Walks

Rain Date: Saturday, May 18, 2024, 8–9:30 p.m. Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club Life Member and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) volunteer Whip-poor-will monitor, will lead a walk to listen and look for Eastern Whip-poor-will at the Naugatuck State Forest. Jack will give a short talk on the status of Whip-poor-wills in the Northeast and Connecticut.

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Julius M. Hansen Park, North Haven Saturday, May 18, 2024, 8–11 a.m. Rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods host breeding populations of sparrows and warblers, woodpeckers, hawks, orioles, grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and other field and woodland birds. Other migrating species are possible. Meet at the parking lot just east of 52 Patten Road. From

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This date has changed from the Yearbook.  The walk was originally scheduled for May 15th.  It has been moved to May 22. Join Pat Leahy for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Bethany. Pat has been maintaining a bluebird trail on several of the properties there. Bluebirds, swallows, and spring migrants are plentiful. Walking is not strenuous and

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Barn Island WMA is a large expanse of varied habitat along the Connecticut shore near the Rhode Island border, including large tracts of salt marsh, deciduous woodlands and a large brushy field. We’ll see 60+ species of birds, with notable resident species including White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Willow Flycatcher likely to be seen. This is a good

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Lake Dawson, Woodbridge Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 7:30–11 a.m. Join Pat Leahy for a walk on protected Regional Water Authority property in Woodbridge. Swallows, bluebirds, many other resident birds, and possible late migrants. Some mild slopes on a well-maintained road. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road south of Morris Road, Bethany. We will carpool

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Join nationally-recognized wildlife artist and birder Mike DiGiorgio for a walk to look for resident and migrating songbirds. We’ll explore the fields, gardens and woodland trails. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Meet at the Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison. Leader: Mike DiGiorgio, mdigiorgio@comcast.net

The Chippens Hill area of Bristol has historically been farmland. The Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut and the city of Bristol are working to save some of the habitat where Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, and Grasshopper Sparrows have been found. Join Jack Swatt for a tour of these areas in search of these declining species. Bring plenty of water and be prepared

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Greg Hanisek, one of the best birders in the state, will lead the walk in this scenic and spacious forest in the northern part of the state. Nesting species here include Blue-headed Vireo, Hermit Thrush, Canada Warbler, and Black-throated Blue Warbler. Meet at the entrance to Mohawk Mountain State Park on Route 4 in Cornwall, four miles west of Goshen.

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Join Pat Leahy for a walk on protected Regional Water Authority property in Woodbridge. Views of the lake and dam, some wetlands and lakeside forest. Walking is not strenuous and on a well-maintained road. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road south of Morris Road, Bethany. We will carpool to Lake Watrous from there. Leader:

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A scenic walk around former hay fields, past streams and a pond. Forty-three acres of deep woods, meadows, ponds, wetlands, and fields that attract resident and migrating birds. A 75-yard boardwalk takes you through wetlands to the Wepawaug River. The trail crosses wet areas; wear appropriate footwear. Leader - Beverly Propen - bpropen@gmail.com. Location - Meet at the intersection of

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(Rain date) Sunday, September 15, 2024, 8 am to noon Come join us for a new field trip that will explore the natural resources and birds in two different rock quarry areas in rural Branford and suburban New Haven. The trip will start in the Kelley Memorial Preserve in Branford, which surrounds the active Stony Creek quarry. The Stony Creek

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Join Hawk Watch Coordinator Steve Mayo for an introduction to identifying and counting the raptors that stream over and through Lighthouse Point Park during fall migration. Lighthouse Point is a premier location on the East Coast and watching the migrating raptors pass through can be thrilling. Meet at the Hawk Watch  parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New

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Join us for a walk in this species-rich but under-birded state park in East Haven. September possibilities include shorebirds and herons, various migrating hawks and falcons, resident woodpeckers, and a wide range of resident birds and other passerines in migration. If time allows, we will also walk the short East Haven Greenway Trail loop, which offers a variety of species.

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The beautiful salt marshes of Connecticut are active during early fall migration. Come visit one of the state's largest salt marshes to observe Palm Warblers, wading birds, shorebirds, migrating sparrows and swallows, Merlins, Northern Harriers, and others. Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Connecticut, will also discuss salt marsh ecology and the large marsh restoration project that is

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Edgewood Park is an important stop-over site for migrating birds in the fall, and a wide variety of song-birds, raptors, and land-birds are possible. Join us as we explore river, woods, pond, and open field habitats. The walk is easy and flat, but might include one dirt path through a wooded area and an often-wet field. Wear appropriate shoes. Total

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Join us on a visit to this premier local birding location, renowned for its migrating raptors and other passerines. If the weather conditions are favorable, we may see hundreds of hawks in flight over the park. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven. Leader: Frank Gallo, peeplo@aol.com, 203-644-2163

Visit one of our state’s best fall birding spots, where the abundance of some migrants and sightings of less common species can make for a truly memorable trip. The walking is easy, all on level ground. Meet outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park's main entrance road.

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Explore fields, community gardens, and woodland trails for resident birds and migrants. The terrain is easy and mostly flat. Meet at the Bauer Park Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison. Leader: Chuck Imbergamo, imbercj@comcast.net

Three days after Chris Loscalzo's presentation on sparrows at NHBC's October indoor meeting, we walk this abandoned golf course property where the fairways have been replaced by weedy fields and where birds abound. We'll look for sparrows and other fall migrants. Meet at the parking lot on Woodfield Road in Woodbridge, opposite the old clubhouse. Leader: Chris Loscalzo, closcalz@optonline.net, 203-389-6508.

Join Pat Leahy for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Bethany. The swallows will be gone but we will see fall migrants and winter residents. Walking is on fairly flat and well-maintained trails and is not strenuous. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, south of Morris Road, Bethany. Leader: Pat Leahy, ptjleahy@yahoo.com,

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This a good time to look for fall and early winter migrants. There can be quite a mix seeing Baltimore Oriole, Pine Warbler, American Coot, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow, and Red-shouldered Hawk. The Supply Ponds Preserve offers two generous ponds, a forest area, and a power-line cut. The forest has been damaged by severe storms in 2020 and

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NOTE: This date is a change from the yearbook! Cheshire Land Trust’s Fresh Meadows Preserve includes a variety of habitats that appeal to a wide variety of bird species looking for a place to rest and refuel on their southbound migration. With conifer groves, deciduous woodlands, and meadows, all located along the Mill River, it’s worth a visit. Expect a

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Join the New Haven Bird Club at a trash cleanup sponsored by Save the Sound at a potential future open space in Hamden. While we can't access the property, we can still show our support for the future of Six Lakes (the Olin Powder Farm; eBird Hotspot "Olin pond") and help protect nearby waterways like Lake Whitney and the Mill

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This is a joint trip with Gather New Haven (formerly the New Haven Land Trust). Quinnipiac Meadows Eugene B. Fargeorge Preserve, a varied habitat with excellent views of the lower Quinnipiac River, is always full of surprises. We have seen everything from Woodcock to Bald Eagles to Snow Geese, lots of fall migrants, wintering ducks, and more. We will be

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We walk the Trolley Museum tracks through several productive habitats. A great trip for migrating raptors plus salt marsh and woodland birds. Meet in the rear parking ot of the Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River St, East Haven. Leader: Mike Horn, mfhorn@att.net, 203-288-1891.

Join Pat Leahy for a walk on protected Regional Water Authority property in Woodbridge. We will see fall migrants and winter residents. Some mild slopes on a well-maintained road. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road south of Morris Road, Bethany. We carpool to Lake Dawson from there. Leader: Pat Leahy, ptjleahy@yahoo.com, 203-314-0566.

Bird several hotspots in the Town of Cheshire, including Broad Brook Reservoir and Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary. Broad Brook Reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks in fall, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. Fresh Meadows offers a diversity of bird species through the year. Broad Brook Reservoir is level walking (100 yards) on leaf-covered

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Join a midweek trip to this outstanding Long Island Sound birding spot. We check for loons, grebes, goldeneye, and other sea ducks. The fields are a good place to look for Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and sparrows. Meet at Sherwood Island State Park: take Exit 18 off I-95 in Westport and head south on the Sherwood Island Connector. Drive into

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At any time of year, Hammonasset is a true gem. Enjoy a mid-week trip to explore this birding hotspot for fall migrants. The varied habitat attracts shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Meet outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park's main entrance road. Leader: Jerry Connolly, birdshop@sbcglobal.net, 203-710-2011.

Join us for a vigorous walk along the Quinnipiac Trail from Cornwall Avenue in Prospect through Regional Water Authority and Prospect Land Trust property off of Boardman Drive. Expect many steep areas with rough terrain. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Inclement weather cancels. Meet at the end of the cul-de-sac on Boardman Drive, Prospect. We’ll carpool to Cornwall Avenue

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Join a midweek trip (on the Second Wednesday!) to this outstanding Long Island Sound birding spot. We check for loons, grebes, goldeneye, and other sea ducks. The fields are a good place to look for Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, and sparrows. Meet at Sherwood Island State Park: take Exit 18 off I-95 in Westport and head south on the Sherwood

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We'll look for waterbirds and fowl including Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, and loons, as well as shorebirds, gulls, and raptors as we visit Milford hotspots that will likely include Milford Point, Mondo Ponds, and Caswell Cove. Dress warmly and plan to carpool. The trip ends by noon. Inclement weather will probably cancel the trip. Check with the leader if you have

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Enjoy a mid-week field trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park, one of the state’s best birding locations in any season of the year. We will look for sea ducks, grassland species, and rarities. Meet outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park's main entrance road. Leader: Greg Hanisek,

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White Memorial Foundation is a 4,000-acre nature preserve. The diverse mixture of habitats includes mature deciduous and evergreen forests, as well as fields of tall grass, weeds, and shrubs that are managed for various stages of succession. One of the best birding sites in the state and an Important Bird Area, White Memorial Foundation has approximately 35 miles of woodland

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Snow date - Sunday, February 23, 2025 This all-day trip includes stops at Beavertail State Park, Moonstone Beach, Trustum Pond, and other great birding sites along the Rhode Island coast. We will see lots of sea ducks including all three scoter species, Common Eider, and Harlequin Duck. We’ll look for birds of prey, including Rough-legged Hawk and several owl species.

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Join us on a visit to this excellent birding area. We’ll look for shorebirds birds such as Long-tailed Duck and scoters, as well as raptors and shorebirds. Meet at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot at 60 Access Road, Stratford, near the intersection with Main Street (Route 113); we carpool from there. Leader: Frank Mantlik, mantlik@sbcglobal.net, 203-984-9410.

A late winter walk at this urban park with varied habitat including woodlands, fields, streams, and ponds. Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Brown Creeper are all possible. Walking is easy and flat with one dirt path through a wooded area. Total distance is approximately 2.5 miles. Meet at the Edgewood Park parking lot next to the tennis

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Join Molly Zahn and Peter Grund for a walk at the Lake Wintergreen area of West Rock Ridge State Park. We will circle the lake and, if there is time, walk up to the water tower close to the top of the ridge. The walk around the lake is on gravel or dirt paths and is mostly flat. The walk

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Bird the harbor shore at Lighthouse Point Park for gulls, loons, ducks, and early returning shorebirds. Then we proceed to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary at the Deer Lake Camp in Killingworth. Check with the trip leader for approximate arrival time at each location. Bring lunch and dress warmly. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park, 2

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Join nationally-recognized wildlife artist and birder Mike DiGiorgio for a walk to look for resident and migrating songbirds. We'll explore the fields, gardens, and woodland trails. Birders of all ages and skill levels, including beginners, are welcome. Meet at the Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison. Leader: Mike DiGiorgio, mdigiorgio@comcast.net.

Osbornedale State Park offers a variety of species in its fields and forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise which species will be discovered as we walk through the park. We may see a flyover Bald Eagle, nesting Bluebirds, early warbler migrants, Green Heron, and Orchard Oriole, as well as Indigo Bunting, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and the various

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East Rock Park in early May is one of the best places in the state to see migrant warblers. Fifteen to twenty species are possible on a good day. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Leader: John Oshlick, john.oshlic@yahoo.com, 203-584-1955.

Rain date: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club Life Member and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) volunteer Whip-poor-will monitor, will lead a walk to listen and look for Whip-poor-will at the Naugatuck State Forest. Jack will give a short talk on the status of Whip-poor-wills in the Northeast and Connecticut. We will then

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