Georgia's Colonial Coast Birding Trail

Description: Originally a Guale Indian village, Fort Morris has a fascinating history. The site became the seaport town of Sunbury (one of several "dead towns" in Georgia) before becoming Fort Morris in 1776. The fort helped protect Georgia's coast during both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The site is approximately 70 acres in size and is composed primarily of salt marsh and forested upland.

Types of Birds: Songbirds, wading birds

Best Birding Seasons: Songbirds (all), wading birds (all)

Specialties: Yellow-throated warbler, marsh wren, clapper rail, painted bunting

Tips: The best times to view painted buntings are in spring and summer. The woodlands found on the site are havens for warblers during spring and fall migrations. Look and listen for marsh wrens and clapper rails in the salt marshes throughout the year, however, the birds are most vocal in spring and summer.

Fee: $4 per adult, $2.75 per child (6-12 years). Children 5 years old and younger are free.

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Telephone: (912) 884-5999

Fun Things to Do: Tour the Visitor's Center and other nearby historic sites, including Seabrook Village, a living history museum.

Directions: Take Exit 76 at the junction of I-95 and SR 38. Travel east on Islands Highway about 3.7 miles to Trade Hill Road. Turn left onto Trade Hill Road and travel 0.7 miles to Fort Morris Road. Travel two miles down Fort Morris Road to the historic site entrance. See the map [1].