5-8-2026: * I received permission to purchase and install a sign to make finding the path simple, and to warn of alligators. * Instructions updated. Photo posted below as a reply. * The peninsula area is currently closed off. An egret has babies in the nest, and walking that area causes stress. It has been closed for a while, but I forgot to update the guide. * Clarified gate location based on feedback. Updated current insect situation. Firmed up Monday as off-limits. 5-9-2026: * Received reports of spoonbills in the area. * 3 Green Heron nests with eggs on the edges of the lake. See if you can spot all 3. * Most Great Egrets have hatched. * Egrets * Over two-hundred birds on island. This post is a visitors guide for the egret rookery at [Re:Purpose Savannah](https://www.repurposesavannah.org/). Please see the map posted in this topic. **This is an unofficial guide.** Although I am known as "the bird guy" over there, I don't work for Re:Purpose Savannah. Just a few miles east of downtown, over on Re:Purpose Savannah's property, there is a little lake that sits up against the edge of the marsh. In the middle of that little lake sits a tiny island. Every year, that tiny island hosts an incredible display of nature. Each spring, about 50-60 breeding pairs of great egrets and snowy egrets descend upon the island to build their nests. By the summer, there will be 120-180 new egrets. The number of birds on the island will approach 300 in total. There is a path that runs all the way around the lake, allowing 360° views of the island. One part of the path takes you within \~50 feet of the island. Re:Purpose Savannah is kind enough to let people come see the birds. Please be respectful of the property. **Location** The property is at the far east end of E. Gwinnett Street, on the northeast corner of the intersection with Minnesota Ave. 2302 E. Gwinnett St. **Parking** It is important that we respect Re:Purpose Savannah and not overwhelm their parking. Please minimize any impact on their operations. It is best to park right outside the gate on Minnesota Ave. If their parking area is mostly empty, it is probably okay to park in the parking area. **Hours** It is okay to visit from 9am-4pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, when Re:Purpose Savannah's retail operation is open. The same hours on Tuesday and Wednesday are probably okay. No Sundays or Mondays. Make sure you are off the property before the gate closes at 5pm. **Where To Go** From wherever you park, walk east across the grass towards the massive oak tree that you can't miss. Once at the oak tree, look for the Trail Entrance/Alligator warning sign stack in the direction you were walking. The trail starts just to the left of the sign. It's obvious once you get over there. If someone from Re:Purpose comes out thinking you are a customer, just motion towards the birds or flap your arms a bit to let them know you're there for the birds. Of course, you can also be a customer (like me)! Please see the map posted below as a reply. Walk in the pink area until you get to the main path. Egret not to scale. Here is a YouTube video of the walk from the gate to the path: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvzTMjuU8U8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvzTMjuU8U8) **Left or Right** When you get to the path, you can go left or right (which immediately curves hard left). Go right if you want to get to the closest view of the birds as fast as possible. It's a straight shot along the marsh to the best view of the island. This is ideal for people with mobility issues, people who don't want to potentially get their feet muddy, or people who are short on time. Go left if you want more of an experience. It's about a 1/3 mile loop. It offers nice glimpses of the island from all sides, with chances to see other interesting wildlife. The path passes breeding areas for the more elusive green herons and black-crowned night herons. Alligator and turtle sightings are frequent. The path is unmarked but easy to follow. Reference the map above to orient yourself. Note that after crossing the railroad tie bridge on the north side of the path, there is a walkable peninsula to the right with a great view of the island. There is also a small section of path that is often wet for a couple of steps. The closest view will be along the straightaway at the end of the walk. **What to Bring** Insect repellent. The biting flies have arrived. I recommend Picaridin. Binoculars. If you have some, bring them for amazing views. Camera. You will be able to get nice shots with just about any camera. Water and Sunscreen. It's not a strenuous walk, but there is no shade for a lot of the path. A 30-minute visit has been known to take 2 hours! **When to Visit** There are usually birds in the area starting around the first of the year. Egret breeding activity really ramps up around the end of February. First babies typically hatch in late-March or April. The vast majority of the birds will abandon the island and disperse during July and August. **What Birds Will I See** Generally speaking: Ibis from Jan 1 through the end of Feb Great egrets from Mar 1 - July Snowy Egrets from Mar 15 - July Green Herons from Apr 1 - July There is also a chance to see any of these species at any time: Woodstorks Anhingas Cormorants Roseate Spoonbills Yellow-crowned night herons Black-crowned night herons Tri-colored herons Cattle egrets Great blue herons Little blue herons Bitterns Pelicans Assorted raptors (red-shouldered hawks, osprey, bald eagles, etc.) Assorted woodpeckers (pileated, red-bellied, downy, etc.) Assorted interesting small birds (American bluebirds, painted bunting, various nuthatches, etc.) **Alligators** There are alligators present. There are currently at least 3. One is about 3-4 feet long, and the other two are 4-6 feet long. They are terrified of people. That is not an excuse to let your guard down. No small dogs, no small children near the water. Absolutely no swimming. I don't recommend that you touch the water at all, considering it is egret poop soup. **Bird Guide** I have created a guide for use while at the rookery. It will help you identify most of the colonial waterbirds that you are likely to see, and allow you to learn a bit more about each species. I have seen a few new species at the rookery since I made the site, and I hope to update it soon. The guide is here: [https://lastbutnotlost.com/rookery/](https://lastbutnotlost.com/rookery/) If you lose the link, there is a QR code by the water's edge (if you go left) that you can scan, or there is one at the Re:Purpose Office. **Tours** There is no official tour. I am happy to meet anyone over there for a guided tour. I don't have a script or anything. It would just be a walk-and-talk. I am considering asking Re:Purpose if I can setup some tours in exchange for donations (donations for them, not me). **Miscellaneous** I work hard as a volunteer to keep the path and water free of trash. If you notice any trash, please let me know so I can go get it. If you notice someone leaving trash or doing something that could harm the birds or other wildlife in any way, please snap a photo of them if possible and send it to me.