As the weather cools off, lots of Atlantans will plan their leaf peeping trips to the mountains… but what if we told you there another fall trip you’ve gotta take? Instead of heading north, head to the coast for a stunning stop along the Atlantic Flyway, which will welcome thousands of migrating birds and butterflies as they journey south for the winter. Keep scrolling to learn more!
Wait… the Atlantic Flyway?
The Atlantic Flyway is a massive North-South migration route taken by birds as they make their way home for the winter. And a key stop on their journey? Jekyll Island, Georgia.
Every season, from September through November, Jekyll Island becomes a bird and butterfly spotting hotspot!
What kids of birds and butterflies can I see?
Visitors can spot colorful painted buntings, endangered piping plovers, and dozens of coastal species across the island’s diverse ecosystems, from maritime forests and salt marshes to quiet beaches and tidal creeks.
Here are some of the beautiful bird species you might see:
- roseate spoonbills
- Wilson’s Plovers
- Willets
- Black-necked Stilts
- Skimmers
- Least Terns
- American Oystercatchers
- wood storks
- egrets
- night herons
- shorebirds
- piping plovers
- painted buntings
And so many more!
Along with all the birdwatching opporutnies, you’ll also get a front row seat to butterfly migration! Lovely monarch butterflies (as many as 300 a day), and another orange-and-black-winged species, the Gulf fritillaries (7,000 to 9,000 per season) will also grace the Jekyll Island skies!
On top of that, fall coincides with the end of sea turtle nesting season, which runs through October, making it one of the best times to potentially witness turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean.
Okay, I’ve gotta start planning my trip! Help!
You can head to Jekyll for Migration season in September though November!
One of the best ways to experience the migration is through a Ranger Walk led by Jekyll Island’s park ranger, where visitors can explore key birding areas and even catch a glimpse of the island’s active bald eagle nest.
St. Andrews Beach Park, one of the island’s premier bird-watching locations, features beach access, scenic walking trails, and a two-story wildlife observation platform ideal for spotting migratory species.
Learn more about Jekyll Island on their website, here!
Trade the fall leaves for vibrant coastal colors — migrating butterflies, pinkish-purple muhly grass, golden marshes, colorful birds and unforgettable sunsets! (Or hey… make two trips and do both!)
Check out Jekyll Island this fall & enjoy the stunning beauty of nature all around!