In early May, bird lovers from across the Southeast will flock to Unicoi State Park for north Georgia’s only major birding festival.  With more than 60 field trips, programs and hands-on activities to choose from, Georgia Mountain BirdFest is open to birders of all ages and skill levels.

Running May 3 – 6, 2012, the festival includes more than 20 guided field trips to locations such as Ivy Log Gap Road, Brasstown Bald, Smithgall Woods, Anna Ruby Falls, Sosebee Cove and the normally restricted Buck Shoals.  More than 60 seminar topics cover bats and butterflies as well as birds, with titles such as Binoculars 101, Warbler ID, Tree ID, Bat Conservation in Georgia, Nature Photography and Birding by Ear.  Vendors include Leica Optics, wildlife artist Alan Young, Wild Birds Unlimited and others.

“Early-bird” registration for the four-day conference is $110 until March 15. Beginning March 16, registration will be $135.  To register, visit www.gamtnbirdfest.com  or call 706-878-2201 ext. 305.