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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
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
We visit several hotspots in the Town of Durham. Durham Skating Pond (south side of Route 68 and west of Maple Street) is on White’s Farm property. Here, we scan 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 ride brings us to the
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
With its rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods, this park has become a prominent birding destination for the Club. We will meet at the parking lot on Patten Rd. From exit 12 off Interstate 91, turn left onto Blakeslee Avenue and follow it until it ends at Bassett Road. Take a right at Bassett
This will be another of our annual trips to this excellent birding spot. 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 Vireo, American Redstart, Willow Flycatcher, Bobolink, and many other species. Easy walking on flat trails
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 at Toumey Road in Cornwall, four miles
The Chippens Hill area of Bristol has historically been farmland. The Environmental Learning Centers of CT 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
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 now
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. Coordinator: Steve Mayo, 203-551-1707 or scmayo999@gmail.com
We’ll walk out on the sandbar at near high tide to see the variety of shorebirds and terns, which will begin feeding as the tide falls. 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
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 discovered walking through the park. We may see a flyover Bald Eagle,
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. and continues as long as the hawks keep flying. Stop by anytime. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse
We'll try to identify everything that flies over! Learn the identification basics of hawks and other high-flying migrants, and find out what to expect throughout each of the subsequent autumn months at Lighthouse Park. Other topics covered will include migration weather and topography, Connecticut migrant hotspots, migration trends, and basics of hawk watch reporting. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point
(NOTE: This program will be held in person even though its title mentions a virtual walking tour.) The Audubon Bird Mural Project is a collaboration between the National Audubon Society and Avi Gitler, an art dealer and collector. The Project is an impressive effort to create murals of more than 300 North American birds. Most of the murals are in
Edgewood Park and West River Memorial Park make up an Important Bird Area and include a two-mile section of the West River. These parks look particularly “hot” on the radar maps for New Haven that show which areas are most used by birds in fall migration. The walking is easy and flat, and includes one dirt path through a wooded
Note: Registration Required Group 1: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Group 2: 9:30 to 11 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
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. Leader: Greg Hanisek,ctgregh@yahoo.com contact Craig Repasz for questions - 203-745-6683
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
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.
A fateful bike ride crossed paths with the Osprey’s road to recovery and sparked Bob’s 30-year passion for photographing birds. This photo-essay is his documentation of the Osprey’s remarkable success story in Connecticut and some of the people who helped make it happen. It will include an illustrated life history of this unique raptor and its connection with the overall
Join a fall walk to see what can be found at these picturesque locations. The group will explore trails at Lake Bethany, then proceed to properties not open to the public, Lake Watrous and Lake Dawson. Fall migrants should be working their way through the area and the scenery will be breathtaking. Walking is not strenuous and is on well-maintained
The salt marshes of Connecticut express muted hues of gold and russet in autumn. These colors are the backdrop for the 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, and Northern Harriers. Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Connecticut, and Kris Vagos,
We bird several hotspots in the Town of Cheshire, including Broad Brook Reservoir, Boulder Knoll, and Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Cheshire Land Trust). Broad Brook Reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks in fall, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. Boulder Knoll is good for sparrows at this time of year. Fresh Meadows offers a
This is a joint trip with Gather New Haven, formerly the New Haven Land Trust Fargeorge Preserve is always full of surprises. We have had everything from Woodcock to Bald Eagles to Snow Geese, lots of fall migrants, wintering ducks, and more. It is a varied habitat with excellent view of the lower Quinnipiac River. We will be walking on
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 boast two generous ponds, a forest area, and a power-line cut. The forest was damaged by severe storms in 2020 and tops of
We will walk the Shore Line Trolley Museum tracks. There are several habitats and it’s a great trip 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, CT 06512. Leader: Mike Horn, 203-288-1891 or mfhorn@att.net
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
In March 2020, as many people began spending more time outside during the pandemic, Jim created a nature blog to help Connecticut residents discover more about nature right where they live. Join us as Jim presents a photographic essay through the seasons, sharing how extraordinary ordinary local wildlife can be. His presentation will feature many connections to Connecticut’s birdlife. Jim
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
Donald Grant Mitchell was drawn to nature from a very early age. Growing up on a farm in Salem, Connecticut, nature was always close at hand. Educated in the classics, Mitchell had a studied knowledge of the philosophy of beauty, especially the beauty of nature, through his exposure to the great writers and philosophers from an earlier time. His farm,
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
This walk is at 9:00 am. It was incorrectly listed on the website as starting at 8:00 am. 9:00 am is the correct time Get your new year off on the right foot by joining us on a hike at the Lake Bethany recreation area. Depending on conditions, we will either do a lap around the lake or take the
Canceled the First Wednesday Walk Jan 4, 2023 at Sherwood Island State Park. The leader is unable to attend. A NHBC member could consider posting an Impromptu Walk at Sherwood Island in lieu of the scheduled walk Join a midweek trip to this outstanding Long Island Sound birding spot. We check for loons, grebes, goldeneye, and other sea ducks.
Due to a COVID outbreak in the New Haven Area we are going to do this presentation remotely. Members will get an email with the details. This presentation will provide the history and management of Wild Turkeys in our state. Topics include the rise and fall of turkey populations, life history, predators, management programs, and vocalizations. Paul Benjuntas will demonstrate
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
(NOTE: This is a virtual presentation; the Zoom link will be sent to members via the NHBC email group) Armenia is a landlocked country surrounded by Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It has a total area of just under 12,000 square miles, mostly mountainous, and from time immemorial has been a migration route for birds between the European continent and
Moved to February 11 at 7 pm 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
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
Many of the New Haven Bird Club members participated in the Connecticut Bird Atlas project in 2018-21. Join us for an early look into the results of the CT Bird Atlas project with Dr. Chris Elphick, an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. His work focuses on the conservation ecology of
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
WINGSPAN GAME NIGHT The New Haven Bird Club will hold a Game Night for anyone who plays, or is interested in learning how to play Wingspan on Friday, March 17 from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m at the Whitney Center's Cultural Arts Center (same room where NHBC Monthly Meetings are held). WINGSPAN is a board game that debuted in 2019 that uses bird behavior and characteristics to control the flow of the
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
Most birds do not have a penis, and most ornithologists have not thought about bird penises much. However, evolutionarily, the loss of this organ in birds is an extremely significant event: why lose an organ that seems so handy to get sperm close to female eggs? The few birds that have kept their penis may offer some insights as to
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