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Matthew Bell -Magee Marsh and the Biggest Week in American Birding – Cancelled

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

Canceled due to Covid-19 Join Matt Bell as he talks about his experiences at Magee Marsh and The Biggest Week in American Birding, one of the largest birding festivals in the world. From numerous warblers that surround you at eye-level, to the lifelong friends made each year, the spectacle of The Biggest Week is one all birders should have on

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East Rock Birding and Trail Maintenance, New Haven – Cancelled

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

Meet for a bird walk from 8–9:30 a.m., then join Park Ranger Dan Barvir to help with light trail maintenance along the river until noon. Bring work gloves and pruning shears if you have them. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.net

The Richard English Memorial Field Trip: Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Refuge, New Haven, Killingworth & Madison- Cancelled

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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West Rock Ridge State Park: New Haven, Hamden, and Woodbridge – Cancelled

West Rock Ridge State Park Entrance 1134 wintergreen ave, New Haven, CT, United States

We focus on just two breeding species for this trip to West Rock Ridge State Park: Peregrine Falcon and Common Raven. A pair of Peregrine Falcons selected West Rock as their home base in 1999, thereby becoming one of the first breeding pairs in Connecticut in the post-DDT era. Since then, seven different females and seven different males (tiercels) have

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Birding by Ear, Bent of the River, Southbury – Cancelled

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

Bird song can be wonderfully confusing and terrifyingly daunting for beginners. Join us for a seminar presentation in the Barn at the Audubon Connecticut’s Bent of the River to begin learning bird song. After the presentation we will practice our new skills with a bird walk through a prime birding location along the Pomperaug River. More than 100 species of

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East Rock Park with Ranger Dan, New Haven – Cancelled

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, 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.net

Bird Walk for Families at East Rock Park – Cancelled

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

Children with accompanying adults are invited to this walk by the park's Mill River, where we’ll look for warblers and other spring migrants. Other interested adults are also welcome to join us in this famous spring birding place.  Meet at 9:00 AM in the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, and bring binoculars and a field guide if

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Bent of the River Important Bird Area, Southbury- Cancelled

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

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 Walk: East Rock Park, New Haven- Cancelled

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. Leaders: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com; Bill Batsford, 203-494-4325 or william.batsford@yale.edu

Big Day Marathon, New Haven Area- Cancelled

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. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com

Native Food-Producing Plants and Birds, New Haven- Cancelled

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

Help the Eli Whitney Museum, Principal Gardener & Artist in Residence Alexis Brown, and the Mill River Watershed Association plant bird-friendly native plants for enhancing the landscape around the covered bridge and the trail along the river adjoining East Rock Park. The NHBC provides information about invasive plants inhibiting growth of native bird-friendly food-producing plants and trees. Work for 2

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Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck- Cancelled

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 Warbler. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Scarlet Tanagers, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, and many other birds are resident

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Hartman Park, Lyme- Cancelled

commuter lot rt 95 at exit 57 Guilford Commuter Lot, 1691-1749 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, Guilford, 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. Meet at the commuter parking lot, I-95 exit 57.  Note:  the yearbook indicated exit 55 which is closed. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com

Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden- Cancelled

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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“Travels Along a ‘Riparian Woodland Corridor’” – River Road, Kent- Cancelled

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

The New Haven Bird Club traveled to River Road in May 1991 and documented the first nesting of Yellow-throated Warbler in Connecticut. Subsequent NHBC trips to River Road have produced a nice variety of Northwestern Connecticut nesting species. We return this year to River Road at the peak of the spring migration. In his 1978 publication, 25 Birding Areas in

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Lake Chamberlain, Lake Dawson, and Lake Watrous, Bethany & Woodbridge- Cancelled

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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Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington- Cancelled

commuter lot rt 95 at exit 57 Guilford Commuter Lot, 1691-1749 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, Guilford, CT, United States

This will be our 15th annual trip to this excellent birding spot. We’ll meet at the commuter lot at Exit 57 off 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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Julius M. Hansen Park, North Haven- Cancelled

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

With its rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, traprock ridge, and riparian woods this park holds promise of becoming a prominent birding destination for the Club. We will meet at the parking lot on Patten Road. From exit 12 off Interstate 91, turn left onto Blakeslee Avenue and follow it until it ends at Bassett Road. Take a right at

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First Wednesday Walk: White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield- Cancelled

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

Note: this walk was listed as Mohawk Mountain State Park in the Yearbook.  It has been changed to White Memorial Foundation. 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 migrants. Notable breeding species

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Whip-poor-will Walk in Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck- Cancelled

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

Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club member and 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 while we listen for the distinctive call. A sighting?

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Connecticut Trails Days- Cancelled

Find a trail and hike it this weekend! Connecticut Trails Day is organized and produced by Connecticut Forest & Park Association. NHBC sponsors hikes along the West River in New Haven on both days (Pond Lily Preserve, Edgewood Park, and West River Memorial Park), in cooperation with the West River Watershed Coalition and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Details

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New Haven Summer Bird Count – New Haven Count Circle- Cancelled

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. Meet at various points. Leader: Steve Mayo, 203-393-0694 or scmayo999@gmail.com

Osprey Open Day – West River Memorial Park, New Haven- Cancelled

west river memorial park parking lot rt 34 and ella t grasso blvd, new haven, CT, United States

The West River Memorial Park is a designated IBA (Important Bird Area) and is part of the New Haven Harbor Urban Refuge Partnership. The Urban Oasis here improves annually, and the Osprey platform has been active with the same male-female pair for many years. By this time in June, the chicks will have hatched and be visible on the nest,

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CT Bird Atlas Block Busting Event- Cancelled

The location of the block(s) will be announced a few weeks prior to the event. You are invited to join the New Haven Bird Club as we lead a field trip to observe and document breeding bird activity in Connecticut Atlas blocks that are not being covered by a Block adopter. We will travel to one of the more remote

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Long Wharf Nature Preserve and Urban Oasis, New Haven- Cancelled

Long Wharf Nature Preserve long wharf nature preserve, New Haven, CT, United States

This will be our fourth trip to this evolving and ever-improving site in the heart of downtown New Haven. An environmentally-focused family-friendly late afternoon walk on a falling tide as the shorebird migration gets under way. We’ll begin with a one-mile walk along the trail to the urban oasis and circle to the harbor, traveling through three separate ecosystems as

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Chris Wood – “Rays of the Sun” – A Hummingbird Sampler

Virtual Meeting

Called “rays of the sun (huitzitzil)” by the Aztecs, who also thought them reincarnations of brave warriors, hummingbirds have long captured imaginations and affection for their colors, boldness, and diversity. Wood has travelled to several neotropical regions and the southwestern United States, in addition to our own backyard in Connecticut, collecting observations and photographs of nearly 100 different hummingbirds. He

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Annual Migration Festival, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven

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

This festive event is sponsored by the New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees (NHDPRT), the New Haven Bird Club, and other fine organizations. Depending on coronavirus restrictions and safety precautions, there may be hawk watching, bird banding, live raptor demonstrations, bird walks, and more. Check the NHDPRT and NHBC websites for current information. Meet at Lighthouse Point Park,

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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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Fresh Meadows, Cheshire Land Trust – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Cheshire Land Trust’s Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary 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

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Yale University Golf Course – 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 such

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First Wednesday Walk – Lighthouse Point – 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 Follow all Covid precautions. Preregistration capped

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Gina Nichol – Japan in Winter

Virtual Meeting

The winter wildlife of Japan offers a number of spectacles unmatched in the wild! Tens of thousands of cranes of at least five species can be seen feeding on snowy fields or flying in to roost against the backdrop of glorious sunsets in Kagoshima. The famous dancing Red-crowned Cranes are in full performance in Kushiro. Snow Monkeys (Japanese Macaques) frolic

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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 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

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Hammonasett 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 Shoreline Greenway Trail parking lot on Boston Post Road. Directions: Take Exit 62 off I-95. At the end

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Fall Birds and Foliage along the West River – Pat Leahy

Lake Bethany 179 hatfield hill road, Bethany, ct

  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 trails. Meet at

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Cheshire Hotspots – Steve Broker & Melissa Baston

boulder knoll farm 875 boulder road, cheshire, CT, United States

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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Fargeorge Preserve, New Haven – Mike Horn

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

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 views of the lower Quinnipiac River. Walking is on flat surfaces. From Route 80, go south on Quinnipiac Avenue. Make a right just past the railroad overpass. Go

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First Wednesday – Sherwood Island State Park, 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 the

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Lake Hammonasset- 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. Leader: John Triana, 203-430-2473 or jtriana1@sbcglobal.net Follow all Covid

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Kristi Dranginis Identify Any Bird Anywhere – In 8 Easy Lessons

Virtual Meeting

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

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Mary Ellen Lemay Pollinator Pathways and The Green Corridor: Improving Biodiversity on Protected Land in Our Own Yards

Virtual Meeting

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

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First Wednesday Walk: 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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Al Batt – What are you looking at???

Virtual Meeting

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

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First Wednesday Walk: Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Greg Hanisek

Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot - Hammo Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot, Madison, CT, United States

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

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2021 Mega Bowl of Birding!

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

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Dr. Sean Williams – Redpoll Identification and Biology

Virtual Meeting

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.

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Sparrows and Speculaas, White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

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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Sachuest Point NWR and Rhode Island Coast – Chris Loscalzo

commuter lot rt 95 at exit 57 Guilford Commuter Lot, 1691-1749 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, Guilford, CT, United States

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

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Kevin Powers – Shearwaters

Virtual Meeting

Kevin Powers, steward at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary in Massachusetts, will provide an update on shearwater migration and research on coastal birds.

Maureen Heidtmann Bats: Their Lives and Lore – LIVE ANIMALS

Virtual Meeting

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

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