About NHBC
Photo © NHBC
A Tradition of Birding & Conservation in New Haven
Founded on April 3, 1907—coinciding with the seventieth anniversary of naturalist and author John Burroughs’s birth—the New Haven Bird Club (NHBC) is one of the oldest birding organizations in the United States. The Club collaborates closely with partners who share its mission, including the New Haven Parks Department, Audubon Connecticut, and local Audubon chapters.
The stated aim of the NHBC is to make available to members and the general public more opportunities for recreation and education in bird watching. The NHBC is dedicated to the conservation of natural resources in New Haven and surrounding areas. It works with other regional groups on conservation issues including the preservation of Long Wharf and Milford Point, areas noted for shorebirds.
Bird Walks & Field Trips
All NHBC bird walks and field trips are free and open to everyone!
Club members lead trips to both local and regional birding areas. Beginner-friendly walks are held regularly, and we also host special children’s trips several times a year. All trips are free and open to the public. Come join us!
Merchandise
Chickadee Tales
A New Haven Bird Club Anthology
Proud history, active present, hopeful future! Nineteen pieces in this anthology, written by current members and supporters, cover club history, notable members, key programs, personal stories, and members’ impact on birding, locally and throughout the United States. 100% of proceeds support NHBC programming. Available via Amazon or in-person at our indoor meetings.
Club Logo Apparel
We have a variety of shirts, sweatshirts, polos and hats available for purchase! Shop online at CafePress.
Club MerchandiseJoin NHBC Today!
As a member, you’ll enjoy guided field trips, educational programs, local conservation opportunities, our e-newsletter which is published up to 6 times per year, and our Annual Yearbook.
Go Birding!
Trip Reports
Our Trip Reports showcase the birds, places, and people that make every outing unforgettable.
Birding Resources
Our Birding Resources make it easy to find birding friends, local groups, websites, and more.
Birding Locations
Search, sort, and download detailed maps of local birding hotspots across Connecticut.
Club Activities
Join Us for Talks, Counts, and Birding Adventures All Year Long
Indoor meetings are held monthly from autumn through spring. Guest speakers include well-known ornithologists, birders, and naturalists discussing a range of topics relating to birds. All meetings are free and open to the public. Additional club activities include:
- Participating in the National Audubon Christmas Bird Count in December
- Participating in the Mega Bowl of Birding in February
- Conducting a summer bird count in June
- Feeder survey of birds from November to March
- “The Big Sit” in which bird counts are compiled from 17′ circles
Club publications include:
- Checklist of Birds of New Haven County (revised 2018)
- An annual yearbook listing field trips, indoor meetings and a list of members
- Newsletters published periodically throughout the year
Club Board
Officers 2025 – 2026
Margaret Fikrig
President
Vacant
Vice President
Celeste Echlin
Treasure
Bobbie Fisher
Secretary
Committee Chairs
Laurie Reynolds
Membership
Gail Martino
DeWitt Allen
Vacant
Education / Outreach
Emmeline Kaiser
Publicity
Cheryl Cape
Web Support
Glen Cummings
At large
Patrick McGovern
At large
Christine Howe
Yearbook
Craig Repasz
Conservation
Gail Martino
Annual Banquet
Nominating Committee
Executive Board
Special Programs
Joyce Alton
Hospitality
Steve Mayo
Hawk Watch & Summer Bird Count
Peter Vitali
Winter Feeder Survey
Pat Leahy
Bluebird Trail
Join the Flock!
Become a member and connect with birders who share your curiosity and love for nature.
Photo © Chris Howe