Wildlife Viewing Guide
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Wildlife Viewing Guide |
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Piedmont
National Wildlife Refuge
Description: The refuge is 35,000 acres of predominantly loblolly pine on the ridges with hardwoods found along creek bottoms and in scattered upland coves. Clear streams and beaver ponds provide ideal wetland habitat for migrating waterfowl. Old-growth pine forests that support a colony of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers can be found. The population on the refuge is the only known population in the Piedmont region of Georgia. The rich diversity of habitats provides a haven for nearly 200 species of birds and many mammals.
Viewing
Information: Red-cockaded woodpeckers can be seen in the spring from mid-April
to mid-June during the nesting season. This is also a great time to watch for
migrating songbirds, especially spring warblers. Spring migration begins in
March and peaks in April through early May, and fall migration peaks in September
and October. A bird checklist for the refuge is available at the visitors center.
Late November through January are the best months to see waterfowl. A six-mile
auto drive and three foot trails are open during daylight hours year-round.
Approximately 50 miles of gravel roads are also open for public travel, except
during limited fall white-tailed deer hunts. Caution should be used on these
roads during wet weather. Resident songbirds, turkeys, white-tailed deer, fox
squirrels, gray squirrels, and much of the other wildlife found on the refuge
can be seen from these roads and trails. The refuge visitors center is open
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except
on federal holidays. Refuge staff are available to assist and orient visitors
in finding the best viewing areas and times. Those interested in group programs
and tours involving staff should make reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Directions: From Atlanta, take I-75 south to exit 61. Travel east on Juliette Road 18 miles. Entrance is marked.
Management: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 912-986-5441
Closest Town: Round Oak, GA
Site Notes: observation platforms, tours, interpretive programs, six-mile auto driving tour, hunting, fishing
Additional Information: Georgia's Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site adjoins the refuge. A good day-trip can be made to the refuge and Jarrell Plantation.
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