Birds of Smith-Gilbert Gardens By Pat Pepper On the morning of June 1st, I parked in the back parking lot of SGG in the spot in front of the lamp post, which is located just to the right of the large Princess Tree. As I got out of my car, I heard the song of a male Wood Thrush … Read More
Birds of SGG
Birds of SGG by Pat Pepper Just as the plant world dazzles our eyes with incredible blooming beauty in spring, so does the bird world. Spring means spring migration, and it is starting right now. The avian males are all decked out in their spring finery, and the neotropic migrants that are only passing through Georgia on their way … Read More
Birds of SGG
Birds of SGG By Pat Pepper 2015 Great Backyard Bird Count Photo by Gary Mueller, Missouri First, I want to give a big shout out to Stefanie Haerynck for her wonderful organizational skills during SGG’s first GBBC event on Feb. 14, 2015. She made my job as bird guide extremely easy with her handouts, white board, writing utensils, … Read More
Birds of SGG
Birds of SGG by Pat Pepper It’s that time of year! From Dec.14 to Jan.5, birders all over North and Central America volunteer to count birds for the National Audubon Society. They usually spend up to twelve hours on one day identifying birds, both the species and number spotted. This information is invaluable in spotting bird migration trends and breeding success. The … Read More
In Bloom
Walking through the garden this week, I found that there are signs of color and sweetly fragrant blooms to be found throughout. Below are some photos I took of some of the most notable plants I found. As you can see, there’s lots of yellow! Photos below (L -> R clockwise) Chimonanthus praecox – fragrant wintersweet : The name … Read More
Birds of SGG
By Pat Pepper As I walked around the gardens on Wednesday, Oct. 15, I found myself in the middle of male bird tomfoolery. I was standing near the picnic area on the west side of the gardens when male cardinals, mockingbirds, and towhees chased each other all about me like aerial stunt jets. I think they were enjoying having the … Read More
Birds of SGG
By Pat Pepper While birding at SGG on Monday, Sept.15, I ran into Stefanie Haerynck, SGG’s education coordinator. We started talking when I noticed a bird quickly dive into a small tree behind Stefanie. We were standing just off the northwest section of the main lawn. I told Stefanie I would like to see what bird had flown into the … Read More
Birds of SGG
by Pat Pepper Male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird On Saturday, Aug. 23, SGG hosted its most popular public event, Hummingbird Banding. Most people are fascinated by Hummingbirds because they are beautiful and are astounding aerial acrobats. I was telling my mother in Florida about this event when she interjected, “How in the world can you band those tiny little legs?” Banding … Read More
Bird Banding
(excerpted from Aug.2013 Birds of SGG by Pat Pepper) In order to legally band birds, one must be trained and obtain a U.S. Federal Bird Banding and Marking Permit. Bird banding is controlled under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and only official federal bands may be legally placed on birds that will then be released into the wild. The North … Read More