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
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Field Trips and Meetings
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Adriaan Dokter – Radar Ornithology
Virtual MeetingVirtual 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
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
Nick Bonomo – Self-Found Big Year
TBDJoin 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
Field Trip – Hotspots in Winter, Milford – Frank Mantlik
Milford Commuter Lot exit 35 111 Schoolhouse rd, Milford, CT, United StatesWe 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
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
The Sixth Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in New Haven County – Chris Loscalzo
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
Gina Nichol – FLOCKOLOGY: Unravelling the Mysteries of Bird Flocks
TBDAs 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
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 States7 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.
Field Trip – White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield – Craig Repasz
White Memorial Foundation 80 Whitehall Road, Litchfield, CT, United StatesWhite 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
First Wednesday Field Trip – Stratford Shore & Great Meadows – Frank Mantlik
Dunkin Donuts - Frash Pond, Stratford 60 access road, Stratford, CT, United StatesJoin 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
TBDJulian 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 StatesRescheduled 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
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 StatesWe 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
First Wednesday Field Trip – CT Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point, Milford – Jalna Jaeger
Milford Point 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, CT, United StatesOriginally 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
TBDWhen 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
Field Trip – Osborndale State Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal
Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United StatesOsbornedale 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
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 StatesNote: 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
Field Trip – East Rock, New Haven – Dan Bavir
East Rock Park - English Drive Rice Field, New Haven, CT, United StatesJoin 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 StatesWe 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
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
First Wednesday Field Trip – East Rock Park, New Haven – John Oshlick
Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United StatesEast 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 StatesTake 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
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 StatesRiver 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
Field Trip – Hartman Park, Lyme – John Oshlick
the Branford commuter lot, Exit 55 off I-95. 342 East Main Street, Branford, CT, United StatesHartman 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
Tom Stephenson – “Warblers”
Amarante's Restaurant 62 Cove St, New Haven, CT, United StatesCome 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
Field Trip – Whip-poor-will Walk in Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Jack Swatt
Hunters mountain road 1021 Hunters mountain road, Naugatuck, CTRain 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
Field Trip – Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – Jim Sirch
Sleeping Giant 200 Mount Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT, United StatesSleeping 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
Field Trip – Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Chris Loscalzo
Rt 8 exit 25 commuter parking lot 245 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT, United StatesJoin 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
Field Trip – Durham hot spots, Durham – Steve Broker
Durham Skating Pond 81 Wallingford Rd, Durham, CT, United StatesWe 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
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 StatesJoin 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
Field Trip – Julius M. Hansen Park in North Haven. – Craig Repasz
Julius M. Hansen Park 53 Patten road, North Haven, United StatesWith 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
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 StatesThis 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
First Wednesday Field Trip – Mohawk Mountain State Park – Greg Hanisek
Mohawk Mountain State Park mohawk mountain state park, cornwall, CT, United StatesGreg 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
Field Trip – Chippens Hill Grassland Birds, Bristol – Jack Swatt
Roberts Field parking area 400 Perkins Street, Bristol, CTThe 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
Field Trip – June Birding at Morris Creek Marshes, East Haven – Steve Broker
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
Summer Breeding Bird Survey – New Haven count circle, New Haven -Mayo
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
Field Trip – Shorebirds and Terns at Milford Point, Milford – Frank Mantlik
Milford Point 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, CT, United StatesWe’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
Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal
Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United StatesWe 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,
Hawk Watch- Bird Count, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven – Steve Mayo
Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United StatesLighthouse 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
Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Hawk Watching Basics- Steve Mayo
Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United StatesWe'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
Indoor Program – Audubon Mural Project: A virtual Walking Tour – Leigh Hallingby
Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United States(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
Field Trip – Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford
Edgewood Park 361 West Rock Ave, New Haven, CT, United StatesEdgewood 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
Field Trip – Fresh Meadows, Cheshire Land Trust, Cheshire – Corris Folsom-O’Keefe
Fresh Meadows Preserve corner of cook hill road and corliss lane, cheshireNote: 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
Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven – Greg Hanisek
Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United StatesJoin 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
Bird Count – THE BIG SIT! ® – Anywhere You Want! – Craig Repasz
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
Field Trip – Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – Maria Stockmal
Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot - Hammo Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot, Madison, CT, United StatesVisit 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.
Indoor Program – A Photographer’s History of Ospreys in Connecticut – Bob MacDonnell
Whitney Center, Cultural Arts Center 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, CT, United StatesA 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
Field Trip – Fall Birds and Foliage along the West River, Bethany – Pat Leahy
Lake Bethany 179 hatfield hill road, Bethany, ctJoin 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