Field Trips and Meetings
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Indoor Program – Brad Winn: Meeting Shorebirds Halfway: Managing Hemispheric Travelers

Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States

We have the ability to make things better for shorebirds:  We know enough and we are learning more every day, to maintain and rebuild shorebird populations back to healthy numbers.  This optimism holds true for shorebirds that nest on our beaches, as well as those that are passing through on their way to and from the Far North.  With the

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Field Trip – Moodus Reservoir, Bashan Lake, Moodus/East Haddam area

We travel to a variety of birding hotspots in the Moodus/East Haddam area a week prior to the Salmon River Christmas Bird Count. Since the mid-1980s, our CBC team has developed great familiarity with the fields, forests, farmlands, reservoirs, and wetlands of this section of the Salmon River CBC circle. Our target species will include waterfowl, inland Common Loon, Bald

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Bird Count – 116th Annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count

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

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Harkness State Park, Waterford

Today we’ll explore this beautiful coastline park. It has ponds, fields, shrubs—and lots of shoreline. We will look for raptors, loons, grebes, all three scoters, Eiders (King Eider has been seen here), Bufflehead, and Goldeneye. Snow Bunting and Horned Lark are likely too. Meet in the Harkness parking lot, 275 Great Neck Rd., Waterford. Leader: Tina Green: 203-247-2660 or tina@renaissancestudios.com

Field Trip – Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison

Note: this is a date change from the yearbook, originally scheduled for Jan 24th Join us as we visit this premier CT birding location for a mid-winter excursion. We’ll be looking for sea ducks, shorebirds, grassland species and winter finches as we check several areas in the park, including the campgrounds. Meet at the Nature Center parking lot. Leader: Paul

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Indoor Program – Larry Fischer: Owls of Western Connecticut

Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States

Currently on the Northeast Hawk Watch Board of Directors, Larry is a federally licensed raptor bander who has been banding hawks, falcons, owls, and eagles for more than 30 years, working independently as well as with the CT DEEP and the U.S. Dept. of the Interior. Tonight he talks about owls, those endlessly fascinating birds, and specifically about the owl

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Field Trip – Milford Hotspots in Winter

Cancelled due to incoming storm Meet at the commuter lot off Exit 35 of I-95. 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

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Hammonasset State Park, Madison

***This walk has been moved to Feb 10 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 the park entrance at 8:00 am. Leader: Greg Hanisek: 203-525-1558 or ctgreg@yahoo.com

Indoor Program – Members’ Night

Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States

Don’t be bashful! Be sure not to miss this opportunity to add another 15 minutes of fame to your birding memoirs. Remember: You’ll be among the best of birding friends. Members’ Night is a chance to share your favorite photos, stories, birding haunts, and memories of birds and bird club activities with an appreciative audience. We will have slide and

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Field Trip – Sachuest Point NWR and Rhode Island Coast

Note: this is a date change from the yearbook (Snow date: Sunday, February 28, 2016) This all-day trip includes stops at Sachuest Point NWR, Beavertail State Park, Moonstone Beach, Trustum Pond, and other great birding sites on the Rhode Island coast. We will see lots of sea ducks, including all three scoter species, Common Eider, and Harlequin Duck. We’ll look

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Stratford Shore & Great Meadows

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. We will meet at the Dunkin Donuts parking lot at 60 Access Rd. near the intersection with Main St. (Rt. 113). We carpool from there. Leader: Frank Mantlik: 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net

Indoor Program – William Burt: Rare and Elusive Birds of North America

Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States

Late on a June night, in the middle of a vast Spartina marsh in eastern Maryland, William Burt achieved his longtime goal to photograph the Black Rail, a mythic, red-eyed bird so rare and deftly elusive in the fine grass of its meadow home that few ornithologists had ever even seen it. But the trip was just the first of

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Field Trip – Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area

This WMA in Middlesex County is situated along the confluence of the Mattabesset and Coginchaug Rivers and parallels Rt. 9. A wide dirt/gravel path through the area provides good walking access. Snow or snowmelt may be on the path so wear sturdy, water-resistant boots. The wetland supports large numbers of wintering and spring migrant waterfowl, including Wood Duck, Northern Pintail,

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Field Trip – Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary

Meet at the Lighthouse Point Park hawk watch parking lot and 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 finish our birding tour with a visit to Hammonasset Beach State Park. This is an all-day trip; bring lunch

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Field Trip – Gull and Gannet Frenzy, Southport Beach, Southport

Join us as we search for plankton-feeding flocks of gulls, including the rare Little and Black-headed Gulls. We’ll also hope to see Northern Gannets plunge-feeding offshore. Wear waterproof shoes for walking on the tidal mudflats, and dress warmly. We may also carpool to nearby sites. End by 2:30 pm. Meet at 11:30 am at Southport Beach, 1505 Pequot Ave., Southport,

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford

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. Last year there was a late Snowy Owl. Meet at the Coastal Center parking lot, located at 1 Milford Point Rd. Leader: Stephen Spector: 203-876-7461 (home), 203-928-8089 (cell) or charsjs@sbcglobal.net

Field Trip – East Rock Birding and Trail Maintenance, New Haven

Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot (915 Whitney Ave., Hamden) 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. Leader: Dan Barvir: 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.net

Indoor Program – Michele Parrett: Beyond the Scope: The Social Lives of Captive Parrots

Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States

Parrots have enchanted us for centuries. We find their plumage breathtaking, their intellectual abilities intriguing, and their antics amusing. Above all, perhaps we’re most fascinated by their ability to talk and by the ways they use words to connect with us. Parrots are highly social by nature, but we usually underestimate their need for attention and interaction when we bring

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Field Trip – Lake Chamberlain, Bethany

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

Join Past-president Bill Batsford to check out this excellent birding area. Lake Chamberlain, a Regional Water Authority property, is surrounded by coniferous forest and it has open fields and thickets. Early spring migrants likely to be seen are Palm and Pine Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo. and Eastern Phoebe. Bluebirds and Tree Swallows nest in bird houses. Meet at the

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Field Trip – Ansonia Nature Center, Ansonia

Enjoy a walk at this great birding location. The nature center has a small pond, grassy fields, thickets, wetlands, and woods. The woods have had Northern Goshawk and Great Horned Owls nesting there and there are often surprises. Meet at the nature center parking lot, 10 Deerfield Lane (off Benz Rd.) in Ansonia. Leader, Maria Stockmal: 203-305-3728, m.stockmal@snet.net.

Conservation Activity – East Rock Garlic Mustard Pull

Take part in a crucial conservation project. Help remove garlic mustard from East Rock Park, an Important Bird Area that’s a vital migratory bird stopover and breeding habitat.  This invasive plant is a pernicious, prolific pest that can overrun forested areas, squeeze out native spring flowers, kill butterfly cater- pillars, and alter the habitat of our native birds. In 3

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Field Trip – Bird Walk for Families at East Rock Park, New Haven

On this walk by the park's Mill River, children, accompanied by adults, will search for warblers and other spring migrants. Other interested adults are also welcome to join the walk in this famous spring birding site. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them. Leader: Florence

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Field Trip – Bent of the River Wildlife Sanctuary, Southbury

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 the National Audubon Society. Take Exit 14 off Rt. 84. Go north on Rt. 172 , then turn left onto East Flat Hill Rd.

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: East Rock Park, New Haven

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 covered bridge near the Eli Whitney Museum, 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Leaders: Bill Batsford: 203-494-4325, or william.batsford@yale.edu Frank Mantlik: 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net; John Oshlick: 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@yahoo.com

Bird Count – Big Day Marathon

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. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, at 6:00 am. Leader: John Oshllick: 203-584-1955 or

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Field Trip – East Rock Park with Ranger Dan, New Haven

Note: this is a date change from the Yearbook, Originally April 30 Join Ranger Dan Barvir at this premier site for warblers and other spring migrants. We will meet at the Rice Field (baseball field) end of East Rock Park on English Drive. Leader: Ranger Dan Barvir: 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.org

Field Trip – Housatonic River, Kent

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 Rd, listening and looking for spring migrants. The area is

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Annual Banquet – Chris S. Elphick: “Canaries” in the Saltmarsh: The Conservation of Saltmarsh Sparrows and Other Tidal Marsh Birds

Amarante's Restaurant 62 Cove St, New Haven, CT, United States

Don’t miss this festive event—always great company, great food, and a great program. Reservations required; watch the spring newsletter, Club emails, and the Club website for details and reservation forms. Early reservations are greatly appreciated! √ Please remember to bring cash to the banquet to pay for your drinks at the cash bar and to buy tickets for the always-fun

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Field Trip – Nehantic State Forest and Hartman’s Park, Lyme

Today we explore two prime birding locations in Lyme. Nehantic State Forest, a 1,200-acre woodland, is home to Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers and numerous other species. There are large ponds where we can find waterfowl, flycatchers, and other species. Nearby Hartman’s Park is known for its breeding population of Cerulean Warblers. Meet at 6:25 at the commuter lot at Exit

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Field Trip – Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck

Join us at the peak of spring migration on this moderately strenuous and long hike in a fine birding location. We search for both migrants and residents. We often see more than 15 warbler species on this trip, including nesting Hooded and Worm-eating Warblers. Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and many other species are common here. Meet at the commuter lot

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Field Trip – Massaro Farm, Woodbridge, May 15

Massaro Farm 41 Ford Road, Woodbridge, CT, United States

We're so pleased to offer a spring migratory bird walk, led by New Haven Bird Club member and expert birder, Chris Loscalzo. Please join us Sunday, May 15th at 2pm as we walk the woods and fields of the farm looking for a variety of birds. The diverse structure at the farm - open fields, low brush and the woods

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Field Trip – Barn Island Wildlife Management Area,

This will be our twelfth annual trip to this excellent birding spot. We'll meet at the commuter lot at Exit 55 of 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, and area residents such as Saltmarsh Sparrow, Marsh Wren, White-eyed

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Field Trip – Bluebirds and Tree Swallows on Lake Chamberlain, Bethany

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

For the last 5 years  Members of the New Haven Bird club have been maintaining about 50 boxes on Regional Water Authority properties in Bethany and Woodbridge.  Please join Pat Leahy, Dewitt Allen and Mike Ferrari on Sunday, May 22 from 10-1 to view activity in the bluebird and tree swallow boxes on Lake Chamberlain.  We will be explaining how we build

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Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale St. Park, Derby

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 the Kellogg Center parking lot, 500 Hawthorne Avenue. Leader: Maria Stockmal: 203-488-3876 or m.stockmal@snet.net

Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: White Memorial, Litchfield

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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Bird Count – New Haven Summer Bird Count

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 leader Steve Mayo: 203-393-0694 or rsdmayo@sbcglobal.net

Field Trip – National Trails Day Hike at Naugatuck State Forest

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 Downes Rd., Hamden, and go

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Field Trip – Beginners’ Bird Walk: Grassland and Shrubland Bird IBAs

On this trip we look for grassland and shrubland birds, including Bobolink, American Kestrel, Savannah Sparrow, Blue-winged Warbler, and Indigo Bunting. Grasslands and shrublands are uncommon in CT so it is a real treat to see and hear species associated with these habitats.  We meet at the Bent of the River Important Bird Area, then carpool to Good Hill Farm IBA,

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Field Trip – Outer Cape Cod, MA (from Eastham to Provincetown)

Friday through Sunday, June 10-12, 2016 This weekend of birding and fellowship is being made available to 15 club members by advance registration. Our birding localities during the three-day period include Fort Hill (Eastham), Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Wellfleet Harbor and the Herring River (Wellfleet), Pilgrim Heights and High Head (North Truro), and the Beech Forest, Race Point, and Herring

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

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

Whip-poor-will walk with Jack Swatt. Naugatuck State Forest.  New Haven Bird Club member and DEEP volunteer, Whip-poor-will monitor will lead a walk, listening and looking for Whip-poor-will at the Naugatuck State Forest.  We will meet at 8:30 PM at the parking lot at the end of Hunter’s Mountain Road. Jack will give a short talk on the status of Whip-poor-wills in

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Field Trip – Stratford Point – note Tuesday Evening walk

Stratford Point 1207 Prospect Drive, Stratford, CT, United States

On our walk of this "Globally Important Bird Area," we will focus on shorebirds, such as the Semipalmated Sandpiper, that use the Mouth of the Housatonic River to rest and refuel during migration. Participants will also learn about threats to shorebirds as well as strategies for protecting them. This walk is geared to beginners but birders of all levels and

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Field Trip – Lighthouse Point Walk and Preparation for Migration Festival

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.  Contact information - dbarvir@newhavenct.net, c.203-946-6086

Bird Count – Lighthouse Point Hawk Watch

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

August 31 - December 1 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 7:00 am and continues as long as the hawks keep flying. Stop by anytime.  Coordinator: Steve Mayo,  contact - rsdmayo@sbcglobal.net,  c.203-393-0694

Field Trip – Milford Point, First Thursday Walk, Milford, CT

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

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. Leader Stephen Spector,  contact charsjs@sbcglobal.net, h.203-876-7461, c.203-928-8089

Indoor Program: The Beautiful Art of Birding – Lesley Roy

Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States

Artist, photographer, entrepreneur, and Commissioner of Arts, Culture and Tourism for the City of New Haven, Lesley Roy will present a beautiful visual story of birds. She'll share images of her bird artwork, local and migrant birds, compiled from the book Soaring in New Haven and birding trips to Central and South America. She'll tell the amazing story of growing

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Field Trip – Owl Prowl at Lake Saltonstall, Branford – Friday Evening – John Triana

Lake Saltonstall 100 Hosley Street, Branford, CT, United States

Join us in a search for owls at Lake Saltonstall.  We will be walking a short distance.  Wear good shoes and bring a flashlight. The hikers parking lot is at 400 Hosley Ave. in Branford, about 1/4 mile west from the intersection of Hosley Ave. and Brushy Plains Rd.  Leader John Triana - jtriana1@sbcglobal.net  Phone h.203-758-7203

Conservation Project – Litter Cleanup: Sandy Point IBA Bird Sanctuary, West Haven – Craig Repasz

Sandy Point 183 Beach Street, West Haven, CT, United States

Join a critical conservation effort: Help remove trash from an Important Bird Area as part of the Ocean Conservancy’s “International Coastal Cleanup.” A clean site prevents predators, attracted by food litter, from becoming accustomed to visiting Sandy Point, one of the prime sites in CT for Piping Plovers and other beach-nesting bird species. Plus: Our data will help scientists fight

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Annual Migration Festival – Lighthouse Point, New Haven – Dan Barvir

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

This festive event is sponsored by the New Haven Parks Dept., NHBC, and other fine organizations. There will be hawk watching; bird banding and live raptor demos; bird walks; and more. Chris Loscalzo will lead an 8:00 am walk, Mike Horn will lead one at 9:30 and Flo McBride will lead a kids’ walk at 9:30.  Last year's highlight was a

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Field Trip – Yale University Golf Course, New Haven – 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

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Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbordale State Park, Derby – 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. Leader Maria Stockmal email m.stockmal@snet.net - phone c.203-305-3728