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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
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
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.
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
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
Hawk Watch / Bird Count at Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven: Daily September to December Starts Sunday, September 1, 2024, 7 a.m. Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor is a premier location in southern New England for observing migrating raptors and a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at 7 a.m. and continues as long as the
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.
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
Saturday and/or Sunday, October 12 & 13, 2024 (your choice) THE BIG SIT!®, established by the NHBC, has become an international event, with birders from all over the world participating. The object is to record as many species of birds as possible in one day from one 17-foot diameter circle. Local circles are at a number of birding hot spots
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,
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
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
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
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
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.
Hawk Watch / Bird Count at Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven: Daily September to December Starts Sunday, September 1, 2024, 7 a.m. Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor is a premier location in southern New England for observing migrating raptors and a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at 7 a.m. and continues as long as the
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
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
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
Join other NHBC members in this fun event, steeped in tradition. Join birders in the field or report what you see in your backyard (if you reside within the count circle). Take part for a few hours or all day. The results of the count are sent to the National Audubon Society for inclusion in an international census of early
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
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
Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in a fun and friendly event! Go birding for all or part of the day to see how many species you can observe. Earn points for each species found. The rarer the species, the more points earned. Birders can participate alone or in a group of up to five people. Compete
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,
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
River Road in Kent along the Housatonic River provides a major north-south riparian corridor for spring migration. River Road has produced a nice variety of Northwestern Connecticut nesting species including Acadian and Least Flycatchers; Yellow-throated and Blue-headed Vireos; Winter Wren; and Cerulean, Golden-winged, and Worm-eating Warblers. The vast uninterrupted forest rising from the river is an ideal location for a
Take part in all or part of this event. We’ll focus on New Haven area hotspots, seeking 100–130 species. We start at East Rock and search several other local migrant traps, as well as the coast from Lordship to Hammonasset. The Big day could potentially involve several miles of walking on more strenuous terrain. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum
Hartman Park is known for its breeding population of Cerulean Warbler. There is also a power cut which may have Prairie, Blue-winged, Magnolia and other warblers. Both Cuckoos have been seen here as well. The Hartman Park walk involves a moderate distance walk on moderately strenuous terrain. Meet at the commuter parking lot, Exit 55 off I-95. Leader: John Oshlick,
Sleeping Giant dominates the landscape north of New Haven. The park hosts diverse habitats: riparian woods, rivers and streams, stands of white pines, mature deciduous forests, and cliffs and meadow edge. Although it is famous for its ankle-twisting and heart-pumping terrain, we will bird along the uphill but (mostly) smooth-surfaced Tower Path. As we move slowly along the Path, we
Join us at the peak of spring migration on this moderately strenuous hike in a fine birding location. We’ll search for migrants and residents. We often see more than 15 species of warblers on this trip, including resident Hooded, Chestnut-sided, Prairie, and Worm-eating Warblers. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and many other birds are residents here, too.
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 on well-maintained trails. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, south of Morris Road, Bethany. Leader: Pat
Rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods host breeding populations of sparrows and warblers, woodpeckers, hawks, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grossbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and other field and woodland birds. Other migrating species are possible. Meet at the Hansen Park parking lot down a driveway just east of 52 Patten Road, North Haven. Leaders: Craig Repasz, crepasz@hotmail.com,
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 spot to
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. The trip will be a 3 mile hike on a flat trail. Meet at Lake Bethany Regional Water Authority parking area on Hatfield Hill Road, Bethany. We will carpool to Lake Watrous from there. Leader:
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 to walk
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.
A wonderful opportunity to work on your song identification skills and see what birds are nesting in your area. For the names of area captains, to join a team, and for other information, contact Steve Mayo. Meet at various points. Coordinator: Steve Mayo, scmayo999@gmail.com, 203-772-9842.