Field Trips and Meetings
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Field Trip – Great Meadows Unit, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Great Meadows Stratford 498 Long Beach Blvd, Stratford, CT

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

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Field Trip – Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford

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 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

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Field Trip – Fresh Meadows Land Trust – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Fresh Meadows Preserve corner of cook hill road and corliss lane, cheshire

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

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First Wednesday Field Trip – Lighthouse Park – Frank Gallo

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

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

Bird Count – The Big Sit®

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

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Field Trip – Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – Bill Batsford

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 parking lot on Boston Post Road. Directions: Take Exit 62 off I-95. At the end of the connector

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Dr. Connor Wood – From Spotted Owls to cell phones: the future of acoustic monitoring

Virtual Meeting

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

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Field Trip – Cheshire Hotspots – Steve Broker & Melissa Baston

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

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Field trip – Fargeorge Preserve, New Haven – Mike Horn

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

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

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Field Trip – Branford Suply Ponds – Maria Stockmal

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

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

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First Wednesday Field Trip: 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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Field Trip – Lake Hammonasset, Killingworth – John Triana

Lake Hammonasset Recreational Area Killingsworth, connecticut

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

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Dr. Lauryn Benedict – Female Bird Song

Virtual Meeting

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.

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First Wednesday Field Trip – 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. 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

Christmas Bird Count – December 18th

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

Adriaan Dokter – Radar Ornithology

Virtual Meeting

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.

122nd Annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count – New Haven Count Circle

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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First Wednesday Field Trip – Sherwood Island, Westport – Tina Green

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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Nick Bonomo – Self-Found Big Year

TBD

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

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Field Trip – Hotspots in Winter, Milford – Frank Mantlik

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

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

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First Wednesday Field Trip – Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Greg Hanisek

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

Gina Nichol – FLOCKOLOGY: Unravelling the Mysteries of Bird Flocks

TBD

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

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Field Trip – 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

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. 

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Field Trip – White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield – Craig Repasz

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

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

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First Wednesday Field Trip – 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 Street (Route 113); we carpool from there.  Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net

Julian Hough – Birding Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel

TBD

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.

Field Trip – Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford

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

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

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Field Trip – The Richard English Memorial Field Trip: Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Refuge – Mike Horn

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

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

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First Wednesday Field Trip – CT Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point, Milford – Jalna Jaeger

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

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

Dr. Lorna Gibson – Fantastic Feathers: Form and Function

TBD

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

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Field Trip – Osborndale State Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal

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

Osbornedale State Park offers a variety of species in its fields, forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise as species are discovered walking through the park. A flyover Bald Eagle, nesting Bluebirds, early warbler migrants, Green Heron, and Orchard Oriole are possible, as well as Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and several thrush species. We will explore the

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Seminar and Field Trip – Birding by Ear , Bent of the River, Southbury – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

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

Note: This walk was on Saturday April 23 in the yearbook.  It has been moved to Sunday, April 24,2022 Webinars start Wednesday, April 6, 7–7:45 p.m. Walk on Sunday, April 24, 2022 Group 1: 8–9:30 a.m.Birding by Ear: Webinar Series and Walk Group 2: 10–11:30 a.m.  Limited enrollment, pre-registration required Learning bird songs and calls increases one's perception of what

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Field Trip – East Rock, New Haven – Dan Bavir

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, New Haven. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-208-1415 or danielb145@comcast.net

Field Trip – Lower East Rock, New Haven – Florence McBride

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

We will bird trails by the Mill River, looking for spring migrants—especially warblers—and observing resident species and their behavior, in this area famous for its spring birds. The walk is likely to continue after 10:30 a.m. if the weather cooperates and there's a lot of bird activity. Meet at 8 a.m. in the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney

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Field Trip- Bent of the River Important Bird Area, Southbury – Morgan Evans

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; families are welcome. We will not only see and hear birds, but will

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First Wednesday Field Trip – East Rock Park, New Haven – 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. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@yahoo.com

Field Trip – Big Day Marathon – John Oshlick

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

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 6 a.m. at the

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Field Trip – Travels Along a ‘Riparian Woodland Corridor’ , River Road, Kent – Craig Repasz

rt 7 and 341 in kent rt 7 and 341, Kent, CT, United States

River Road in Kent along the Housatonic River provides a major north-south riparian corridor for spring migration. The vast uninterrupted forest rising from the river provides ideal habitat and a beautiful walk. River Road has produced a nice variety of Northwestern Connecticut nesting species including Acadian and Least Flycatchers; Yellow-throated and Blue-headed Vireos; Winter Wren; and Cerulean, Golden-winged, and Worm-eating

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Field Trip – 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. The Hartman Park walk involves a moderate distance walk on moderately strenuous terrain. Meet at the commuter parking lot, I-95 exit 55. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955

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Tom Stephenson – “Warblers”

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

Come join the fun at the New Haven Bird Club’s Annual Banquet with guest speaker Tom Stephenson. Tom is described as a "birder's birder" by The New Yorker. Tom's articles and photographs are in museums and many publications including Birding, Birdwatcher's Digest, Handbook of the Birds of the World, Handbook of the Mammals of the World, and Guide to the

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

Hunters mountain road 1021 Hunters mountain road, Naugatuck, CT

Rain date: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 8:00–10 p.m. Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club member and CT 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

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Field Trip – Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – 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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Field Trip – 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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Field Trip – Durham hot spots, Durham – Steve Broker

Durham Skating Pond 81 Wallingford Rd, Durham, CT, United States

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

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Field Trip – Lake Chamberlain, Lake Dawson, and Lake Watrous, Woodbridge/Bethany – 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 Lake

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Field Trip – Julius M. Hansen Park in North Haven. – Craig Repasz

Julius M. Hansen Park 53 Patten road, North Haven, United States

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

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Field Trip – Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Bill Batsford

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

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

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First Wednesday Field Trip – Mohawk Mountain State Park – Greg Hanisek

Mohawk Mountain State Park mohawk mountain state park, cornwall, CT, United States

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

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