At least we got a Free Hat...

Happy Friday, people! I'm writing this post on the way home from probably one of the most disappointing birding ventures to date. This morning, Patrick and I decided to head over to Clayton county to see the wetlands area known as Huie Ponds (owned by the county water authority).

This decision was made after we heard rumors of the water authority closing access to the public AFTER today (Friday, Aug. 11th). 

We took a detour over to the Melvin L. Newman Wetlands Center first. 

That was a great place to visit, and I highly recommend it to everyone! Very nice, elaborate boardwalk trails

 An awesome learning center, and well-made, organized maps.

Plus we got a Free Hat from the super nice staff! 

After a quick hike around the wetlands center, we made our way over to the Huie Ponds area. As we drove up to the entrance, we saw a white county SUV closing the gate. Fortunately, Patrick talked to the water authority guy who closed the gate and was told he was ordered to close it due to some illegal dumping going on this morning. 

While I am very happy they are closing this and keeping all the riff raff nonsense idiots out and protecting the wildlife and water, I was sad that we showed up, literally, like 5 minutes too late. 

Apparently, there will be a meeting next week about how they will let birders access Huie Ponds from now on. The water authority is definitely making the right decision in closing this area to the general public, and I understand people such as us (birders, nature people) are NOT who they're trying to keep out. It's  unfortunate how the stupidity of a few ruins the fun for the masses. We will hopefully return in the future. 

After the almost 3 hour drive to and from Clayton county, we're kind if left feeling somewhat disappointed to say the least. 

At least we got a Free Hat though! 

~Blythe Birdwatchers