Field Trips

Augusta-Aiken Audubon’s field trips are open at no charge to all chapter members and the public. We encourage everyone to come out and join us! Some tips to make the trips more comfortable: bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and drinking water. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended as is having raingear nearby.

Morning trips in fall and in spring usually begin at 8 a.m. and … Read More


2024 Scheduled Field Trips


Jan 13, Savannah NWR Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, near Savannah, GA. Meet at the Laurel Hill parking lot at 9am to drive around the loop trail looking for wintering waterfowl and small birds. We will walk some of the side trails as well. Bring a lunch and we will eat somewhere along the way.

Jan 20, Phinizy Swamp Waterfowl Drive – This is a Phinizy trip and there is a $5 cost. Meet at the parking lot at Phinizy Swamp NP at 9am. We will carpool around the park looking for wintering birds including waterfowl.

Feb 10, Brickyard Ponds. There is a $4 fee to bird the property. Meet at the Popeye’s at Walton Way and Gordon Hwy at 9am to carpool. We will drive the dirt roads (conditions permitting) looking for waterfowl and/or the paved road for small birds and waterfowl.

Feb 17, Lover’s Lane. Meet at Popeye’s at Gordon Hwy and Walton Way at 9am to carpool. We will bird Lover’s Lane and the Augusta Levee looking for winter residents.

Mar 9, – Canceled due to rain – Clark’s Hill Anniversary Park. Meet at the Dam Overlook on the SC side of the lake at 9am. We will drive and bird down to the park below the dam and bird the area. We may then go up and bird West Dam and other areas near the dam for small birds. Time permitting, we may go to other locations around the lake looking for waterfowl.

Mar 23, Silver Bluff Quail Trail, meet at the Visitor Center at Silver Bluff Audubon Center at 9am to walk the 3 mile Quail Trail looking for winter residents and early spring arrivals.

Field Trip time changes to 8am at this point! (Note exception July 27)

Apr 6, Lover’s Lane, Meet at Popeye’s at Gordon Hwy and Walton Way at 8am to carpool. We will bird Lover’s Lane and the Augusta Levee looking for early spring arrivals and lingering winter birds.

Apr 13, Phinizy Swamp NP. Meet in the parking lot at Phinizy Swamp NP at 8am. We will walk around the park (up to 2.5miles) looking for spring arrivals.

May 4 – Aiken County Spring Migration Count

May 11 – Wings and Things at Crackerneck. Meet at 8 am at the check in gate at Crackerneck WMA. Crackerneck is located in Jackson, SC. From Old Jackson Hwy/Main St turn right onto Brown Rd (at the Baseball Field) and continue until you see the sign to turn left to the gate. We will spend the day driving the roads, looking for birds, bugs, reptiles, and plants (plus whatever else we find). Bring lunch, water, bug spray, and whatever else you will need. Crackerneck is only open to the public Saturdays in March, May and September.

May 18, Lover’s Lane Meet at Popeye’s at Gordon Hwy and Walton Way at 8am to carpool. We will bird Lover’s Lane and the Augusta Levee looking for breeding birds and late migrants.

June 1, Jackson Landing Rd. Meet at the Kathwood Ponds at Silver Bluff at 8am to carpool to Jackson Landing Road in Jackson, SC. We will drive the road looking for breeding birds.

July 27, Kathwood Ponds, Meet at the Kathwood Ponds at 7am (early start for more birds). The ponds should have been lowered by this point and we will look for Wood Storks, other waders and shorebirds.

August 10, Phinizy Waders Drive, This is a Phinizy trip and there is a cost of $5. Meet in the parking lot at Phinizy Swamp NP at 8am to carpool. We will drive around the property looking for post-breeding dispersal waders and other birds. This can be your best chance to see a Tricolored Heron in Augusta as they are regular visitors this time of year.


NOTE: Please confirm with Lois at 8032151594 or birdercroakie@gmail.com if you will be attending the trip. If no one confirms, the trip may be canceled without notice.