There is a small patch of land off Jekyll Island in Southeast GA which has unofficially been named “Bird Island.” This was created less than 1 year ago from dredging in the channel of the Brunswick River to deepen the waterway and that silt being dumped off formed this so-called island. To the surprise of the Non-game Conversation Section of the DNR, this little patch of beach has become a refuge for the white pelican that typically visits the Great Lakes area and not Georgian shores. In addition to the white pelican, two other protected bird species began calling this area home. The least tern, black skimmers and gull-billed tern are nesting on the uninterrupted beach sand. These three species have been hard pressed in their normal roosting habits with development running them from their homes. This isolated island has provided them a protected area for their feeding and the ritual mating dance. Conservationists hope that in coming years this island will help the birds increase in population. The area is closed to the public; however, bird enthusiasts may get close to the shore by boat and observe from afar. Bird watchers have long found our area to be an abundant source for different species, but this is beyond any expectations.