2009-2010 Field Trips/Outdoor Events
More details, if required, and/or updates on these trips will be given at the indoor meetings and in the Club newsletter. You can check the Club's website too for trip information and watch for emails sent by the Club. Contact trip leaders directly if you have questions about any of their trips. Please also check the sources listed above for news about the possible last-minute addition of new field trips.
The New Haven Bird Club does not charge trip or leader fees for its outdoor programs, but participants are responsible for the cost of their food, transportation, and entrance fees (where charged), unless prior arrangements are made by the Club. Car-pooling is encouraged to avoid parking problems at some destinations and to promote conservation of our natural resources.
Cancellation Policy
Inclement weather or another emergency may cancel a field trip. Check the
sources listed above or contact the leader of the trip directly if you have
any questions about a possible cancellation.
Rentschler Field, Station 43, and Great Pond State
Forest
Saturday, July 11, 2009, 7:00 AM
Join us as we go to several excellent birding locations in the Ct Central
Valley. Our first stop: the grasslands near Rentschler Field in E. Hartford.
We may see Upland Sandpiper and Grass- hopper Sparrow there. We'll then head
to Station 43, along the Ct River in S. Windsor, where we'll look for Least
Bittern, Green Heron, Wood Duck, and other freshwater wetland species. After
a break for brunch, it's off to Great Pond Forest in Simsbury. We'll look
for the Mississippi Kites that nested nearby last year and have returned.
We can also expect to see a number of pond and woodland species. Meet at
the commuter lot on Rte. 68 in Wallingford, west of I-91, Exit 15 (at the
east end of Barnes Rd.)
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
COA-NHBC-CT Audubon Shorebird/Tern Workshop
Sunday, August 16, 2009, 8:00 AM
COA Field Seminars focus on one or two groups of birds with the intent of
helping birders improve their identification skills. At this workshop, the
focus will be on shorebirds and terns. In addition to facilitating the fieldwork,
COA provides handouts consisting of bibliographies, identification articles,
topographies, and/or other similar materials. The workshop will begin at
Milford Point Coastal Center and then move on to Sandy Point with the outgoing
tide. Wear footwear that you won't mind getting wet.. For details, check
the COA website www.ctbirding.org.
Lighthouse Point Bird Walk and Prep for Migration
Festival
Saturday, August 22, 2009, 8:00 AM
Park Ranger Dan Barvir and Arne Rosengren will lead the bird walk. Meet at
the Hawk Watch parking lot at Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor.
Then at about 9:00 AM, we will perform some light trail maintenance and cleanup.
It's fun to meet other Club members in this casual and congenial endeavor,
and it's a great way to enjoy looking at birds and helping preserve their
habitat at the same time. Leaders-Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086 and Arne Rosengren:
203.248.2903
Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY
Sunday, August 23, 2009, 7:30 AM
This birding hotspot is a great place to see a wide variety of shorebirds,
herons, terns, and migrating passerines. It's a great place too for uncommon
shorebirds such as American Avocet, Marbled Godwit, and Buff-breasted, Stilt,
and White-rumped Sandpiper. Meet at 7:30 AM at the commuter lot in Orange
at Rte. 34 and Greenway Road (at Exits 57/58 off the Wilbur Cross Pkwy).
We will carpool to the refuge, returning in the late afternoon. Bring lunch,
water, and bug spray. Consider a cap and sunscreen, and wear shoes you won't
mind getting muddy.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
Daily Hawk Watch at Lighthouse Point Park
September 1 to November 30, 2009
Lighthouse Point on New Haven Harbor is one of the premiere locations in
southern New England for observing migrating hawks, eagles, and falcons,
as well as a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at 7:00 AM
and continues as long as the hawks keep flying. Stop by anytime.
Coordinator-Steve Mayo: 203.393.0694, smayo@sikorsky.com
First Wednesday Walk : Sandy Point, West Haven
Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 8 AM
We'll look for shorebirds and terns at this great local birding spot. Black
Skimmers, Roseate Terns, and a variety of shorebirds, including Golden Plover,
are possible. Meet in the parking lot opposite the Captain's Galley Restaurant
on Beach St. Gina Nichol and Steve Bird will lead. Wear footwear that you
won't mind getting wet-we might have to wade in shallow water.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
Beginners' Walk in Woodbridge
Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8:00 AM
This walk will be oriented to the beginning birder. Learn about basic birding
techniques and common resident species. We will see birds of the open fields
and woods in the 100-acre Fitzgerald Property and Community Gardens. Meet
at the gravel lot on Beecher Road- 0.1 mile south of Rte. 114 and the town
center.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
Seventh Annual Migration Festival at Lighthouse
Point Park
Sunday, September 27, 2009, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
This festive event is sponsored by the New Haven Parks Dept., NHBC, and other
fine organizations. There will be hawk watching, bird banding demos, a live
raptor show, bird walks, and other activities. Check the newspaper and Club
newsletter for details. Organizer-Ranger Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086. NHBC
contact-Maria Stockmal: 203.488.3876, m.stockmal@snet.net
First Wednesday Walk : Hammonasset State Park,
Madison
Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 8:00 AM
Join us on another mid-week trip as we explore this birding hotspot for fall
migrants. The varied habitat attracts shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and
songbirds. Meet at the park entrance.
Contacts-Kris Johnson,krisjohnson99@snet.net, 203.288.3087 or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
THE BIG SIT!®
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Established by NHBC, The Big Sit!® has become an international event,
with birders participating on four continents. The object is to record as
many species of birds as possible in a single day from one 17-foot diameter
circle. The circles are located strategically at a number of birding hotspots
in the state. Join other birders in one of these circles or create one of
your own! You don't have to be a hard-core birder to join in the fun. The
event is now run by Bird Watcher's Digest. For details, go to the Bird Watcher's
Digest website: birdwatchersdigest.com or contact John Triana: 203.758.7203,
or jtriana1@sbcglobal.net
Hammonasset State Park, Madison
Saturday, October 17, 2009, 8:00 AM
Visit one of Connecticut's best fall birding spots, where the abundance of
some migrants and sightings of less common species can make for a truly memorable
trip. Highlights of last year's walk included Bald Eagle, Pectoral Sandpiper,
American Pipit, Indigo Bunting, Vesper Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark. The
walking is easy, as it is on level ground. Meet at the park entrance (I-95,
Exit 62).
Leader-Florence McBride: 203.288.6777, j.mcbride@yale.edu
Beacon Cap, Bethany
Sunday, October 18, 2009, 8:00 AM
Join us to look for fall migrants on the Naugatuck Trail in Bethany. We'll
hike up to a glacial erratic outcropping perched at the top of the ridge.
Even if there aren't a lot of birds, we'll get to see some fabulous autumn
views. Wear hiking boots as the trail is steep and strenuous in places. Meet
at the far eastern trailhead for the Naugatuck Trail on Rte. 42 in Bethany.
This is on the north side of road, about 1.25 miles west of junction of Rtes.
42 and 63. Leader-John Triana: 203.758.7203, jtriana1@sbcglobal.net
Fargeorge Wildlife Preserve, Quinnipiac River,
New Haven
Saturday, October 31, 2009, 8:00 A.M.
This New Haven Land Trust property, always full of surprises, is a good place
to see raptors, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Sightings on past trips include
Bald Eagle and American Woodcock. Directions: From Rte. 80, go south on
Quinnipiac Ave. Turn right just past the R.R. overpass. Go through the open
gate.
Leader-Mike Horn: 203.288.1891, mfhorn@att.net
NHBC 17th Annual Winter Feeder Survey
November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010
This is a yearly census to help determine the number and frequency of birds
visiting feeders in the Greater New Haven area. You are invited to observe
and record the activity at your feeder at least once a week for the entire
time period.
Contact-Peter Vitali: 203.288.0621,vitali_peter_e@sbcglobal.net
First Wednesday: Proto Drive, E. Haven,
Lighthouse Pt. Park
Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 8:00 AM
Meet on Proto Drive near the landfill. This area on the east side of Tweed/New
Haven Airport has a great array of late fall migrants and some over-wintering
species. Possibilities are hawks (including Rough-legged), several sparrow
species (including White-crowned), Eastern Meadowlark, Marsh Wren, and thrushes.
With luck we may get a Great Horned Owl or American Bittern. Directions:
Take I-95, Exit 51 Frontage Road. Go O.9 mi. Turn right onto Hemingway (Rte.142).
Go about one mile. Before Town Fair Tires, go right onto Proto. Trip leader
is Steve Broker.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
Bombay Hook NWR, Leipsic, Delaware
Eastern Neck Island NWR, Rock Hall, Maryland
Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, 6:25 AM
Birding and Photography
The highlight of this trip will be on Sunday when we enter Bombay Hook's
main gate at 6:25 AM SHARP and tour the refuge's many ponds, pools, and fields.
We may see and photograph as many as 100,000 Snow Geese and many other fall
migrants, from raptors to shorebirds. We'll also visit other excellent birding
spots in the area, including Eastern Neck Island NWR where we'll find Tundra
Swans. There are motels in Dover and B&Bs in the area. For more information
or details, contact the trip leaders.
Directions: To get to Bombay Hook NWR from Dover, DE, proceed north on either
US 13 or DE 1 to Rte. 42. Head east on Rte. 42 to Leipsic. From there go
north on Rte. 9 to Whitehall Neck Rd. Go east down the road to the refuge
entrance gate.
Leaders-Mike & Pat Horn: 203.288.1891, mfhorn@att.net
Sherwood Island State Park, Westport; Pequot Library,
Southport
Saturday, November 14, 2009, 8:00 AM
Meet at the main parking lot in the park for a visit to this fine coastal
birding location where we'll look for sea ducks, gulls, raptors, shorebirds,
and sparrows. Then we head to the Pequot where we'll have a private tour
of the library's remarkable collection of historic and rare books about birds.
A highlight will be seeing the breathtakingly beautiful double elephant portfolio
of Audubon's Birds of America, in the Bien edition, the third and last edition
of Audubon's iconic work. Only 15 sets of this edition were produced, making
it the rarest, and some believe the most interesting, of all the Audubon
editions. Leader- Tina Green: 203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
First Wednesday Walk: Silver Sands State Park,
Milford
Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 8:00 AM
Today we'll be looking for shorebirds, sea ducks, rare gulls, birds of prey,
and uncommon sparrows. Meet at the main parking lot at Silver Sands, the
first large lot on the right. We may visit other locations in Milford, such
as Milford Point, Mondo Ponds, and Caswell Cove.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
110th Annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Join other NHBC members in this fun event, steeped in tradition. Participate
for a few hours or the entire day. Bird count results, sent to National Audubon,
are included in an international census of early winter bird populations.
The compilation dinner is at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, starting
at 5:00 PM.
Compiler-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
First Wednesday Walk: Sherwood Island State
Park, Westport
Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 9:30 AM (Note later start time)
Enjoy this mid-week trip to a great birding spot on Long Island Sound. We'll
check for loons, goldeneye, grebes, crossbills, and other sea ducks. In the
fields we may find Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and sparrows. Meet at the
main parking lot in the park.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
Milford Birding Tour
Sunday, January 17, 2010, 7:30 AM
Visit the many birding hotspots in Milford. We'll look for waterfowl, rare
gulls, birds of prey, and wintering shorebirds. Our stops include Mondo Ponds,
Caswell Cove, Milford Point, Silver Sands State Park, and perhaps another
location or two. Meet at the commuter lot on Schoolhouse Road just south
of Exit 35 on I-95.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
Barkhamsted Reservoir and Vicinity
"Hart to Hart: New Hartford to Hartland"
Sunday, January 24, 2010, 7:30AM
We travel north on Rte.8 through the Naugatuck River Valley to Torrington,
then on to New Hartford's Maple Hollow. We continue to Lake McDonough and
Barkhamsted Reservoir, and make several stops along Rtes. 181 and 20. As
winter weather allows, we drive some roads in both Peoples and Tunxis State
Forests. Our list of northern species may be short, but the scenery is great
and the birding fun. Plan on a hearty soup-and-sandwich lunch in a warm local
restaurant. Dress well! On our '03 trip there, it was 15°F. Meet at
Amity Shopping Center, Woodbridge off Rte. 63 for our venture to the rural
northern heartland of CT. Leader-Steve Broker: 203.272.5192, 203.747.6843,
ls.broker@cox.net
Hammonasset State Park, Madison
Saturday, January 30, 2010, 8:00 AM
Join us on a visit to this CT birding hotspot for a mid-winter excursion.
We'll be looking for sea ducks, gulls, larks, longspurs, Snow Buntings, and
rarities. In recent years, several Western rarities have turned up here,
including Lazuli Bunting and West-ern Tanager. We'll check out the entire
park, including the camp- grounds. Meet at the Nature Center parking lot
at Meig's Point.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
First Wednesday Walk: Hammonasset State Park,
Madison
Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 8:00 AM
This trip takes us to one of the area's best birding locations. We'll look
for sea ducks, grassland species, and rarities (and any of the birds sighted
on the past Saturday's trip). Meet at 8:00 AM at the park entrance (I-95,
Exit 62).
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
Connecticut River Valley and Eastern Shore
Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8:00 AM
Meet at the entrance to Hammonasset State Park (I-95 Exit 62) in Madison.
We'll search the shore from Madison to the Connecticut River Lower Valley
for wintering shorebirds and hawks as well as the trip specialty, eagles.
Please bring a spotting scope if you have one. Co-leaders-Arne Rosengren:
203.248.2903 & Nancy Rosenbaum: 203.288.8997, nancy.rosenbaum@sbcglobal.net
Sachuest Point NWR and Rhode Island Coast
Saturday, February 20, 2010, 7:00 AM
This all-day trip includes stops at Sachuest, Beavertail State Park, Moonstone
Beach, and Trustum Pond, all outstanding Rhode Island birding locations.
We should see grebes, loons, scoters, scaup, Purple Sandpipers, and lots
of Harlequin Ducks. We'll look for alcids, gannets, and rare gulls and waterfowl.
Dress warmly-it's cold and windy on the coast. The walk at Sachuest Point
is a bit strenuous in places. Bring lunch and a spotting scope if you have
one. Meet at the commuter lot at I-95, Exit 55 in Branford.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
First Wednesday: Long Beach, Great Meadows Marsh,
Stratford
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 8:00 AM
We will meet at the Long Beach parking lot and bird the marsh and beach and
then visit Sikorsky Airport and Frash Pond. We'll look for sea birds such
as Long-tailed Duck and scoters, as well as raptors and shorebirds, and if
we're lucky, a Snowy Owl. Directions: Follow signs to Sikorsky Airport. Go
past the airport entrance and across the causeway. Take the first right onto
Oak Bluff Avenue and follow it to the entrance of Long Beach.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
Southwest Connecticut Coast: Westport
Sunday, March 21, 2010, 7:15 AM
Welcome spring, just one day old, as we bird some of the West- port area's
coastal hotspots, in search of waterfowl, gulls, raptors, and land birds.
Carpooling is encouraged, and we'll plan to finish midday. Meet at the commuter
lot off Exit 18 of I-95. Heavy rain or snow will cancel.
Leader-Frank Mantlik: 203.984.9410, mantlik@sbcglobal.net
First Wednesday: Milford Audubon Coastal Center,
Milford
Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 8:00 AM
Today we visit this well-known hotspot on Long Island Sound to look for
waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, including Northern Harrier and early-arriving
Osprey. We should see loons, grebes, and goldeneye in the Sound and shorebirds,
herons, and ducks in the marsh. Meet at the Center parking lot.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
East Rock Birding and Trail Maintenance
Saturday, April 10, 2010, 8:00 AM
Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot for a bird walk from 8 to 9 AM.
Then join Park Ranger Dan Barvir and help with light trail maintenance along
the river from 9 AM to noon. A great chance to enjoy birds and help preserve
their habitat. Bring work gloves and pruning shears if you have them.
Leader-Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086
Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Bird
Sanctuary
Sunday, April 18, 2010, 8:30 AM
Meet in the Lighthouse Point Hawk Watch parking lot and bird the harbor shore
for gulls, loons, ducks, and early returning shore- birds. Our next stop
is the Richard English Bird Sanctuary on Deer Lake in Killingworth, and we'll
finish our birding tour with a visit to Hammonasset State Park. This is an
all-day trip so bring lunch and dress warmly.
Leaders-Dick English: 203.865.8610 and Mike Horn: 203.288.1891, mfhorn@att.net
Beginner's Bird Walk at Brooksvale Park,
Hamden
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 8:00 AM
Get a jump on spring migration and see some early migrants such as Palm,
Pine, and Yellow-rumped Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Eastern Phoebes.
We should see nesting Eastern Bluebirds. The walk will be oriented to the
beginning birder. Directions: From the Hamden Town Hall go 4.2 miles north
on Whitney Avenue to Brooksvale Avenue. Turn left and go 1.1 miles and turn
into the Brooksvale parking lot near the barn.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
East Rock Park with Ranger Dan
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 8:00 AM
Join Ranger Dan Barvir at this premier site for warblers. We will meet at
the Rice Field (baseball field) end of East Rock Park. This is a great location
to see a variety of spring migrants.
Leader-Ranger Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086
Bird Walk for Kids at East Rock Park
Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9:00 AM
On this walk by the park's Mill River, children, accompanied by adults, will
search for warblers and other spring migrants. Interested adults are also
welcome to join the walk in this famous spring birding site. Meet at the
Eli Whitney Museum parking lot. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you
have them.
Leader-Florence McBride: 203.288.6777, j.mcbride@yale.edu
Bent of the River Wildlife Sanctuary, Southbury
Sunday, May 2, 2010, 7:30 AM
Explore a prime birding location where more than 100 species of birds have
been observed in a single day. This highly diverse and beautiful 650-acre
habitat is owned and maintained by the National Audubon Society. Directions:
Take Exit 14 off Rte. 84. Go north on Rte. 172, then turn left on East Flat
Hill Rd, at the intersection with a church. Continue to Sanctuary on the
left.
Leader (change from what is listed in the yearbook): Chris Loscalzo:
203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
First Wednesday Walk: East Rock Park
Wednesday, May 5, 2010, 8:00 AM
Join us for a walk in one of the best places in CT to see warblers and early
spring migrants. It is not unusual to see 15-20 species of warblers here
on any given day in early May. Rarities such as Prothonotary, Kentucky, and
Cape May Warblers are possible. Meet at Eli Whitney Museum parking lot by
the covered bridge.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
Big Day Marathon
Saturday, May 8, 2010, 6:00 AM
Participate in all or part of this fun event. We'll focus on New Haven area
hotspots, seeking 110-130 species. We start at East Rock and search several
other local migrant traps as well as the coast from Lordship/Stratford to
Hammonasset. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot at 6:00 or 7:30 AM.
Leader-Randy Domina: 203.271.3123, rhexp@hotmail.com
Cockaponset State Forest, Killingworth
Sunday, May 9, 2010, 8:00 AM
We're bringing back a trip from the past! Join us as we seek out spring migrants
and wildflowers on a special 1.5 mile hike through the State Forest. This
section of Cockaponset offers a variety of habitats: conifer and deciduous
forest, marsh, riverine areas, towering gneiss ledges, Along the way we'll
visit a vernal pool hosting Marbled Salamanders. Be aware that the incline
of the last 1,000 or so feet will leave most of us breathing a little heavily
so we'll take it slow. Meet at the Rte. 80/Rte. 81 commuter lot at the traffic
circle in Killingworth. The site is about 5 min. from there.
Leader-John Himmelman: 860.663.3225, jhimmel@comcast.net
Nehantic State Forest, Lyme
Saturday, May 15, 2010, 7:00 AM
Join us as we explore this 1,200-acre state forest east of the CT River.
The mature forest is home to Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers, and many other
species. There are large ponds where we can find flycatchers, Wood Ducks,
herons, and other water-birds. Meet at the commuter lot at Exit 55, I-95
in Branford at 7:00 AM or the Keeny Rd. park entrance, Rte. 156, Lyme, at
7:30 AM.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington
Saturday, May 22, 2010, 7:00 AM
This will be our 7th annual trip to this excellent birding spot. Meet at
the commuter lot at Exit 55 of I-95 and carpool to the refuge. The management
area consists of large expanses of salt marsh, tidal pools, woodlands, open
fields, and wetlands. We should see wading birds, shorebirds, and area residents
such as Saltmarsh Sparrow, Marsh Wren, White-eyed Vireo, and Willow Flycatcher.
Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net
Migrants along Stratford's Shore
Sunday, May 23, 2010, 6:45 AM
We'll bird the McKinney Refuge, Great Meadows Marsh, and two town beaches
in search of migrating passerines, shorebirds, and the area's specialties.
Meet in the parking lot for 600 Long Beach Blvd., located off Rte. 113 (Lordship
Blvd). The turn is opposite Duchess Restaurant. Heavy rain cancels this
trip.
Leader-Frank Mantlik: 203.984.9410, mantlik@sbcglobal.net
First Wednesday: Brooksvale Park & Farmington
Canal Greenway
Wednesday, June 2, 2010, 8:00 AM
We'll meet in the barn area, then walk through the woods looking for nesting
warblers and other species. Some possibilities include Eastern Bluebird,
Ovenbird, Scarlet Tanager, and Baltimore and Orchard Oriole. Walking the
canal, we may see Blue-winged and Prairie Warbler, cuckoos and, with luck,
Yellow-breasted Chat. Directions: From the Hamden Town Hall go 4.2 miles
north on Whitney Avenue to Brooksvale Avenue. Turn left, go 1.1 mi. and turn
left into the Brooksvale parking lot near the barn.
Contacts-Kris Johnson: 203.288.3087, krisjohnson99@snet.net or Tina Green:
203.247.2660, tina@renaissancestudios.com
West Rock Ridge : Hamden, New Haven, Woodbridge,
& Bethany
Saturday, June 5, 2010, 7:00 AM
West Rock Ridge State Park is a breeding bird hotspot in CT, with more than
100 species being confirmed or probable breeders. West Rock ranks only behind
the state forests, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs of northwestern CT for its
diversity of nesting birds. We'll walk and drive the ridge top in search
of West Rock's avian diversity, emphasizing "birding by ear." We'll view
the water birds of Konold's Pond far below us and the deep forest birds of
the ridge top and slopes. Our list of expect- ed species includes diurnal
raptors, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, vireos, swallows, cuckoos, ravens,
thrushes, tanagers, and orioles. Meet at the West Rock Nature Center parking
lot along Wintergreen Avenue. Leader-Steve Broker: 203.272.5192 and 203.747.6843,
ls.broker@cox.net
Nineteenth Annual Summer Bird Count
Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 2010
This is a wonderful opportunity to work on your birdsong identification skills
and to see what birds are nesting in your area. For the names of area captains
and other information, contact leader Steve Mayo: 203.393.0694,
smayo@sikorsky.com