Date:         Tue, 16 Mar 1999 09:35:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Mary Elfner <elfnerm@THEMPC.COM>
Sender:       Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@UGA.CC.UGA.EDU>
From:         Mary Elfner <elfnerm@THEMPC.COM>
Organization: Metropolitian Planning Commision
Subject:      Crooked River, Okefenokee, and Cumberland
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

While reviewing some sites for the Coastal Birding Trail, I visited
Crooked River State Park, Okefenokee Swamp and Folkston, and Cumberland
Island National Seashore this weekend.
 
Like Mike Chapman and Coastal Audubon on Little St. Simons, I heard and
saw the first few Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated Warblers, and
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers on Cumberland in the Live-Oak Maritime Forest
just north of the Dungeness ruins.  All 3 of these species are getting
ready to 'explode' on the barrier islands, hopefully.  Also on
Cumberland, a Blue-headed Vireo, a White-eyed Vireo, and many
Yellow-rumped Warblers.  I looked for any unusual gulls on the beach and
while riding the ferry, but only saw Ring-bills, Laughing, and Herrings.
 
On Trail Ridge on the way into the eastern entrance to the Okefenokee,
heard and saw 2 Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.  Didn't spend much time in the
swamp as it was pouring rain most of the day.
 
At Crooked River State Park, several Hermit Thrushes, White-throated
Sparrows, Rufous-sided Towhees.  Hundreds of Yellow-rumps and Tree
Swallows.  Looked for other swallows but didn't spot any.
 
Oh yes, on the ferry to Cumberland on the St. Mary's River, a group of
about 30 American White Pelicans on a small exposed sand bar at the edge
of the marsh.
 
There is a great B&B in Folkston run by Roger and Genna Wangsness called
The Inn at Folkston.  They are very interesting and run a great business
- it's worth a visit.  They have a web site at www.innatfolkston.com
 
Mary Elfner
Savannah, GA