What is a bird-blitz? Scientists will often conduct a bird-blitz in an effort to obtain a count of individuals or species for a given area to help determine if the area is meeting conservation demands and identify gaps in areas with critical habitat. They provide a quick snapshot of biodiversity while offering an opportunity for participants to connet with other nature enthusiast, scientific experts, and with the natural world. By hosting a fall migratory bird-blitz at three Lula Lake properties, we will be able to better identify which habitats are critical for both migratory and residential species, and improve conservation efforts going forward.

How it will work: We will assign group leaders and send groups to three different Lula Lake properties to help identify and count the birds observed. The avian counts will be compiled using the eBird app, which allows the organizers to generate accurate and valuable observational data and gather the survey results immediately. There will be a morning session and an afternoon/evening session to choose from.

Optional bird-banding viewing: In between the two bird-blitz sessions, we’ll have a bird-banding station available for viewing hosted by Dr. David Aborn, a professor from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Banding, or sometimes called ringing, is the process of attaching an aluminum or colored band with a unqiue code to the leg of a bird so scientists can identify and track the individual over time. Dr. Aborn will record info. about each bird, such as its species, sex and age, and take measurements, such as its weight and the length of its wings before adding the band and releasing the bird. All bird banding is federally regulated, and proper permitting and skill are required for handling wild birds.

Schedule Of Events:

7:00am-1:00pm – First group arrives at the Core Preserve property (located at 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, GA) and splits up to make their way out to the different habitats to record data.

1:00pm-3:00pm – Bird banding with Dr. Aborn at the Core Preserve property.

3:00pm-9:00pm- Second group arrives at the Core Preserve property and splits up to make their way out to the different habitats to record data.

Bring: Your own smart phone with the eBird app downloaded. Closed toe shoes, plenty of water, unscented bug spray, the ability to walk independently on uneven terrain approximately 1-2 miles, sunscreen/sun protective clothing, comfortable attire for outdoor activity in a forested area. Optional: binoculars, a notepad and pen to record your observations.

For additional information and to get your free tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bird-blitz-and-bird-banding-tickets-1022612590787?aff=oddtdtcreator