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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
Changed from February 4th due to cold weather The Seventh Annual Mega Bowl of CT and New Haven County is coming! WHO: Any birder in CT can participate, either individually or as a member of a team. Team size should range from 1-5 birders. Ideal is 2-4. WHAT: MEGA BOWL VII: an all-day birding extravaganza where you and your teammates
Enjoy a mid-week field trip (on the Second Wednesday!) 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
This all-day trip includes stops at Sachuest Point NWR, Beavertail State Park, Moonstone Beach, Trustum Pond, and other great birding sites on the RI 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. We’ll also be on the
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
Join us on a visit to this excellent birding area. We’ll look for oceanic 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 (Rte. 113); we carpool from there. Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net
Due to the forecast for bad weather on Saturday this walk will be moved to Sunday March 12 Join Bill Batsford for 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. We will make a side trip to Evergreen
We first bird the harbor shore at Lighthouse Point Park for gulls, loons, ducks, and early returning shorebirds. We then proceed to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary at the Deer Lake Scout Reservation in Killingworth. We then proceed to Hammonasset Beach State Park. This is an all-day trip, but you may join us for all or part of it. Check
Enjoy an early spring trip to one of the best local birding spots. We look out into the marsh and along the shore for waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, and raptors. Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center, 1 Milford Point Road, Milford. Leader: Jalna Jaeger, 203-246-0885 or jalnabird@gmail.com
Birding by Ear Webinar Series – Registration required Wednesdays, March 22, March 29 April 5, 2023 7–7:45 p.m. and Birding by Ear Walk – Participants chosen via drawing Saturday, April 22, 2023 Group 1: 8–9:30 a.m. Group 2: 10–11:30 a.m. NOTE: Watch for the NHBC email announcement to sign up for the webinar series and to be eligible for
This walk has been cancelled due to heavy rain forecast to Saturday We will meet at and explore the Kellogg Environmental Center grounds and then walk over to Osbornedale State Park to see what we find. Osbornedale Park offers a variety of species in its fields and forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise as species are
Update: the scheduled Saturday, April 29 bird walk in East Rock Park with leader Dan Barvir is CANCELLED due to a conflicting city-wide event Join Ranger Dan Barvir at this premier site for warblers and other spring migrants. Meet at the Rice Field (baseball field) end of East Rock Park on English Drive, New Haven. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-208-1415 or danielb145@comcast.net
New technologies can help birders get the most out of their time birding. For example, smartphone applications such as Merlin and eBird can help birders identify and log the birds they see and hear. After an orientation to these two apps, we will explore Lighthouse Point Park, an excellent location for early migrants amid the park’s diverse habitats. Warblers, thrasher,
Note: This is a date change from the yearbook. It will be a "First Thursday Walk". The new date is May 4th. 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
Kent Falls State Park, Kent, Connecticut Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon River Road in Kent is undergoing bridge repairs that prevent us from accessing this remarkable “riparian woodland corridor”. In place of this annual trip, we explore the woodlands and fields of Kent Falls State Park in search of early neotropical migrants. As time allows, we
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
This walk has been postponed from April 30th due to bad weather. The new date is May 7th Explore a prime birding location along the Pomperaug River in Southbury where more than 100 species of birds have been observed in a single day. This beautiful and highly diverse habitat is owned and maintained by Audubon Connecticut. The walk is open
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, I-95 exit 55, or contact the trip
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 and long 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
We visit several hotspots in the Town of Durham, Middlesex County. Durham Skating Pond (south side of Route 68 & west of Maple Street) is on White’s Farm property. Here, we scan the surrounding countryside for vultures, hawks and eagles, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, ravens, sparrows, and blackbirds. Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, and Swamp Sparrow are target species. A short car
Join us for a walk on Regional Water Authority properties in Woodbridge and Bethany, some of which are off-limits to the public. Pat Leahy has been maintaining a bluebird trail on several of the properties surrounding the reservoirs. Please be prompt! It will be difficult to join the group on route. We will carpool and proceed to trails on Lake
Rich meadows, farm fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods hold breeding populations of sparrows and warblers, woodpeckers, hawks, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and other field and woodland birds. Other migrating species are possible. We will meet at the parking lot on Patten Road. From exit 12 off Interstate 91 north or south, turn left onto
Let’s keep the tradition going! We’ve been running a trip here since about 2002 or so. 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
(Rain Date: Saturday, June 3, 2022) 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
The Chippens Hill area of Bristol historically has 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
We bird Ora Avenue, Proto Drive, and the Morris Creek marshes for a diversity of birdlife in the breeding season. This highly developed area in East Haven manages to retain a rich avifauna year-round in spite of being sandwiched between Tweed-New Haven Airport and the East Haven Industrial Site. For many years, the road once known as Ora Avenue and
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.
This is 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 and other information, contact Steve Mayo. Meet at various points and go out for all or part of the day. Coordinator: Steve Mayo, 203-551-1707 or scmayo999@gmail.com
We’ll walk out on the sandbar to see a variety of shorebirds and terns. We’ll also check the Coastal Center grounds for songbirds. Beach walking is involved. Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center, 1 Milford Point Road, Milford. Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net
Hawk Watch / Bird Count at Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven: Daily September 1 to December 6 Starts Friday, September 1, 2023, 7 a.m. Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor is one of the premier locations in southern New England for observing migrating raptors as well as a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at 7 a.m.
Join us at this premier birding location where more than 160 species of birds have been observed. We’ll explore the fields, Community Gardens, and woodland trails for resident birds and early migrants. The terrain is easy and mostly flat. Meet at the Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison. Leader: Chuck Imbergamo, imbercj@comcast.net
Join Bill Batsford at this urban park with diverse habitat including woodlands, fields, streams, and ponds. We have excellent chances for Wood Duck, a resident pair of Red-tailed Hawks, Belted Kingfisher, and others. Bald Eagle and Pileated Woodpecker are possible. In 2022 we were treated to a spectacular display of migrating Broad-winged Hawks kettling over the park, so there
Group 1: 8–9:30 a.m.; Group 2: 10–11:30 a.m. 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 1–2 mile walk on
The salt marshes of Connecticut express muted hues of gold and russet in autumn. These colors are the backdrop for the early fall migration. Visit one of the state's largest salt marshes to observe warblers, wading birds, shorebirds, migrating sparrows and swallows, Merlins, and Northern Harriers. Join Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Connecticut, and Kris Vagos, wildlife
Join us on a visit to this premier local birding location, renowned for its migrating raptors and 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. If the gate is staffed, just let them know you
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 throughout Connecticut. Join other birders in one of the established
Cancelled due to a horrible weather forecast! 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
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 Road. Expect many steep areas with rough terrain. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water. Heavy rain cancels. Meet at the end of the cul-de-sac on Boardman Drive, Prospect. Then we’ll carpool down to
Fargeorge Nature Preserve; joint trip with Gather New Haven (formerly the New Haven Land Trust), New Haven Quinnipiac Meadows Eugene B. Fargeorge Nature Preserve, a varied habitat with excellent view 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.
This a good location to look for migrants both in spring and fall. There can be quite a mix including Baltimore Oriole, Pine Warbler, American Coot, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow, and Red-shouldered Hawk. The site boasts two ponds, a forest area, and a power-line cut. The forest was damaged by severe storms in 2020 and tops of trees
We will walk the Trolley Museum tracks in East Haven. There are several habitats and we’ll look for migrating raptors plus salt marsh and woodland birds. Meet in the back parking lot of the Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street, East Haven. Leader: Mike Horn, 203-288-1891 or mfhorn@att.net
This walk is being moved to Friday due to Weather 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
We bird several hotspots in Cheshire. Broad Brook Reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks in fall, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. It is level walking (100 yards) on leaf-covered paved road. Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Cheshire Land Trust) offers a diversity of bird species through the year. It is level walking (500 yards)
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, 203-710-2011, birdshop@sbcglobal.net
East Rock Park is deservedly famous for its diversity of colorful neotropical migrants in spring. Early winter brings its own avian delights to the park. We look and/or listen for ducks, hawks, woodpeckers, corvids, wrens, kinglets, thrushes, finches, and sparrows. Expected highlights are mousy Winter Wrens, kronking Common Ravens, and posturing Peregrine Falcons. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking
Join other NHBC members in this fun event, steeped in tradition. Take part for a few hours or all day. Join birders in the field or report what you see in your backyard (if you reside within the count circle). The results of the count are sent to the National Audubon Society for inclusion in an international census of early
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
Start time changed due to Weather forecast - 9:00 AM 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
The Eighth Annual Mega Bowl of Birding You must register with Chris Loscalzo by Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Chris Loscalzo, 203-389-6508 or closcalz@optonline.net Saturday, February 3, 2024, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Mega Bowl Compilation Dinner Sunday, February 4, 2024, 5–7 p.m. (Kellogg Environmental Center 500 Hawthorn Ave. Derby CT) Mega Bowl of Birding Announcement The Eighth Annual Mega