#ABArare - Inca Dove - Georgia

Georgia's first documented Inca Dove was discovered by Wayne Schaffner and Tod Lanier on June 19. They found the dove at the Plant Crisp Public Boat Ramp at the south end of Lake Blackshear, about 25 miles northeast of Albany, Georgia. Schaffner got the word out quickly through the Georgia Birders Online listserv (GABO) and other birders were able to refind the bird throughout the remainder of the day. It was seen at least as late as 6 PM.

photo by Roy Brown

Besides notifying the birding community via the GABO listserv, Schaffner promptly submitted a report to eBird including photos and a map of the location. Later, he also provided directions to the site on GABO:

-- For those coming from the north --

1. Head south on I-75

2. On south side of Cordele, Take exit 99 for GA-300 toward Ga-Fla-Pkwy/Albany

3. Turn right onto GA-300 S go 14.2 mi

4. Turn right onto Power Dam Rd go 1.5 mi

5. Turn right onto Co Rd 302/Flournoy Rd go 453 ft

 

-- For those coming from Albany --

From the intersection of Clark Ave. and GA 300:

1. Head northeast on GA-300 N/Cordele Rd toward Miller Brewery Entrance Rd Continue to follow GA-300 N a total of 20.9 mi. About 22 mins

2. Turn left onto Power Dam Rd go 1.5 mi About 5 mins total 22.4 mi

3. Turn right onto Co Rd 302/Flournoy Rd go 453 ft

 

Then in a further shaming of procrastinators such as myself, Schaffner submitted a report to the state records committee by the end of the day and provided further information to GABO that birders looking for this bird will find useful. He says his motivation for going the extra mile with this sighting was his "respect for the high standards of accuracy encouraged by and demonstrated by the Georgia Ornithological Society and by extension the admirable dedication of most Georgia birders." He also thanks Ken Blankenship, former Southeast Regional Editor, North American Birds for his tireless effort, dedication and service to birding and ornithological record-keeping.

UPDATE: The dove was refound on 20 June. Roy Brown was back and got more photos. Here's one from the 20th:

photo by Roy Brown