To search for all future field trips/walks, try entering the word field or walk. For meetings, enter the word meeting.
Join us for a vigorous walk around Lake Hammonasset in search of fall birds. The walk will be a loop of the entire lake. The terrain is easy to moderate, but there are plenty of uneven surfaces, so wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Lake Hammonasset recreation parking lot on Route 80 in Killingworth. Leader: John Triana, 203-430-2473 or jtriana1@sbcglobal.net Follow all Covid
Kristi Dranginis is the founder of Bird Mentor, a resource for live and online courses helping people worldwide build confidence learning about birds and the natural world. Through her courses, students are immersed in the principles of instinctive birding, deep nature connection, bird language, and her innovative model for advanced bird identification. She recently published a book entitled Identify Any
Join us for an evening with Mary Ellen Lemay, Landowner Engagement Director for the Aspetuck Land Trust and Pollinator Pathway Facilitator for the Hudson to Housatonic partner network. With over 85 towns in CT and NY in various stages of launching Pollinator Pathways, this landowner-outreach strategy has taken the region by storm in only two years. By planting natives, avoiding
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
Join us for an evening with Al Batt, Bird Watcher's Digest's beloved humor columnist who will be speaking about "spark birds." What is your spark bird? Did a little birdie tell you to watch it or it would treat you like a statue in the park, did a penguin singing like a winter wren fly over your head, or did
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 lot on Boston Post Road. Directions: Take Exit 62 off I-95. At the end of the connector
THE MEGA BOWL OF BIRDING IN 2021! The Mega Bowl is a fun and friendly activity that celebrates birds, birders, and birding! Participants go birding alone or in small groups in the CT county of their choice, trying to observe as many species as they can. Birders are awarded points for seeing each species observed, with a range of 1
Join us for an evening with Dr. Sean Williams, professor of Behavior, Ecology, and Ornithology at College of the Holy Cross, as he discusses his most recent research Variation in seed availability of the boreal forests drives variation in redpoll abundance in New England winters. In some years, redpolls "irrupt" into southern New England, allowing for unique opportunities to study them.
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. As one of the best birding sites in the state and an Important Bird Area, White Memorial Foundation has approximately 35 miles
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 for birds of prey, including Rough-legged Hawk and several owl species. We’ll also be on
Kevin Powers, steward at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in Massachusetts, will provide an update on shearwater migration and research on coastal birds.
Join us for an evening with Maureen Heidtmann, Master Wildlife Conservationist, for an overview of bats of the world with an emphasis on our local species. She will cover the persisting myths and misconceptions about these fascinating creatures, the many roles bats play to ensure a healthy planet, and the perils bats face in their struggle for survival. She also
Join us to hear about Julie Zickefoose's lastest book, Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard Luck Jay. When Jemima, an orphaned Blue Jay, is brought to wildlife rehabilitator Julie Zickefoose, she is a palm-sized bundle of gray-blue fluff. But she is starved and very sick. Julie’s constant care brings her around, and as Jemima is raised for eventual
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. Steve Mayo, Coordinator, 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
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
Due to the unfortunate behavior of some people at Milford Point the Connecticut Audubon has decided to suspend group trips at Milford point until after breeding and fledgling is done. This trip has been cancelled. 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
Virtual meeting Each year bird-aircraft collisions (birdstrikes) cause millions of dollars in damage to both civil and military aviation. The Smithsonian’s Feather Identification Lab identifies over 10,000 birdstrike cases annually using microscopy, DNA, and the vast research collections housed at the National Museum of Natural History. Knowing the species of birds that cause damage is a fundamental step in birdstrike
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. Leaders Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Connecticut, and Kris
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
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 mostly level ground. Do wear
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: Frank Gallo, 203-644-2163 or peeplo@aol.com
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 a 17-foot diameter circle. There are local circles at a number of birding hot spots throughout Connecticut. Join other birders in one of the
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 parking lot on Boston Post Road. Directions: Take Exit 62 off I-95. At the end of the connector
Low-cost audio recording hardware and high-performance sound analysis software have opened up new frontiers in bird conservation. Dr. Connor Wood of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s K. Lisa Yang Center for Conservation Bioacoustics traces his own involvement in the field of bioacoustics from the development of a new paradigm in Spotted Owl population monitoring and its evolution towards a program
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
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 walk has been canceled due to Inclement Weather Forecast 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 view of the lower Quinnipiac River. Walking is on flat surfaces. Go South on Quinnipiac Avenue from
This a good time to look for late spring migrants 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 has been damaged by severe storms in
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
Join us for a vigorous walk around Lake Hammonasset in search of fall birds. The walk will be a loop of the entire lake. The terrain is easy to moderate, but there are plenty of uneven surfaces, so wear sturdy shoes. Meet at the Lake Hammonasset recreation parking lot on Route 80 in Killingworth. Rain cancels Leader: John Triana, 203-758-7203
Virtual meeting Join us to learn about female bird song with Dr. Benedict from the University of Northern Colorado. Her research focuses on bird song as a model system for understanding how signals evolve in nature. Her current projects examine the function and evolution of male and female vocalizations among Colorado wren species, New World sparrows, and Old World warblers.
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 at Hammonasset Beach State Park parking area, Boston Post Road, Madison, just left (east) of the Park’s main entrance road. Leader: Jerry Connolly, 203-710-2011 or birdshop@sbcglobal.net
Please join us and be part of this great annual tradition. The cure for holiday craziness and pressure. Spend a great day in the field. Click here for details
Virtual Meeting Adriaan Dokter is a Research Associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology who studies avian populations and seasonal migrations of birds. He leverages or develops weather radar networks as well as individual tags to address questions in migration ecology. He will talk about his latest projects. Sign on information will be sent to members in an email message.
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
Join us to hear about Nick's Self-Found Big Year (SFBY)—a Big Year in which you cannot count birds found by other people. In other words, instead of chasing rare birds found by others, you are forced to find your own. The practice really encourages exploration and discovery. The talk will include an introduction to the SFBY and then a tour
We will 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
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 the Park’s main entrance road. Leader: Greg Hanisek, ctgregh@yahoo.com
The Sixth Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in New Haven County and Connecticut will be held on Saturday, February 5th from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.. The Zoom meeting to go over the results will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Join us for a fun and friendly event! Compete with other birders and win prizes and get your team’s name
As birders and wildlife enthusiasts, we can't help but marvel at large gatherings of birds. Many bird species spend time in flocks that can range in size from just a few birds to tens of thousands, even millions. Flocks of birds, whether they be in the air or on the ground, can offer a magnificent spectacle. This presentation asks the
7 am to 5 pm 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.
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. As one of the best birding sites in the state and an Important Bird Area, White Memorial Foundation has approximately 35 miles
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 (Route 113); we carpool from there. Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net
Julian Hough of Nature Images will share his experiences birding Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel. NOTE: Please check the NHBC website and newsletter periodically for updated information on all programs. We hope to resume in-person meetings in January 2022, but all plans are tentative at this time.
Rescheduled to March 26th due to weather 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 Cemetery if the Bald Eagles are again nesting there. The walking
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 all-day trip; bring lunch and dress warmly. This trip almost always has a high species count. Meet at
Originally scheduled for April 6th - moved due to weather 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
When we think of birds, we think of feathers. Feathers give birds their color, from the bright red of a male Cardinal to the iridescent reds and greens of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Feathers keep birds warm and dry: down provides excellent insulation against heat loss and water really does roll off a duck’s back. Feathers form the aerodynamic shape of the