lilies, and Great Egrets within camera range. Meanwhile, a spur road allows a traveler to enter the Okefenokee Swamp via the old site of Kings Canal where a major Sphagnum Moss-harvesting industry was located, and a short distance down on the main highway the former bustling sawmill community of Mattox rests silently along the railroad tracks. Next, city limit signs proclaim "Homeland" and "Folkston" in quick succession, and the entrances to both locales are marked by plantings of either tropical palm trees or multi-colored wildflowers. Easy-to-spot are the impressive stone arches and massive cedar trees of Homeland Cemetery and the giant gator on the Folkston water tower. A brief bird's-eye-view of a Black Gum swamp, rooftops of historic homes, and railroads popular with train-watchers is provided from the top of the Highway #121 overpass as the Woodpecker Trail makes a detour in order to begin its last "leg" that ultimately leads one into the "tail" of Georgia. A portion of the highway in Charlton County has been named the Okefenokee Parkway, and here beautiful Spanish Creek crosses the trail once more at the base of two large, sloping hills from which an impressive view of one of the major wildflower corridors of the state can be seen. Its waters help nourish a picturesque freshwater marsh that is home to wading birds, Wood Ducks, and perching birds of prey, and surrounding the stream, native flowers of all colors can be found year-round just a step off the path. The impressive displays of mid-spring and fall here are a magnet for botanists, butterfly-lovers, and photographers. Again and again one passes side roads that would take you to a treasure-trove of sites that mark a county rich in history, culture, and natural-beauty. Worth a detour is Sardis Church with its plain Primitive Baptist-planking, while Prospect Church with its snow-white & forest-green steeple sits conveniently astride an adjacent hilltop. Additional pages would be needed to fully-describe the features and background of Trader's Hill Recreation Area (St. Marys River banks, sunken relicts of sailing ships, ghosts & grand Live Oaks) and Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (the silence of the vast wilderness, rare wildlife and plants, Indian burial mounds, pioneer lifeways). A camping & lodging center called Okefenokee Pastimes offers moonlight canoe rides on the river, has a unique art gallery that features the work of Southern artists, and serves as the clearinghouse for all swamp-related UFO reports. Once past the entrance road to "The Land of the Trembling Earth", the highway began a series of rises & falls around the local creeks such as Cornhouse, Harris, and Boone on its way to the border with Florida. Color filled the landscape with pinks, lavenders, purples, whites, yellows, oranges, and blues coming from flowers such as Wild Azalea, Fringe-tree, Moss Verbena, Easter Lily, Orange Candyroot, Cherokee Rose, Yellow Butterwort, and many, many more. Thickets of white-blossomed Blackberries promised juicy summertime treats. A lone long-distance bicyclist peddled steadily along this route that is popular with those seeking an "off the beaten path" experience. The small town of St. George was entered underneath a canopy of magnolia, camphor, and oak trees. "Home-style-cooking" diners, a "snack-by-the-track" shack boasting the best ice cream around, a country store, and a trading-post were clustered around the main junction in order to provide services to the traveler. Here they could turn to access the St. Marys River or start towards the western Okefenokee Swamp region. The next few miles were a mix of scattered pastures, pine plantations in various stages of harvest, small pocosin ponds echoing with the sounds of Cricket Frogs, burnt-orange broomsedge fields, and mixed-bay tree wetlands fragrant with the sweet perfume of Hurrah Bush. Now and again some higher sites appeared with Turkey Oaks, Pineland Wild Indigo, and Gopher Bush standing out, and a hunting preserve or two signified places that held the promise of a deer, bear, or turkey. Before too many more miles, the last community in the state was reached--that of the Georgia Bend--its homes landscaped with a variety of native spring-blooming shrubs and large fish ponds. Then five minutes more and the St. Marys River loomed ahead to signal a crossing into the sister state of Florida. The bridge overlooking that significant stream provided views of a snaggly dead tree draped with a flock of resting Black Vultures while a contented fisherman perched in his boat, patiently waiting for a nibble while the ebony waters swirled by on their way to the sea. As you can see, there are so many wonderful experiences to be had by traveling the Woodpecker Trail. It is truly a route that deserves promotion! Take care. See you soon. Sincerely, Sheila Willis Native American-Naturalist Talks & Tours Waycross, GA | Summer 2005
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a description of Charles Seabrook's trip along the Woodpecker Trail. Winter 2008
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a description of Charles Seabrook's weekend at the Okefenokee on the Woodpecker Trail. Summer 2008
Here are some pictures from a trip along the trail. Summer 2010
From The Tattnall Journal July 15, 2010 by David Avery
Old Shiloh Church Cemetery on Hwy. 121
Beautiful antebellum home in Blackshear
Riding the Woodpecker Trail from Reidsville to Florida ...
Nature's Wonders, Churches and Cemeteries, Historical Courthouses and Homes by David avery Staff Writer Unfortunately with the advent of Interstate 75, 95 and 16, travel in Georgia has become pretty mundane and boring. There is certainly nothing exciting about riding along several hundred miles or more of highway on an interstate and seeing nothing but an occasional billboard telling you where the next bathroom or restaurant is located. Because of this many travelers are venturing off these superhighways and taking more scenic routes. In Tattnall County we have three such routes including the Woodpecker Trail (Highway 121 from Augusta to the Florida line), the Wiregrass Trail (Highway 57 from I-16 in Candler Co. to the Georgia coast in Darien) and Highway 301 (sometimes referred to as the old Tobacco Trail). Certainly when traveling these routes one does not make the good time that one makes on the interstates, but the benefits derived are well worth it! Just south of Reidsville is farming country. Located off Highway 121 south of Reidsville is Bland Farms, as well as countless other farms. The countryside is dotted with beautiful coiffured pecan orchards and freshly cut hayfields with bales of hay lying randomly about. Next to one of these orchards is the historically significant Old Shiloh Church Cemetery. Six generations of area residents are buried there in likely the first public cemetery in Tattnall County. An historical marker is located at the cemetery on Hwy 121 near mile marker 16 SE of Reidsville, GA. The last person to be buried in the historical cemetery was in 1942. Next on the tour are the Big Hammock Natural Area and Wildlife Management Area, which contain more than 6,000 acres of hardwood forest along the Alatamaha River. The area is excellent for both hunting and wildlife watching. Just during the short stop at the reserve, wild turkeys and deer were witnessed during the daytime. The largest colony of an almost extinct plant, Elliotia Racemosa, also known as the Georgia Plume, is located there. Standing on the bridge between Tattnall and Appling County gives one a breathtaking eyeÕs view of the beautiful Altamaha River. The first town one enters after leaving Reidsville is Surrency located in Appling County and incorporated in 1911. Surrency has a whopping 200+ population and boasts some beautiful two-story homes as well as the newly renovated Bank of Surrency. Just south of Surrency is the beautiful Darsey Family Farm. On the farm is the Darsey Family Farm Commissary, which is full of antiques and reminders from the past. The next small community is Bristol, GA, which is unincorporated. Right on Highway 121 is the Bristol Post Office, which like many post offices in small communities is located within a store. The town also boasts the Evergreen Baptist Church and Cemetery, among others. Next on the trail is Blackshear, GA, located in Pierce County. Blackshear has a population of over 3,000 and boasts a variety of businesses and eating establishments including the Oak Plaza Restaurant, which has been serving up delicious food for many years. One of the largest and most impressive churches in South Georgia is located in Blackshear, The Emmanuel Baptist Church whose steeple towers over the countryside. Blackshear was founded in December 1859 as a result of military forts, roads, and bridges being built through the interior of Georgia to the coast. The city was named in honor of General David Blackshear, who authorized the construction of these roads, bridges and some 11 forts for defense. The town of Blackshear also boasts many beautiful old homes many of which have been renovated. As one heads south from Blackshear and enters Brantley County the next town is Hoboken. Hoboken has a continuous tradition of periodic singings from the Sacred Harp (traditional choral music) that has continued for over 150 years. These currently include monthly singings and an annual convention. One of the interesting sights in the town is an old brick building containing a Coca-Cola sign from yesteryear. The Hoboken Baptist Church and others offer the residents the religious experience. For many years Hoboken was known as a "speed trap" but fortunately that distinction is dwindling. Just south of Hoboken heading towards Folkston one experiences a good laugh when they spot the Humpty Dumpty Motel. The sign for the chicken/egg farm boasts, "Where meals are always free." As Highway 121 turns to the left, the driver on the trail is given the opportunity to drive 65 mph! Course, as usual, a lady from North Carolina sped by us at 80+ mph thus taking advantage of the speed increase. It was difficult to feel sorry for her when in a few minutes we passed her after she had been stopped by one of those Charlton County officers who somehow did not appreciate her speeding. Folkston was incorporated in 1912 and is the county seat for Charlton County. With a population just over 2,000, the Folkstonians are very proud of their beautiful courthouse and rightly so! They also capitalize on the Okefenokee Swamp located south of the city. The Okefenokee Restaurant is well known around the state for its delicious seafood. With virtually all rail traffic headed to Florida passing through Folkston, the rail lines through the city have acquired the nickname "The Folkston Funnel". As many as 60 trains a day pass through Folkston heading into and out of Florida, which some years draws ten times as many rail fans as people who live in the city. To provide for a safe (and advantageous) viewing situation, the town has built a platform for visitors, along with picnic tables, chairs, BBQ pits, restrooms, and grills. At night, lights shine from the platform onto the double rail so if someone wanted to, he or she could watch after sunset. Trains that come from the north move south toward Savannah, go through the Folkston Funnel, and arrive in Jacksonville. Trains that come from Florida do the same, just the opposite direction. Having ventured off Highway 121 in order to explore FolkstonÕs charm, it was necessary to work on getting back to the trail. The trip between Folkston and St. George, the last stop on the Woodpecker Trail, is a long stretch of road with very little to see other than trees, shrubs and wildlife. The entrance to the Okefenoke Swamp is several miles south of Folkston on the right. The Okefenokee, a beautifully preserved segment of what was here when America began, is a significant part of America's heritage. Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a convenient point of entry and a magnificent show-window for this natural wonderland. The park's lily-decked water trails, with their miraculously reflective waters mirroring the overhanging beauty, lead to all points in this vast wilderness of islands, lakes, jungles, forest and prairies. Boat tours on original Indian waterways, wilderness walkways, Pioneer Island and native animals in their own habitat, all combine to weave a spell of pioneer American life. Points of Interest include a Pioneer Homestead, 90-foot Tower, Nature Center, Swamp Creation Center, Wildlife Observation areas, Walt Kelly Exhibit, and much more. The last town on the trail is St. George, GA. It lies as a true testament to time standing still. The town looks very much like it did 40+ years ago with a smattering of eating establishments, churches including the First Baptist Church of St. George and an elementary school. One must travel another dozen miles or so before reaching the Florida line and entering MacClenny, Florida. Thus ends a great trip along the Woodpecker Trail. Certainly, the driving time is much greater than going the interstate but the advantages derived are well worth it! Writer's Note: I have been traveling the Woodpecker Trail for many years on the way to visit relatives in Gainesville, Florida but this trip was the most insightful ever! By taking the time to check out the small towns and other sights I have developed an all-new respect for the beauty of the Woodpecker Trail. |