Brookhaven residents who have always wanted to tell a chickadee from a bluebird can get a free, guided lesson at their neighborhood park on Aug. 8.
Birds Georgia is hosting a beginner bird walk at Murphey Candler Park on Saturday, Aug. 8, led by trip leader Kevin O'Toole. The walk starts at 8 a.m. and wraps up around 10:30 a.m. It's free, but registration is required through the Birds Georgia field trips page at birdsgeorgia.org/field-trips.html.
The event listing describes it as a friendly, slow-paced walk emphasizing true birding basics, covering identification fundamentals, optics use, and listening for bird calls. Regulars are welcome, but the focus stays on newcomers.
O'Toole will have binoculars available to lend. Participants who want to borrow a pair should text him in advance at 404-451-3092. Beginners are also encouraged to download the free Merlin Bird ID app before the walk.
Brooke Michael, communications coordinator at Birds Georgia, said the organization's walks are led by volunteers who have graduated from its Master Birder program. Birds Georgia hosts more than 125 free field trips across the state each year, according to its website.
"Once you start to notice birds, you'll see them everywhere," Michael said.
What to expect
The birding focus on Aug. 8 will be year-round local species: chickadees, bluebirds, crows, and other common birds. The 135-acre park, Brookhaven's largest and a designated site on the Georgia Birding Trail, supports a wide variety of birdlife along its lake and wooded trails.
The walk goes rain or shine. The trail has some level stretches but also steep spots and uneven surfaces from exposed tree roots, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
The event is open to adults and older teenagers. Children under 14 and dogs are not permitted.
Getting there
The meeting point is near 1636 West Nancy Creek Drive, at the intersection of Candler Lake West and West Nancy Creek Drive. From I-285 (north side), take Exit 29, head south on Ashford Dunwoody Road about a mile, then turn left onto W. Nancy Creek Drive NE. Park in the first large lot on the southwest corner of the lake. The first two rows of the baseball parking lot are reserved on some Saturday mornings for Challenger Baseball.
Restrooms are located near the baseball fields at the park's southeast and southwest corners.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Aug. 8 — Beginner Bird Walk, Murphey Candler Park, 8–10:30 a.m. Free; register at birdsgeorgia.org/field-trips.html.
- Saturday, Oct. 24 — Birds Georgia walk at Fernbank Forest, 8–9:30 a.m. Free for Fernbank Museum and Birds Georgia members; details at birdsgeorgia.org/field-trips.html.
