Field Trips and Meetings
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Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale St. Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal

Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United States

Join us on a visit to this excellent birding location where we look for late spring migrants and early nesting species. The center and park have open fields, woods, ponds, and streams. Meet at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby. Leader: Maria Stockmal, 203-488-3876 or m.stockmal@snet.net

Field Trip – Whip-poor-will Walk in Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Jack Swatt

Naugatuck State Forest 1021 Hunters Mountain Road, Naugatuck, CT, United States

Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club member and 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 wait for dusk to fall while we listen for the distinctive call. A sighting?

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Field Trip – Bent of the River, Southbury – Managing for Forest and Shrubland Birds – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Bent of the River 185 E. Flat Hill Rd, Southbury, CT, United States

On this trip we will look for shrubland and forest nesting birds at the Bent of the River Audubon Sanctuary. At this Important Bird Area, approximately 100 acres of fields are managed for shrubland nesting birds, including Blue-winged Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and Prairie Warbler. The IBA also includes roughly 600 acres of forest and supports species such as Scarlet Tanager,

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Field Trip – National Trails Day Hike at Naugatuck State Forest – Craig Repasz

Quinnipiac Trailhead, Mt Sanford 2705 Downs Road, Hamden, CT, United States

National Trails Day is celebrated across the country with hikes, trail work, and naturalist events. NHBC will commemorate the day with a birding hike on the oldest hiking trail in CT, the Quinnipiac Trail in the Mt. Sanford Block of Naugatuck SF. We’ll leave from the trail head parking area entrance of Naugatuck SF, 2705 Downs Rd., Hamden, and go

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk, White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield – Greg Hanisek

White Memorial Foundation 80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT, United States

The White Memorial Foundation is a 4,000-acre nature preserve with extensive woodlands, conifer plantations, wetlands, thickets, and fields. The preserve is home to more than 115 breeding species and is visited by many migrant species. Notable breeding species include: Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Northern Goshawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, and Blackburnian Warbler. Meet at the visitor center parking

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Shorebirds and Terns at Milford Point – Frank Mantlik

Milford Point 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, CT, United States

This will be a trip to study shorebirds and terns, which should be here in concentrations now. We will walk out on the sand flats at mid-tide, then see the numbers of birds build as the tide rises. Wear waterproof shoes or sandals, and apply sunscreen. We'll finish by 3 PM. mantlik@sbcglobal.com cell - 203-984-9410  

Lighthouse Point Park Bird Walk / Prep for Migration Festival – Dan Barvir

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

Join Park Ranger Dan Barvir on a late summer bird walk at Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor. Then, beginning around 9:30 AM, we’ll perform some light trail maintenance and cleanup. This is a great way to enjoy looking at birds and at the same time help preserve their habitat dbarvir@newhavenct.net phone - 203-946-6086

Happenings at Long Wharf Nature Preserve and Urban Oasis Demonstration Site – Deborah Johnson

Long Wharf 351 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, United States

This event is organized with the New Haven Land Trust, Save the Sound, and Audubon Connecticut. An environmentally-focused family-friendly morning learning about the Urban Oases projects in New Haven, the work of the Land Trust on this piece of “disturbed” but “recovered” land in the heart of downtown New Haven, and, of course, a bird walk. We hope to see

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First Wednesday Walk: CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford – Kathy Van Der Aue

Milford Point 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, CT, United States

Moved to Sept 7, Thursday due to thunderstorm prediction.  Time moved to 9:00 am Join us as we look for shorebirds and terns at this excellent local birding location. We should also find raptors, waterfowl, long-legged waders, and migrating passerines. Ten or more species of shorebirds are possible, including American Golden Plover. Rain will cancel the day out. Kathy Van

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Yale University Golf Course – Bill Batsford

Yale Golf Course the course at yale, New Haven, CT, United States

The golf course is located on more than 700 acres, with woods and ponds surrounding the course. It’s a great place to see birds year-round. We’ll be visiting the course when there are no golfers, so we’ll be able to walk the cart paths and wooded trails without being disturbed or disturbing others. We’ll be looking for fall migrants such

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Lighthouse Point Park Migration Festival, New Haven

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

Lighthouse Point Park Migration Festival Celebrating Birds, Butterflies & Dragonflies Sunday, September 17, 2017 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (No Rain Date) A suggested donation of $5.00 per car is requested to help fund next year’s event Come celebrate the spectacle and mystery of migration at one of the best places to see migrating wild hawks in New England! Lighthouse

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Farm River Birds & Botany, East Haven – Charles Strasser

Farm River State Park 96-98 Hoop Pole Lane, East Haven, CT, United States

Diversity Database will be presented. This is one of the smallest State Parks in Connecticut, and we’ll walk short distances to see the birds and the plants. Walk led by Mike Horn, Friend of the Farm River Estuary. Meet 9 AM at the entrance; 2 hours. Bring a folding chair or sit-upon. crstrasser@gmail.com 908-328-5563

Edgewood Park, New Haven – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Edgewood Park 361 West Rock Ave, New Haven, CT, United States

Edgewood Park and West River Memorial Park make up an Important Bird Area and include a 2 mile section of the West River. These parks look particularly “hot” on the radar maps for New Haven that show areas most used by birds in fall migration.  We will see what we can find! The walk is open to birders of all

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Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale St. Park – Maria Stockmal

Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United States

Here’s a chance to visit an outstanding birding spot that boasts a variety of habitats—open fields, woodlands, and ponds. We’ll look for fall migrants, including warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and vireos. m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728  

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – Flo McBride

Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot - Hammo Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot, Madison, CT, United States

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 new parking lot on the Post Rd. New Directions: Take Exit 61 off I-95 (the usual Hammonasset exit).

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Lake Chamberlain; Cooper and Calebresi Farms – Pat Leahy

Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area corner of sperry rd and morris rd, Bethany, CT, United States

Join a fall walk to see what can be found at these picturesque locations. Lake Chamberlain, a Regional Water Authority property, has an active bluebird population, many woodpeckers, and a number of waterfowl that visit the lake before heading further south when the lake freezes over. The walk at Lake Chamberlain is relatively easy. After birding the RWA property, we

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Branford Supply Ponds, Branford – Maria Stockmal

Branford Supply Ponds Branford Supply ponds, Branford, CT, United States

Visit this first-rate birding spot to look for fall migrants and resident species. The area has varied habitats with woods, shrubby areas and a powercut. A variety of waterfowl can be found in the ponds. m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728

Cheshire Hotspots – Steve Broker

boulder knoll farm 875 boulder road, cheshire, CT, United States

We bird several hotspots in the Town of Cheshire, including Boulder Knoll, Broad Brook Reservoir and associated trails, Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Cheshire Land Trust), and the Farmington Canal Lock 12. Boulder Knoll is good for sparrows in fall. Broad Brook reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. Fresh

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Fargeorge Wildlife Preserve; joint trip with the New Haven Land Trust – Mike Horn

Fargeorge Preserve 1040 Quinnipiac ave, New Haven, CT, United States

Quinnipiac Meadows/Eugene B. Fargeorge Preserve is always full of surprises. We have had everything from Woodcock to Eagles to Snow Geese, lots of fall migrants, wintering ducks, and more. It is a varied habitat with excellent views of the lower Quinnipiac River. mfhorn@att.net 203-288-1891

First Wednesday Walk: Sherwood Island State Park, Westport – Tina Green

Sherwood Island State Park 390 Sherwood Island Connector, Main parking lot, Westport, CT, United States

This walk has been moved to Nov 8 due to tree damage from the weekend storm. 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

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First Wednesday Walk: Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – Jerry Connolly

Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot - Hammo Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot, Madison, CT, United States

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. birdshop@sbcglobal.net 203-421-4128 203-710-2011  

Lake Wintergreen, Hamden – John Triana

Lake Wintergreen 448 main street, Hamden, CT, United States

Join us for a pre-CBC walk around Lake Wintergreen in Hamden.  Depending on conditions, we may take a walk up to Baldwin Drive to have a look over to Woodbridge and Konold’s Pond. jtriana1@sbcglobal.net 203-758-7203

Surveying New Haven’s Area K for the Christmas Bird Count – Steve Broker

We survey Area K one week prior to the December 16 New Haven Christmas Bird Count. This highly productive area includes Ora Avenue/Proto Drive/Morris Creek Marshes, Cosey Beach, Lighthouse Point Park, Beacon Hill and the Trolley Line, Furnace Pond, and the lower Farm River. Area K typically produces 75-80 species on count day, including waterfowl, loons, herons, raptors, shorebirds, woodpeckers,

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First Wednesday Walk: Sherwood Island State Park, Westport – Tina Green

Sherwood Island State Park 390 Sherwood Island Connector, Main parking lot, Westport, CT, United States

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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Milford Hotspots – Frank Mantlik

Milford Commuter Lot exit 35 111 Schoolhouse rd, Milford, CT, United States

We’ll look for waterfowl, birds of prey, and winter passerines 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 weather concerns.  Meet at the commuter lot, Exit 35

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First Wednesday Walk: Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Greig Hanisek

Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot - Hammo Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot, Madison, CT, United States

Note: Moved to Feb 14 due to Weather 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 at Hammonasset Beach State Park parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just left (east) of main entrance

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Sachuest Point NWR and Rhode Island Coast – Chris Loscalzo

the Branford commuter lot, Exit 55 off I-95. 342 East Main Street, Branford, CT, United States

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

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First Wednesday Walk: Stratford Shore & Great Meadows – Frank Mantlik

Dunkin Donuts - Frash Pond, Stratford 60 access road, Stratford, CT, United States

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 St. (Rt. 113); we carpool from there. mantlik@sbcglobal.net 203-984-9410

Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford

Edgewood Park 361 West Rock Ave, New Haven, CT, United States

This walk has been canceled.  Bill is not able to lead the walk. Join Bill Batsford for a late winter walk at this urban park with varied habitat including woodlands, fields, streams, and ponds. Wood Duck, Hooded Mer Merganser, Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Brown Creeper are all possible. An Eastern Screech-Owl used a Wood Duck box in 2017.  Meet at

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The Richard English Memorial Field trip: Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary – Mike Horn

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

Please Note: This walk has changed dates from the Yearbook.  It was originally scheduled on April 7, 2018. We first bird the harbor shore for gulls, loons, ducks, and early returning shorebirds. We then proceed to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary at the Deer Lake Scout Camp in Killingworth. We then proceed  to Hammonasset Beach State Park. This is an

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First Wednesday Walk: CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford – Kathy Van Der Aue

Milford Point 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, CT, United States

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 Coastal Center parking lot. kathyvda@gmail.com home - 203-259-2426 cell - 203-331-7517

East Rock Birding and Trail Maintenance – Dan Barvir

Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United States

Meet for a bird walk from 8 – 9:30 AM. Then join Park Ranger Dan Barvir to help with light trail maintenance along the river until noon. Bring work gloves & pruning shears if you have them.  Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.   dbarvir@newhavenct.net 203-946-6086

Beaver Ponds Park, New Haven – Craig Repasz

munson street new haven 371 Munson Street, New Haven, CT, United States

Beaver Ponds Park is one of the many Urban Oasis sites in New Haven. Friends of Beaver Park and the other Urban Oasis partners have maintained an area of rich plantings to offer the birds a food oasis. The park itself is excellent habitat, offering fresh water wetlands, forests, and fields. We can hope for Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Common

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Bird Walk for Families at East Rock Park, Hamden -Flo McBride

Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United States

Note:  this is a change to the date published in the yearbook. On this walk by East Rock Park's Mill River, children with accompanying adults are invited to help us look for warblers and other spring migrants. Other interested adults are also welcome to join the walk in this famous spring birding place. Bring binoculars and a field guide if

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Lake Chamberlain, Lake Dawson, and Lake Watrous – Bill Batsford, Pat Leahy

Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area corner of sperry rd and morris rd, Bethany, CT, United States

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

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First Wednesday Walk: East Rock Park, Hamden – John Oshlick

Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United States

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. john.oshlic@yahoo.com 203-584-1955 co leaders - Renee Baade rbaade@juno.com 203-526-7667 Bill Batsford 203-494-4325

East Rock Park with Ranger Dan

East Rock Park - English Drive Rice Field, New Haven, CT, United States

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. dbarvir@newhavenct.net 203-946-6086  

If You Plant Them They Will Come – East Rock Park – Deborah Johnson

Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United States

Eli Whitney Museum staff share information on the master landscaping plan for the museum’s space along the Mill River adjoining East Rock Park, while the NHBC Conservation Committee provides—and seeks helpers for—planting bird-friendly plants at newly invasive-eradicated areas of East Rock Park and the Eli Whitney Museum property.  A bird walk follows, along the loop beginning & ending at the

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Bent of the River Important Bird Area, Southbury – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Bent of the River 185 E. Flat Hill Rd, Southbury, CT, United States

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 to birders of all levels and families are welcome. We will not only see and hear birds, but

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Hartman Park, Lyme – John Oshlick

the Branford commuter lot, Exit 55 off I-95. 342 East Main Street, Branford, CT, United States

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. Meet at the commuter parking lot, I-95 exit 55. john.oshlic@yahoo.com 203-584-1955

Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Chris Loscalzo

Rt 8 exit 25 commuter parking lot 245 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT, United States

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 fifteen 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

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Sleeping Giant State Park – Jim Sirch

Sleeping Giant 200 Mount Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT, United States

Sleeping Giant looms large and 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 explore the gentle trail on the north side. We will first explore the Mill

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Canceled due to Weather – Housatonic River, Kent – Rene Baade

rt 7 & Bulls Bridge Rd, South Kent 312 Kent Road, South Kent, CT, United States

Unfortunately this walk has been canceled due to weather.   Today we enjoy the riparian woodlands along the Housatonic in Kent, CT. We meet at the parking area on the southwest corner of Bull’s Bridge Rd and Rt. 7 (Kent Rd.) south of Kent. We carpool from there, paralleling the Housatonic via Schaticoke Rd, and Skiff Mountain Rd to River

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Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale State Park – Maria Stockmal

Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United States

Join us on a visit to this excellent birding location where we look for late spring migrants and early nesting species. The center and park have open fields, woods, ponds, and streams.  Meet at Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale State Park, 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Carolyn Cimino

the Branford commuter lot, Exit 55 off I-95. 342 East Main Street, Branford, CT, United States

Note: this is a date change from our published yearbook. This will be our 14th annual trip to this excellent birding spot. We’ll meet at the commuter lot at Exit 55 off I-95 and carpool to Barn Island. The area consists of large expanses of salt marsh, tidal pools, wetlands, woodlands, and open fields. We should see wading birds, shorebirds,

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The Outer Cape (Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts)

This weekend of birding and fellowship is being made available to 15 club members by advance registration.  Late spring birding on the Outer Cape always is productive.  Our birding localities during the three-day period include Fort Hill (Eastham), Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary/Massachusetts Audubon Society, Wellfleet Harbor, the Herring River and Herring River Estuary, the kettle ponds and the dwarf oak

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Branford Supply Ponds – Maria Stockmal

Branford Supply Ponds Branford Supply ponds, Branford, CT, United States

Visit this first-rate birding spot to look for fall migrants and resident species. The area has varied habitats with woods, shrubby areas and a powercut. A variety of waterfowl can be found in the ponds. Meet at Branford Supply Ponds parking lot, Chestnut Street, off Rte. 1, Branford. m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728

Pond Mountain Trust, Kent – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Pond Mountain Trust, Inc. includes 796 acres of deciduous woodlands, pockets of conifers, meadows, streams, wetlands, and Fuller Pond.   The Trust is part of the Macedonia Forest Block Important Bird Area, which was identified for its importance to Cerulean Warbler, Wood Thrush, and other forest nesting birds.The trip involves moderately strenuous hiking, but is open to birders of all levels;

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First Wednesday Walk: Mohawk Mountain State Park – Greg Hanisek

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.

Whip-poor-will walk in Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Jack Swatt

Note: rain date June 23 - same time Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club member and 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 wait for dusk to fall while

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