Birds Georgia Celebrates 100 Years of Birding Passion

The century-old organization has grown from 14 members to over 2,500, inspiring new generations of nature enthusiasts.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:23am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a single, iconic bird species repeated in a tight grid pattern, rendered in a bold, neon color palette reminiscent of Andy Warhol's pop art style, conceptually representing the diverse and enthusiastic birding community in Georgia.Birds Georgia's centennial celebration highlights the organization's enduring passion for avian conservation and the growing popularity of birding across the state.Atlanta Today

Birds Georgia, originally founded as the Atlanta Bird Club in 1926, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this spring. The organization, which now has over 2,500 members, has evolved from its early days of collecting data on bird behavior and migrations to becoming a leading advocate for bird conservation and habitat protection. As part of its centennial, Birds Georgia is launching the Georgia Birding Trail, a network of over 400 birding sites statewide, and hosting a month-long series of public events.

Why it matters

Birds play crucial ecological roles, from pollination to seed dispersal, and also inspire people culturally with their beauty and ubiquity. Birds Georgia's century of advocacy and education has helped raise awareness about the importance of birds and the need to protect their habitats, especially as human development and climate change threaten many species. The organization's growth and diversification in recent years also reflects a broader surge of interest in birding across the country.

The details

Originally founded as the Atlanta Bird Club in 1926 with just 14 members, Birds Georgia has expanded its mission over the decades to not only study bird behavior and migrations, but also to advocate for bird conservation, establish the brown thrasher as Georgia's state bird, and educate the public on making their properties more bird-friendly through the organization's Wildlife Sanctuary Program. In 2023, the group also voted to change its name from Atlanta Audubon to Birds Georgia, distancing itself from the controversial legacy of John James Audubon. This name change has helped attract a more diverse membership, including younger birders like Olivia Jones, a middle school teacher who became interested in birding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Birds Georgia was founded as the Atlanta Bird Club in March 1926.
  • In 1935, the group helped establish the brown thrasher as Georgia's state bird.
  • In 1968, the Atlanta Bird Club joined the National Audubon Society, becoming Atlanta Audubon.
  • In 2023, the organization voted to change its name to Birds Georgia, after a national reckoning on American racism and the legacy of John James Audubon.
  • Birds Georgia is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026 with a month-long Centennial Bird Fest and the launch of the Georgia Birding Trail.

The players

Adam Betuel

The executive director of Birds Georgia, Betuel has more than 2,600 species on his 'life list' of birds he has observed over his lifetime.

Marc Goncher

The former vice chair of the board for the Georgia chapter, who publicly stated the organization's decision to disassociate from the Audubon name due to concerns about its founder's legacy.

Mary Kimberly

A longtime member of the organization who supported the name change to Birds Georgia, noting it has helped attract more younger and more diverse participants.

Olivia Jones

A middle school language arts teacher in her 20s who became interested in birding in 2024 after watching a barred owl pair raise chicks in her yard, and has since joined Birds Georgia and earned her Master Birder certification.

Eugene Talmadge

The Governor of Georgia who proclaimed the brown thrasher as the state's official bird in 1935, at the request of the Atlanta Bird Club.

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What they’re saying

“We learned that there are fellow bird conservationists and prospective bird lovers who feel unwelcome when we use the Audubon name.”

— Marc Goncher, Former Vice Chair of the Board

“I think the whole name change has been very beneficial. We see a lot more younger faces now at meetings and events and a lot more people of color.”

— Mary Kimberly, Longtime Member

“Then my barred owl family left, but there was so much more out there. It was like I truly opened my eyes and had seen birds for the first time.”

— Olivia Jones, Middle School Teacher

What’s next

Birds Georgia will host its Centennial Bird Fest, a monthlong series of field trips, educational seminars, and family activities, beginning on April 10, 2026. The organization also plans to launch construction of the Georgia Birding Trail, a long-planned network of more than 400 birding sites statewide, as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations.

The takeaway

Birds Georgia's 100-year history reflects the growing importance of birding and bird conservation in Georgia and across the country. By evolving its mission, diversifying its membership, and embracing new initiatives like the Georgia Birding Trail, the organization continues to inspire people of all ages to connect with nature and protect the vital role that birds play in our ecosystems.