We all know that Georgia’s 11 public fishing areas offer prime angling. But who knew that PFAs are also big on birds?
Even during summer, the mix of habitats on PFAs statewide – from open water to bankside woodlands – attracts a kaleidoscope of species.
For example, sightings via the online database eBird reveal that if you want to see American coots, Silver Lake PFA is golden (more than 10,000 coot sightings since January 2000). Likewise, Ocmulgee is big on barn swallows, while blue grosbeaks and summer tanagers add a splash of color at Marben PFA, and double-crested cormorants can be almost common at Rocky Mountain.
Some of the bird species seen most often at other PFAs include anhingas at Paradise, great blue herons at McDuffie, eastern towhees at Big Lazer, great egrets at Flat Creek, yellow-rumped warblers at Dodge County, red-winged blackbirds at Evans County and pine warblers at Hugh Gillis.
Georgians 16 to 64 can bird, fish, hike and paddle on a PFA for the bargain price of a fishing or hunting license: $5 for one day or $15 for all year. These licenses not only provide access, they provide those fees, plus up to double the amount in federal excise taxes paid by anglers and hunters, for wildlife work in Georgia.
When making plans to visit a PFA, fishing gear and binoculars are in order. And don’t forget the family. PFAs feature plenty of kid-friendly amenities, including trails, docks, bathrooms and picnic tables.