Every time I go to the grocery store, I am reminded of the fact that we have more food choices than ever. For example, where there was once a single variety of Bush’s baked beans, now there are 13.
The same is true for suet and bird “puddings.” When suet first hit the market, you could only buy pure beef suet. And it was in a rectangular cake. Today, stores specializing in wild bird-related products sell suet in a variety of flavors and shapes.
What is also clear, however, is that this high-energy food is favored by many. More than half of the participants in Cornell University's FeederWatch Survey use suet, making it the third-ranked food offered. Thirty-two percent provide bird puddings.
Given the draw of these products to birds and bird watchers, here's a closer look. …Read Terry’s column to sort out suet and puddings, and what to use in your yard.
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Become bass-savvy with our next level Fish and Learn program on April 29-May 1. The Fish and Learn level 2 class is a weekend event designed for intermediate anglers. It will focus on the basics of bass fishing and different lure types used.
The weekend will include fishing at Marben PFA as well as educational programs on equipment, fishing regulations, and species identification. Participants are expected to bring their own rod, reel and basic box of tackle. Participants should be able to do the following before the course begins: 1) tie a hook onto a line; 2) rig a rod and reel; 3) cast and hit a target.
To register for this program, go online or call us at 770-784-3059.
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Itching for more programs after the 2021 annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshop? Well staff have been working tirelessly and we have the spring 2022 calendar ready and open for registration. Some programs include a firearms 101 class, a hike at FDR state park, and even a paddle at Tallulah Gorge state park. You can find a list of day programs on our website and register for Charlie Elliott programming online.
BOW is a national program designed for women 18 years and older and all fitness levels through hands-on workshops. Developed in our state by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, these programs allow participants to develop hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor recreation skills, while also providing insight into the management and preservation of the natural, historical and cultural resources of Georgia.
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Hearing the sounds of high pitched "peeps" on these cold days? Well if so, you are getting to hear one of Georgia's first frog calls of the year. The spring peeper is one of the state's most vocal winter frogs and to some, one of the first signs that warmer weather is on the way.
You can identify this camouflaged species by the "X" mark on its back and small pads on its toes. They are designed to look like tree bark, however they have some ability to make themselves lighter or darker in order to better match their surroundings. These tiny frogs call where small trees or shrubs are surrounded by standing water. Breeding begins in November and ends in March in our area. Once their breeding season ends, they are really hard to spot on the property. They
As you hike on the trails or drive by our lakes in the next few weeks, take a moment to enjoy the sounds of these really amazing frogs.
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Family public programs cover a variety of natural history and outdoor recreation topics. Participants will discover more about the outdoors while having fun with our naturalists. Some of our spring public Programs include
- Owl Prowl- February 19
- Dutch Oven 101- March 12
- Spring into Sustainability- April 2
- Goodness Snakes- April 23
- Keeping GA WILD- May 21
- Night of Froggery- June 3
All programs are $5.00 per person (except Keeping GA WILD day which is FREE). To learn more or to register, go online.
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