Sandhills WMA--West

32.57081 , -84.38943

United States of America (USA)

At first glance, the West Tract of Sandhills Wildlife Management Area may seem like convoluted monster of a hotspot. To be fair, this 2,500 acre tract of public land is a bit intimidating and difficult to approach. Despite its immensity and remoteness, Sandhills WMA is well worth a visit for birders seeking to find healthy populations of birds of grassland habitats. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for its numerous rare plant and animal species, this hotspot contains examples of well-maintained Longleaf Pine Sandhills habitats in a variety of stages of restoration, from nearly old-growth stands to recently planted plantation-style Longleaf Pine. This diversity of seral stages directly translates to a diversity in avifauna. To date, over 100 species have been seen on site, and this number will surely continue to climb as the frequency of visits increases. The tract offers critical habitat for declining grassland species like the Southeastern race of the American Kestrel, Bachman's Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Meadowlark. The site, as well as the nearby East Tract of Sandhills WMA, is perhaps best known as the only known breeding locations for several pairs of Lark Sparrows in the state of Georgia. This traditionally western sparrow appears to have an affinity for the open, sandy habitats that these WMA's offer. 

Official Website:

https://georgiawildlife.com/sandhills-wma-west

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by John Patten Moss : 32.5708/-84.3894 (2021-10-04 01:44:37 )

Site name was set by John Patten Moss as "Sandhills WMA--West" (2021-10-04 01:44:37 )

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 23:08:38
At first glance, the West Tract of Sandhills Wildlife Management Area may seem like convoluted monster of a hotspot. To be fair, this 2,500 acre tract of public land is a bit intimidating and difficult to approach. Despite its immensity and remoteness, Sandhills WMA is well worth a visit for birders seeking to find healthy populations of birds of grassland habitats. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for its numerous rare plant and animal species, this hotspot contains examples of well-maintained Longleaf Pine Sandhills habitats in a variety of stages of restoration, from nearly old-growth stands to recently planted plantation-style Longleaf Pine. This diversity of seral stages directly translates to a diversity in avifauna. To date, over 100 species have been seen on site, and this number will surely continue to climb as the frequency of visits increase.increases. The tract offers critical habitat for declining grassland species like the Southeastern race of the American Kestrel, Bachman's Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Meadowlark. The site, as well as the nearby East Tract of Sandhills WMA, is perhaps best known as the only known breeding locations for several pairs of Lark Sparrows in the state of Georgia. This traditionally western sparrow appears to have an affinity for the open, sandy habitats that these WMA's offer.  Official Website: https://georgiawildlife.com/sandhills-wma-west
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 02:07:26
At first glance, the West Tract of Sandhills Wildlife Management Area may seem like convoluted monster of a hotspot. To be fair, this 2,500 acre tract of public land is a bit intimidating and difficult to approach. Despite its immensity and remoteness, Sandhills WMA is well worth a visit for birders seeking to find healthy populations of birds of grassland habitats. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for its numerous rare plant and animal species, this hotspot contains examples of well-maintained Longleaf Pine Sandhills habitats in a variety of stages of restoration, from nearly old-growth stands to recently planted plantation-style Longleaf Pine. This diversity of seral stages directly translates to a diversity in avifauna. To date, over 100 species have been seen on site, and this number will surely continue to climb as the frequency of visits increase. The tract offers critical habitat for declining grassland species like the Southeastern race of the American Kestrel, Bachman's Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Meadowlark. The site, as well as the nearby East Tract of Sandhills WMA, is perhaps best known as the only known breeding locations for several pairs of Lark Sparrows in the state of Georgia. This traditionally western sparrow appears to have an affinity for the open, sandy habitats that these WMA's offer.   Official Website: https://georgiawildlife.com/sandhills-wma-west
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 02:02:26
At first glance, the west tract West Tract of Sandhills WMA may Wildlife Management Area may seem like convoluted monster of a hotspot. To be fair, this 2,500 acre tract of public land is a bit intimidating and difficult to approach. Despite its immensity and remoteness, Sandhills WMA is well worth a visit for birders seeking to find healthy populations of birds of grassland habitats. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for its numerous rare plant and animal species, this hotspot contains examples of well-maintained Longleaf Pine Sandhills habitats in a variety of stages of restoration, from nearly old-growth stands to recently planted plantation-style Longleaf Pine. This diversity of seral stages directly translates to a diversity in avifauna. To date, over 100 species have been seen on site, and this number will surely continue to climb as the frequency of visits increase. The tract offers critical habitat for declining grassland species like the Southeastern race of the American Kestrel, Bachman's Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Meadowlark. The site, as well as the nearby East Tract of Sandhills WMA, is perhaps best known as the only known breeding locations for several pairs of Lark Sparrows in the state of Georgia. This traditionally western sparrow appears to have an affinity for the open, sandy habitats that these WMA's offer. 
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 01:57:46
At first glance, the west tract of Sandhills WMA may seem like convoluted monster of a hotspot. To be fair, this 2,500 acre tract of public land is a bit intimidating and difficult to approach. Despite its immensity and remoteness, Sandhills WMA is well worth a visit for birders seeking to find healthy populations of birds of grassland habitats. Managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for its numerous rare plant and animal species, this hotspot contains examples of well-maintained Longleaf Pine Sandhills habitats in a variety of stages of restoration, from nearly old-growth stands to recently planted plantation-style Longleaf Pine. This diversity of seral stages directly translates to a diversity in avifauna. To date, over 100 species have been seen on site, and this number will surely continue to climb as the frequency of visits increase. The tract offers critical habitat for declining grassland species like the Southeastern race of the American Kestrel, Bachman's Sparrow, Northern Bobwhite, Loggerhead Shrike, and Eastern Meadowlark. 

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

()
Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus)
Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis)
Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio)
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus)
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)
Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)
Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii)

Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-07 23:37:53)

Eastern Screech-Owl (Megascops asio) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 02:00:06)

Chuck-will's-widow (Antrostomus carolinensis) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:59:55)

() was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:59:39)

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:59:24)

Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:59:11)

Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:58:48)

Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:58:36)

Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:58:22)

Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:58:13)

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) was added by John Patten Moss (2021-10-04 01:58:01)

  • Timing and strategy

The grasslands on the WMA are most vibrant and alive in the spring and summer, when target species like Bachman's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite are singing and breeding. The Southeastern American Kestrels abound on telephone wires throughout the property, frequenting their nesting boxes to feed chicks. Listen for the loud melodius song of Swainson's Warblers along the dense and brushy poccosins that line the drainages on the property. Winter at the West Tract can be similarly exciting, as massive flocks of Chipping Sparrows make use of the open habitats, with less common Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows loosely associating with the activity. There are patches of vast grasslands that may also attract rarer sparrows like Henslow's Sparrow and LeConte's Sparrow.

Birding at the West Tract typically requires a good amount of on-foot travel due to an abundance of locked gates throughout the property designed to discourage car traffic. Depending upon which region of the WMA that you want to explore, there are a number of access points for parking throughout the property. The offical entry point of the property can be found at the NW corner, off of Fox Run Rd. A kiosk with information on species of interest at the WMA can be found here, and wheeled travel is possible for a couple of hundred yards. The other marked gates are good places to park and take off on foot in exploration of the extensive pine woods. 

Lark Sparrows are one of the most sought-after species on the property, and the best place to look for them is along the east-west stretch of County Road 69 at the northern part of the WMA. CR 69's intersection with CR 70 (where the Orniverse site pin is located) is a great place to look for this species. It is recommended that birders approach this road from the east at CR 69's intersection with Parks Road (CR 48). 

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 23:38
The grasslands on the WMA are most vibrant and alive in the spring and summer, when target species like Bachman's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite are singing and breeding. The Southeastern American Kestrels abound on telephone wires throughout the property, frequenting their nesting boxes to feed chicks. Winter Listen for the loud melodius song of Swainson's Warblers along the dense and brushy poccosins that line the drainages on the property. Winter at the West Tract can be similarly exciting, as massive flocks of Chipping Sparrows make use of the open habitats, with less common Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows loosely associating with the activity. There are patches of vast grasslands that may also attract rarer sparrows like Henslow's Sparrow and LeConte's Sparrow. Birding at the West Tract typically requires a good amount of on-foot travel due to an abundance of locked gates throughout the property designed to discourage car traffic. Depending upon which region of the WMA that you want to explore, there are a number of access points for parking throughout the property. The offical entry point of the property can be found at the NW corner, off of Fox Run Rd. A kiosk with information on species of interest at the WMA can be found here, and wheeled travel is possible for a couple of hundred yards. The other marked gates are good places to park and take off on foot in exploration of the extensive pine woods.  Lark Sparrows are one of the most sought-after species on the property, and the best place to look for them is along the east-west stretch of County Road 69 at the northern part of the WMA. CR 69's intersection with CR 70 (where the Orniverse site pin is located) is a great place to look for this species. It is recommended that birders approach this road from the east at CR 69's intersection with Parks Road (CR 48). 
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 23:10
The grasslands on the WMA are most vibrant and alive in the spring and summer, when target species like Bachman's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite are singing and breeding. The Southeastern American Kestrels abound on telephone wires throughout the property, frequenting their nesting boxes to feed chicks. Winter at the West Tract can be similarly exciting, as massive flocks of Chipping Sparrows make use of the open habitats, with less common Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows loosely associating with the activity. There are patches of vast grasslands that may also attract rarer sparrows like Henslow's Sparrow and LeConte's Sparrow. Birding at the West Tract typically requires a good amount of on-foot travel due to an abundance of locked gates throughout the property designed to discourage car traffic. Depending upon which region of the WMA that you want to explore, there are a number of access points for parking throughout the property. The offical entry point of the property can be found at the NW corner, off of Fox Run Rd. A kiosk with information on species of interest at the WMA can be found here, and wheeled travel is possible for a couple of hundred yards. The other marked gates are good places to park and take off on foot in exploration of the extensive pine woods.  Lark Sparrows are one of the most sought-after species on the property, and the best place to look for them is along the east-west stretch of County Road 69 at the northern part of the WMA. CR 69's intersection with CR 70 (where the Orniverse site pin is located) is a great place to look for this species. It is recommended that birders approach this road from the east at CR 69's intersection with Parks Road (CR 48). 
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 22:54
The grasslands on the WMA are most vibrant and alive in the spring and summer, when target species like Bachman's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite are singing and breeding. The Southeastern American Kestrels abound on telephone wires throughout the property, frequenting their nesting boxes to feed chicks. Winter at the West Tract can be similarly exciting, as massive flocks of Chipping Sparrows make use of the open habitats, with less common Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows loosely associating with the activity. There are patches of vast grasslands that may also attract rarer sparrows like Henslow's Sparrow and LeConte's Sparrow. Birding at the West Tract typically requires a good amount of on-foot travel due to an abundance of locked gates throughout the property designed to discourage car traffic. Depending upon which region of the WMA that you want to explore, there are a number of access points for parking throughout the property. The offical entry point of the property can be found at the NW corner, off of Fox Run Rd. A kiosk with information on species of interest at the WMA can be found here, and wheeled travel is possible for a couple of hundred yards. The other marked gates are good places to park and take off on foot in exploration of the extensive pine woods.  Lark Sparrows are one of the most sought-after species on the property, and the best place to look for them is along the east-west stretch of County Road 69 at the northern part of the WMA. CR 69's intersection with CR 70 (where the Orniverse site pin is located) is a great place to look for this species. It is recommended that birders approach this road from the east CR 69's intersection with Parks Road (CR 48). 
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 22:53
The grasslands on the WMA are most vibrant and alive in the spring and summer, when target species like Bachman's Sparrow, Lark Sparrow, and Northern Bobwhite are singing and breeding. The Southeastern American Kestrels abound on telephone wires throughout the property, frequenting their nesting boxes to feed chicks. Winter at the West Tract can be similarly exciting, as massive flocks of Chipping Sparrows make use of the open habitats, with less common Vesper and Grasshopper Sparrows loosely associating with the activity. There are patches of vast grasslands that may also attract rarer sparrows like Henslow's Sparrow and LeConte's Sparrow. Birding at the West Tract typically requires a good amount of on-foot travel due to an abundance of locked gates throughout the property designed to discourage car traffic. Depending upon which region of the WMA that you want to explore, there are a number of access points for parking throughout the property. The offical entry point of the property can be found at the NW corner, off of Fox Run Rd. A kiosk with information on species of interest at the WMA can be found here, and wheeled travel is possible for a couple of hundred yards. The other marked gates are good places to park and take off on foot in exploration of the extensive pine woods.  Lark Sparrows are one of the most sought-after species on the property, and the best place to look for them is along the east-west stretch of County Road 69 at the northern part of the WMA. CR 69's intersection with CR 70 (where the Orniverse site pin is located) is a great place to look for this species. 
  • How to get there

The West Tract of Sandhills WMA is a tricky place to navigate, with sandy roads and restricted usage roads. There are two recommended points of access for the northern part of the property: from Parks Road (CR 48) on the east and from Fox Run Rd. (CR 62) from the west. DO NOT ATTEMPT to access the property from CR 70 or CR 69 off of Highway 540 from the north: CR 70 is gated and CR 69 is impassible at a massive washout at Little Whitewater Creek. There are a number of access points along the eastern boundry of the property as it meets Parks Road (CR 48). A small pond on Black Creek can be viewed from here and is usually worth the stop. There is only one access from the south along Henry Currington Road, and it is evidenced on the above map by a gate pin and a campround pin.  

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 23:05
The West Tract of Sandhills WMA is a tricky place to navigate, with sandy roads and restricted usage roads. There are two recommended points of access for the northern part of the property: from Parks Road (CR 48) on the east and from Fox Run Rd. (CR 62) from the west. DO NOT ATTEMPT to access the property from CR 70 or CR 69 off of Highway 540 from the north: CR 70 is gated and CR 69 is impassible at a massive washout at Little Whitewater Creek. There are a number of access points along the eastern boundry of the property as it meets Parks Road (CR 48). A small pond on Black Creek can be viewed from here and is usually worth the stop. There is only one access from the south along Henry Currington Road, and it is evidenced on the above map by a gate pin and a campround pin.  

Birders seeking to access most Wildlife Management Areas in the state must posess a valid Lands Pass, Hunting License, or Fishing License to be present on the property. All of these options can be purchased at the following site:

https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 02:11
Birders seeking to access most Wildlife Management Areas in the state must posess a valid Lands Pass, Hunting License, or Fishing License to be present on the property. All of these options can be purchased at the following site: https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes
  • Other attractions

A disjunct unit of Sandhills WMA known as Sandhills WMA--East Tract is just 6 miles east along Highway 96. Habitat diversity here is lower, but many of the same species of interest can be found on this tract. Here is the eBird hotspot site for the East Tract:

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2838156

Another hotspot in the vicinity that is worth dropping by is McCant's Millpond, a large body of water north of Butler on US Highway 19. This is the eBird hotspot site:

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3853489

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 02:23
A disjunct unit of Sandhills WMA known as Sandhills WMA--East Tract is just 6 miles east along Highway 96. Habitat diversity here is lower, but many of the same species of interest can be found on this tract. Here is the eBird hotspot site for the East Tract: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2838156 Another hotspot in the vicinity that is worth dropping by is McCant's Millpond, a large body of water north of Butler on US Highway 19. This is the eBird hotspot site: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3853489

Aside from the two primitive campsites that are marked on the map above, there are no facilities at this WMA.

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 02:16
Aside from the two primitive campsites that are marked on the map above, there are no facilities at this WMA.

Note that this property is managed to provide hunting opportunities to the public and that various game species are hunted on site during different hunting seasons. It is a good idea to dress in blaze orange to make yourself obvious to hunters that may be present. The following website can provide information on hunting seasons:

https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/hunting/wma-regulations-q-s

This is a wildlife management area, and dangerous wildlife may be present. Feral Hogs and several species of venemous snakes are definitely present on the WMA.

Road conditions can be very variable and somewhat trecherous depending on recent precipitation. As the roads on the WMA are sand roads (including Parks Road) it is recommended that visitors approach in a high clearance SUV. The access from Fox Run Road to the west is well-maintained and is covered in gravel. 

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-07 23:07
Note that this property is managed to provide hunting opportunities to the public and that various game species are hunted on site during different hunting seasons. It is a good idea to dress in blaze orange to make yourself obvious to hunters that may be present. The following website can provide information on hunting seasons: https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/hunting/wma-regulations-q-s This is a wildlife management area, and dangerous wildlife may be present. Feral Hogs and several species of venemous snakes are definitely present on the WMA.WMA. Road conditions can be very variable and somewhat trecherous depending on recent precipitation. As the roads on the WMA are sand roads (including Parks Road) it is recommended that visitors approach in a high clearance SUV. The access from Fox Run Road to the west is well-maintained and is covered in gravel. 
Edited by John Patten Moss on 2021-10-04 02:15
Note that this property is managed to provide hunting opportunities to the public and that various game species are hunted on site during different hunting seasons. It is a good idea to dress in blaze orange to make yourself obvious to hunters that may be present. The following website can provide information on hunting seasons: https://www.eregulations.com/georgia/hunting/wma-regulations-q-s This is a wildlife management area, and dangerous wildlife may be present. Feral Hogs and several species of venemous snakes are definitely present on the WMA.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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2021-04-16 Sandhills WMA John Patten Moss
Sandhills WMA--West - Orniverse