The Buford Trout Hatchery, located in Forsyth County, is a quiet retreat found a short distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown Atlanta. Visitors to the hatchery can reel in fishing information and check out how trout are raised for stocking in Georgia streams. On Saturday, May 21 visitors can join in the Spring Migration Bird Walk, led by long-time birder and master bird bander Rusty Trump who currently is participating in the Monitoring Avian Production and Survival (MAPS) survey on site. Mr. Trump will share information about the survey and his birding experiences during the walk. The walk will travel along the Lincoln’s Sparrow Trail at the Buford Trout Hatchery, which is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD).

This exciting bird walk, which will leave from the Hatchery Office at 8 a.m. is appropriate for individuals and families (no groups please) ages 12 and up. Among the species birders can expect to see are hooded and Kentucky warblers, blue grosbeaks, indigo buntings, orchard orioles, yellow-breasted chats and various swallows. In addition, various hawks, ducks, herons and other permanent resident birds also may be seen. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

The Lincoln’s Sparrow Trail, open during Hatchery operating hours (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday), offers two wildlife-viewing blinds and an observation deck that overlooks a 12-acre wetland area. The one-half mile easy walking trail was named after the Lincoln’s sparrow, a bird that local bird expert Bill Elrick observed and banded on site in the fall of 2000. Birding checklists and loaner binoculars are available at the Hatchery Office and a visitor’s logbook is available at the trailhead kiosk for birders to register and record any interesting birds they have seen or heard while walking the trail.

To reach the Buford Trout Hatchery, take Georgia 400 north to Exit #14. Turn left at the light and travel 3.5 miles east on Georgia Hwy. 20. Turn left at the Chattahoochee River Club subdivision. At the second stop sign, turn right onto Trout Place Road, which will dead end at the Hatchery. For more information, contact the Buford Hatchery Office at (770) 781-6888.

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