Count the Bobolinks and More!
Enjoy Durham’s hidden gem
Wednesday July 15, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – est. 11AM
Location: Frederick White Farm open space
70 Maple Ave, Durham.
Park on side of dirt road down the hill.
Join Birding for Pleasure in Durham & Middlefield for a bird walk at Frederick White Farm – an important habitat for Bobolinks. The Bobolink is a migratory songbird that travels all the way from South America to nest in the grasses at this town-owned farm. During this walk we will observe and count the Bobolinks and other grassland species as we explore the importance of habitats in relationship to wildlife.
** Youth must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult.**
Elena Coffey will lead the walk. She is a Birding for Pleasure volunteer and specializes in birding-by-sound. She is on the executive board of Mattabeseck Audubon Society and is a member of the New Haven Bird Club and the Connecticut Ornithological Society. When she was in her twenties, Elena saw a tree full of colorful migrating warblers and she was hooked on birding! Elena will help build your birding skills by recognizing bird sounds while learning about the musical Bobolink.
Run completely by volunteers, Birding for Pleasure’s goal is to engage communities in conversation, restoration and enjoyment of nature focusing on grasslands birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
- Please bring your binoculars, drinking water, bug repellent and wear waterproof shoes or boots. The walk around the farm is mostly flat and may be muddy.
- No dogs.
Vortex binoculars are available through a CVEF grant for check-out at the Durham and Middlefield Public Libraries during their regular business hours. A few binoculars may be borrowed during our walk.
** Registration is optional except for students/youth to help with our planning. https://durhamlibrary.libcal.com/event/17097385?hs=a
* Heavy rain or lightning cancels.
Birding For Pleasure’s next walk is Saturday July 18, 2026 at 8 a.m. led by Melissa Baston of the Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society.