Wildlife Viewing Guide
|
|
Wildlife Viewing Guide |
|
Fort
King George Historic Site
Description: This historic site offers a panoramic view of the famous Georgia spartina marshes, the Altamaha River delta, and distant barrier islands from the fort's restored blockhouse, which stands 40 feet above the ground. The site's short nature trail winds through brackish marsh and maritime forests composed of pine, live oak, redcedar, baldcypress mixed with shrubs such as wax myrtle, yaupon holly, and groundsel. Other habitats at the site include tidewater creek and bluff (Black Creek) and holding ponds (18th century man-made tidal sawmill ponds) each of which supports a wide variety of coastal wildlife. Adjoining the fort is one of the oldest British military cemeteries in the southeast. The cemetery contains 65 graves, including 17 marked as the final resting places of British soldiers serving at Fort King George before 1732. Fort King George has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Viewing Information: Today the site abounds in wildlife, including American alligators, snakes, and marsh-loving birds. This site offers very easy access and is a great place to begin the study of birds because the variety is large and the birds are not easily disturbed from their routine. Painted buntings, prothonotary warblers, and the uncommon swainson's warbler may be seen in summer. The black-throated blue warbler and the yellow-throated warbler are more likely seen in the winter. Take a careful look at the black vultures soaring overhead. Occasionally one of them will be a white-headed bald eagle soaring with its cousins.
Directions: From I-95, take exit 10 (Darien), turn east on GA Hwy. 251 and go 1 mile to US Hwy. 17. Follow signs. The site is 3 miles off I-95 and is easily accessible.
Management: Georgia DNR, Parks and Historic Sites Division, 912-437-4770 or 912-437-4569
Closest Town: Darien, GA
Site Notes: parking, observation platforms, interpretive programs, museum, audio-visual room
Additional Information: Site is closed before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Read and add comments about this page