Introduction

TALON is a one-of-a kind camp for teens with a strong interest in the outdoors, birding and ecology. Each day the adventure begins as we travel by charter bus from our base camp at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island to other barrier islands, state parks, wildlife management areas and refuges along Georgia’s coast.

DNR’s Youth Birding Competition is a fun, statewide competition held during a nine-day period coinciding with the peak of spring bird migration. Teams of two to five youths each compete by age division to find the most birds. No experience is required. The event is aimed at encouraging an awareness and appreciation of Georgia’s birds and the outdoors.

Interesting Facts

Georgia is home to 11 hummingbird species during the year: the ruby-throated, black-chinned, rufous, calliope, magnificent, Allen's, Anna's, broad-billed, green violet-ear, green-breasted mango and broad-tailed hummingbird.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird known to nest to Georgia. These birds weigh as little as a first-class letter. The female builds the walnut-sized nest without any help from her mate, a process can take up to 12 days. The female then lays two eggs, each about the size of a black-eyed pea.