Tag: bird watching

A New Opportunity Representing a Lasting Memory

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

by Yank Moore, Director of Conservation

Nestled behind the Jekyll Island Welcome Center, overlooking the golden hues of the coastal saltmarsh, stands a beloved observation platform—a haven for birders and nature enthusiasts alike. Originally funded through the Jekyll Island Foundation over a decade ago, this quiet retreat has offered visitors a place to pause, reflect, and take in the beauty of the island’s diverse bird species.

Now, thanks to a meaningful tribute, this cherished space has received an exciting enhancement with the addition of two spotting scope viewers, one on each level, allowing visitors to enjoy an even closer glimpse of the rich avian life that calls Jekyll home. The area is a popular destination for birders, drawn by the possibility of spotting American Avocets, Marbled Godwits, and Dowitchers—species that are less commonly seen elsewhere on the island.

These new additions are more than just an improvement to the viewing experience; they serve as a tribute to the late Lydia Thompson, affectionately known as the “Bird Lady.” Lydia, who passed away in late 2022, left an indelible mark on the birding community. A passionate advocate for avian conservation, Lydia traveled all 50 states in pursuit of her love for birding, founded Operation Plover Patrol to protect Jekyll’s shorebirds, and championed the belief that birdwatching is for everyone. Her dedication inspired countless individuals, and her impact continues to be felt through the organizations she supported.

Now, with these newly installed spotting scopes, Lydia’s legacy lives on. Every visitor who pauses at the platform, gazes through a viewer, and marvels at the birdlife of Jekyll Island is carrying forward her mission—one of appreciation, education, and conservation. Through the generosity of those who knew and admired Lydia, her spirit will forever be part of the landscape she so dearly loved.

Supporting Bird Conservation on Jekyll

The Jekyll Island Authority’s Conservation team has been dedicated to bird conservation through research, monitoring, and habitat restoration. The Jekyll Island Foundation has been a vital partner in supporting these efforts. If you’d like to contribute to bird conservation on Jekyll Island, click here.

Connecting Wildlife & Opportunity

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

by Yank Moore, Director of Conservation, and Joseph Colbert CWB®, Wildlife Biologist

Conservation on Jekyll Island is reaching new heights as the focus shifts from primarily monitoring and collecting data, towards restoration and informed land management and ecological enhancement practices. This approach will create and improve conditions for wildlife and habitat diversity on the island, while still providing nature-based education and recreational opportunities for the public.

Recently the Jekyll Island Authority (JIA) adopted the Golf Improvement Plan, with input from all major departments within JIA. As a part of this plan, a wildlife habitat corridor will be established from retired holes on Oleander Golf Course. Creating this wildlife corridor represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Jekyll Island Authority to restore 52 acres of land into a thriving ecosystem that supports a multitude of wildlife, while also offering public access to walkways in an alluring natural setting. The corridor would be an early step to connect the northern and southern parts of the island, allowing animals that are vulnerable to human activities or sensitive to road crossings to have easy and safe movement island wide.

The corridor will include a mixture of maritime grassland and longleaf pine savanna trees. Both habitats are currently among the most limited habitats on the island but were once a dominant landscape feature along the coast. Both habitats are characterized by few trees and shrubs but are dominated by a mixture of grasses that many regionally rare wildlife rely on. The nesting, feeding, and roosting features that so many priority bird species need to survive will be created by this restoration project. It will provide public access to a sanctuary for wildlife where birdwatchers and photographers will be granted extensive views deep into the landscape and a sense of what coastal Georgia looked like many centuries ago.

A view of a grass-dominated ecosystem is nothing short of breathtaking, especially on a day with a gentle breeze that sets the low-growing plants into motion. As stewards of Jekyll Island with a mission to support nature-based recreation, this project provides visitors and residents an unforgettable experience outdoors, while also improving conditions for resident wildlife. Learn how you can support ongoing conservation projects like this one by becoming a member of the Jekyll Island Foundation today.

Providing for Wildlife at Horton Pond

Posted on | by Matthew Humphrey

by Yank Moore, JIA Natural Resources Manager

Horton Pond has become a destination for many guests and their families while visiting Jekyll. The wildlife viewing area, basking platform, and nature trail funded by the Jekyll Island Foundation allows visitors a chance to experience the American Alligator, Night Herons, Wood Ducks, and various other wildlife in their natural habitat. The JIA Conservation team’s goal for this project has been to provide a space for people to enjoy nature while improving habitat value for wildlife, increase educational opportunities, and encourage guests to become better stewards of the environment.

Beyond what is visible to the public, the JIA’s Conservation Department manages Horton Pond to be as productive and natural as possible without using harsh chemicals or other invasive means of control. Instead, sterile grass carp were introduced to eat the underwater aquatic plants that would normally take herbicide to control, and a recently installed solar aeration system to supply much needed oxygen for fish and other underwater wildlife to flourish.

Recently another upgrade was made to the pond. Funded by generous donors of the Jekyll Island Foundation, a solar aeration system was installed to not only provide oxygen, but enhance water quality, limit excess nutrients, and keep algae from causing issues for wildlife. Horton Pond is man-made and has no natural water input like a stream or river so it must rely on surface runoff and groundwater. Without management this pond could suffer from a stagnation effect and without the aeration system the pond could go through cycles of bad health. The system installed at Horton Pond is powered completely by a solar panel harnessing the power of the sun and is efficient enough with timers and controls to run even on cloudy days.

To see the system in action, visit Horton Pond early in the mornings when aeration system is on and when the pond needs it the most.