Explore Georgia's colonial coast Birding Trail and spot one of these vibrant songbirds illuminating the rich green landscape. True frequent fliers, painted buntings migrate thousands of miles each year from coastal habitat in Georgia and Florida to Central America.

The Painted Bunting is just one of the hundreds of birds that can be sighted along Georgia's coast. In fact, 75 percent of all bird species found in Georgia can be seen on the Coastal Birding Trail. From wading birds to terns, rails, pelicans, ducks and gulls, hundreds of winged wonders and excellent viewing opportunities abound on Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail.

Description: Fort McAllister saw considerable Civil War action during General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. Located on the banks of the Ogeechee River, the site contains a mix of saltmarsh and forested habitats.

Types of Birds: Songbirds, wading birds. waterfowl

Best Birding Seasons: Song (all), wading birds (all), waterfowl (winter)

Specialities: Painting Bunting, Owls, Wading Birds, Bald Eagle, Osprey

Tips: Painted bunting are most often seen in late spring through summer along the causeway. Look for migrating warblers during spring and fall migrations. Bald eagles are most often seen during winter. Ospreys are most often seen in spring and summer. Look for northern harriers winging low over the marsh in winter.

For more informaion on the Painted Bunting and many other birds please visit the Georigia Department of Natural Resources's official website at: www.gadnr.org

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens Occasionally growing a treelike trunk of up to twenty feet, the Saw Palmetto usually remains in shrub form. It can be recognized by its flat, fan-shaped leaves with toothed stems. Well-adapted to life in Georgia's pine forests as they are exceptionally resistant to fire.

Garter Snake