Field Trips and Meetings
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First Wednesday Walk: CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford – Kathy Van Der Aue

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

Moved to Sept 7, Thursday due to thunderstorm prediction.  Time moved to 9:00 am 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 passerines. Ten or more species of shorebirds are possible, including American Golden Plover. Rain will cancel the day out. Kathy Van

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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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Indoor Program – Patrick Lynch – Field Guide to Long Island Sound

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

Patrick J. Lynch is an author, illustrator, photographer, and artist. Lynch retired from Yale University after 45 years as an interactive media designer, medical illustrator, biomedical and scientific photographer, video producer, a director of media and communications departments, and a designer of interactive multimedia teaching, training, and informational software and Web sites. Lynch is the author or co-author of eight

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Lighthouse Point Park Migration Festival, New Haven

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

Lighthouse Point Park Migration Festival Celebrating Birds, Butterflies & Dragonflies Sunday, September 17, 2017 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (No Rain Date) A suggested donation of $5.00 per car is requested to help fund next year’s event Come celebrate the spectacle and mystery of migration at one of the best places to see migrating wild hawks in New England! Lighthouse

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Farm River Birds & Botany, East Haven – Charles Strasser

Farm River State Park 96-98 Hoop Pole Lane, East Haven, CT, United States

Diversity Database will be presented. This is one of the smallest State Parks in Connecticut, and we’ll walk short distances to see the birds and the plants. Walk led by Mike Horn, Friend of the Farm River Estuary. Meet 9 AM at the entrance; 2 hours. Bring a folding chair or sit-upon. crstrasser@gmail.com 908-328-5563

Edgewood Park, New Haven – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

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 2 mile section of the West River. These parks look particularly “hot” on the radar maps for New Haven that show areas most used by birds in fall migration.  We will see what we can find! The walk is open to birders of all

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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. The circles are located at a number of birding hot spots throughout CT. Join other birders in one of

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Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale St. Park – Maria Stockmal

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

Here’s a chance to visit an outstanding birding spot that boasts a variety of habitats—open fields, woodlands, and ponds. We’ll look for fall migrants, including warblers, sparrows, flycatchers, and vireos. m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728  

Indoor Program – Steve Broker – Return of the Peregrine

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

Steve discusses the five known nest sites of peregrines in Connecticut during the period 1850-1948. He then summarizes his ongoing studies of the peregrines that have been nesting at West Rock Ridge State Park in Woodbridge since his discovery of a pair of falcons there in 1999. Peregrine life history strategies are the focus of these studies: territoriality, behavior, vocalizations,

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Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – Flo McBride

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 new parking lot on the Post Rd. New Directions: Take Exit 61 off I-95 (the usual Hammonasset exit).

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Lake Chamberlain; Cooper and Calebresi Farms – Pat Leahy

Lake Chamberlain Recreation Area corner of sperry rd and morris rd, Bethany, CT, United States

Join a fall walk to see what can be found at these picturesque locations. Lake Chamberlain, a Regional Water Authority property, has an active bluebird population, many woodpeckers, and a number of waterfowl that visit the lake before heading further south when the lake freezes over. The walk at Lake Chamberlain is relatively easy. After birding the RWA property, we

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Branford Supply Ponds, Branford – Maria Stockmal

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

Visit this first-rate birding spot to look for fall migrants and resident species. The area has varied habitats with woods, shrubby areas and a powercut. A variety of waterfowl can be found in the ponds. m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728

Cheshire Hotspots – Steve Broker

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

We bird several hotspots in the Town of Cheshire, including Boulder Knoll, Broad Brook Reservoir and associated trails, Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Cheshire Land Trust), and the Farmington Canal Lock 12. Boulder Knoll is good for sparrows in fall. Broad Brook reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. Fresh

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Fargeorge Wildlife Preserve; joint trip with the New Haven Land Trust – Mike Horn

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

Quinnipiac Meadows/Eugene B. 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. mfhorn@att.net 203-288-1891

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

This walk has been moved to Nov 8 due to tree damage from the weekend storm. 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

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Indoor Program – Dr. Andrea Townsend – How Will Climate Change Affect Warblers?: A Case Study Using Black-throated Blue Warblers

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

Dr. Townsend will describe general warbler behavior patterns that have been observed linking climate change to their behavior, fitness, and population trends.  Based on a 25-year mark and recapture study, and using climate data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire, she will also specifically present results of her own work with Black-throated Blue Warblers, Setophaga caerulescens. Dr.

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First Wednesday Walk: 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. birdshop@sbcglobal.net 203-421-4128 203-710-2011  

Lake Wintergreen, Hamden – John Triana

Lake Wintergreen 448 main street, Hamden, CT, United States

Join us for a pre-CBC walk around Lake Wintergreen in Hamden.  Depending on conditions, we may take a walk up to Baldwin Drive to have a look over to Woodbridge and Konold’s Pond. jtriana1@sbcglobal.net 203-758-7203

Surveying New Haven’s Area K for the Christmas Bird Count – Steve Broker

We survey Area K one week prior to the December 16 New Haven Christmas Bird Count. This highly productive area includes Ora Avenue/Proto Drive/Morris Creek Marshes, Cosey Beach, Lighthouse Point Park, Beacon Hill and the Trolley Line, Furnace Pond, and the lower Farm River. Area K typically produces 75-80 species on count day, including waterfowl, loons, herons, raptors, shorebirds, woodpeckers,

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Indoor Program – Dr. Shary Siksay – Funky Feathered Feet

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

While most bird talks focus on the obvious - gorgeous plumage, the intricacy of mating calls and dances, and other fascinating aspects of birds' lives, Dr. Shary Siksay's lecture will focus on the "funky feathered feet", going through the morphology, form, and function of avian feet. All types of avian feet will be discussed in terms of their evolution, how

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118th Annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count

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

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 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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Indoor Program – Chris Elphick PhD – Special Event: Connecticut Bird Atlas Kick-off

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

Moved to 1/11 due to snow storm Due to a full Indoor Program Lecture Schedule, there will be a special session to present the upcoming Connect Bird Atlas Project. The New Haven Bird Club and the state birding community will be called on to conduct surveys for the Connecticut Bird Atlas Project starting in 2018. The project will focus on

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Milford Hotspots – Frank Mantlik

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

We’ll 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 35

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The Second Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in New Haven County

Held on Super Bowl Weekend!!! Come join in on a fun and friendly event! Compete with other birders and win prizes and get your team’s name inscribed on the prestigious Mega Bowl Trophy! When:  Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 from 6 am to 5 pm.  (Dinner from 5:30 pm to 7 pm) Where: New Haven County from Milford to Madison (and

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Indoor Program – Nick Tiberio – History of Falconry

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

Nick Tiberio is the Director of Aviculture at the Livingston Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy (LRWC). Nick has over 15 years of professional experience working with avian species, and manages the LRWC flock. In addition to breeding and raising endangered waterfowl species, Nick is a Master Falconer and has worked with a number of birds of prey. Prior to joining the Conservancy,

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

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

Note: Moved to Feb 14 due to Weather 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 main entrance

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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

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

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First Wednesday Walk: 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 St. (Rt. 113); we carpool from there. mantlik@sbcglobal.net 203-984-9410

Indoor Program – Peter Picone – Songbirds and plants are inextricably linked

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

Mr. Peter Picone, DEEP Wildlife Biologist, will share with us his talk centered around insights on creating and enhancing seasonal wildlife habitat. He will describe his experiences in enhancing habitat both on state land and private land. Listeners will come away with several ideas about how to enhance the landscape on both a small and large scale. Integrated into this

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Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford

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

This walk has been canceled.  Bill is not able to lead the walk. Join Bill Batsford for a late winter walk at this urban park with varied habitat including woodlands, fields, streams, and ponds. Wood Duck, Hooded Mer Merganser, Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Brown Creeper are all possible. An Eastern Screech-Owl used a Wood Duck box in 2017.  Meet at

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The Richard English Memorial Field trip: Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary – Mike Horn

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

Please Note: This walk has changed dates from the Yearbook.  It was originally scheduled on April 7, 2018. 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

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First Wednesday Walk: CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford – Kathy Van Der Aue

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

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 Coastal Center parking lot. kathyvda@gmail.com home - 203-259-2426 cell - 203-331-7517

Indoor Program – John Triana – The New Haven Bird Club at 110

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

Members of the New Haven Bird Club are part of an extraordinary group of people dedicated to birds and their conservation. The New Haven Bird Club started in 1907 with a few dozen members, including school teachers, prominent citizens, and high school students. Over the last 110 years, there have been ups and downs. Our history includes some of the

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East Rock Birding and Trail Maintenance – Dan Barvir

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

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

Spring Migration Festival & Earth Day –

Trowbridge Environmental Center Trowbridge Environmental Center, New Haven, CT, United States

Information on birds, important bird plants for sale, music, food, fun for all ages. Bird walks at 9, 10, and 11 AM. Co-sponsored by Connecticut Audubon and the New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees.  Meet at East Rock Park, Trowbridge Environmental Center, corner of Orange Street and Mitchell Drive, New Haven.  

Beaver Ponds Park, New Haven – Craig Repasz

munson street new haven 371 Munson Street, New Haven, CT, United States

Beaver Ponds Park is one of the many Urban Oasis sites in New Haven. Friends of Beaver Park and the other Urban Oasis partners have maintained an area of rich plantings to offer the birds a food oasis. The park itself is excellent habitat, offering fresh water wetlands, forests, and fields. We can hope for Wood Duck, Ring-necked Duck, Common

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Bird Walk for Families at East Rock Park, Hamden -Flo McBride

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

Note:  this is a change to the date published in the yearbook. On this walk by East Rock Park's Mill River, children with accompanying adults are invited to help us look for warblers and other spring migrants. Other interested adults are also welcome to join the walk in this famous spring birding place. Bring binoculars and a field guide if

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Lake Chamberlain, Lake Dawson, and Lake Watrous – Bill Batsford, 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

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First Wednesday Walk: East Rock Park, Hamden – 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. john.oshlic@yahoo.com 203-584-1955 co leaders - Renee Baade rbaade@juno.com 203-526-7667 Bill Batsford 203-494-4325

East Rock Park with Ranger Dan

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. dbarvir@newhavenct.net 203-946-6086  

If You Plant Them They Will Come – East Rock Park – Deborah Johnson

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

Eli Whitney Museum staff share information on the master landscaping plan for the museum’s space along the Mill River adjoining East Rock Park, while the NHBC Conservation Committee provides—and seeks helpers for—planting bird-friendly plants at newly invasive-eradicated areas of East Rock Park and the Eli Whitney Museum property.  A bird walk follows, along the loop beginning & ending at the

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Bent of the River Important Bird Area, Southbury – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

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

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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. Meet at the commuter parking lot, I-95 exit 55. john.oshlic@yahoo.com 203-584-1955

Annual Celebration – Dr. Richard Prum

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

In the great halls of science, dogma holds that Darwin’s theory of natural selection explains every branch on the tree of life: which species thrive, which wither away to extinction, and what features each evolves. But can adaptation by natural selection really account for everything we see in nature?  Yale University ornithologist Richard Prum—reviving Darwin’s own views—thinks not. Deep in

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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.  Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. john.oshlic@yahoo.com 203-584-1955

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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Sleeping Giant State Park – 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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Canceled due to Weather – Housatonic River, Kent – Rene Baade

rt 7 & Bulls Bridge Rd, South Kent 312 Kent Road, South Kent, CT, United States

Unfortunately this walk has been canceled due to weather.   Today we enjoy the riparian woodlands along the Housatonic in Kent, CT. We meet at the parking area on the southwest corner of Bull’s Bridge Rd and Rt. 7 (Kent Rd.) south of Kent. We carpool from there, paralleling the Housatonic via Schaticoke Rd, and Skiff Mountain Rd to River

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Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale State Park – Maria Stockmal

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

Join us on a visit to this excellent birding location where we look for late spring migrants and early nesting species. The center and park have open fields, woods, ponds, and streams.  Meet at Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale State Park, 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728