Field Trips and Meetings
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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

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Carolyn Cimino

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

Note: this is a date change from our published yearbook. This will be our 14th annual trip to this excellent birding spot. We’ll meet at the commuter lot at Exit 55 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,

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The Outer Cape (Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts)

This weekend of birding and fellowship is being made available to 15 club members by advance registration.  Late spring birding on the Outer Cape always is productive.  Our birding localities during the three-day period include Fort Hill (Eastham), Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary/Massachusetts Audubon Society, Wellfleet Harbor, the Herring River and Herring River Estuary, the kettle ponds and the dwarf oak

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Branford Supply Ponds – 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. Meet at Branford Supply Ponds parking lot, Chestnut Street, off Rte. 1, Branford. m.stockmal@snet.net 203-305-3728

Pond Mountain Trust, Kent – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Pond Mountain Trust, Inc. includes 796 acres of deciduous woodlands, pockets of conifers, meadows, streams, wetlands, and Fuller Pond.   The Trust is part of the Macedonia Forest Block Important Bird Area, which was identified for its importance to Cerulean Warbler, Wood Thrush, and other forest nesting birds.The trip involves moderately strenuous hiking, but is open to birders of all levels;

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First Wednesday Walk: Mohawk Mountain State Park – Greg Hanisek

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 in Cornwall, four miles west of Goshen.

Summer Bird Count

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.   rsdmayo@sbcglobal.net  203-393-0694

Whip-poor-will walk in Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Jack Swatt

Note: rain date June 23 - same time 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

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Field Trip – Cancelled – Shorebirds and Terns at Milford Point – Frank Mantlik

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

This trip is cancelled due to predicted thunderstorms. This will be a trip to study shorebirds and terns, which should be here in concentration now. We will walk out on the sand flats at mid-tide, then see the numbers of birds build as the tide rises. Wear waterproof shoes or sandals, and apply sunscreen. We'll finish by about noon. mantlik@sbcglobal.net 

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Field Trip – Lighthouse Point Park Bird Walk / Prep for Migration Festival – Dan Barvir

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

Join Park Ranger Dan Barvir on a late summer bird walk at Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor. Then, beginning around 9:30 AM, we’ll perform some light trail maintenance and cleanup. This is a great way to enjoy looking at birds and at the same time help preserve their habitat.  Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park,

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Field Trip – Long Wharf Nature Preserve and Urban Oasis – Deborah Johnson

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

Our second annual trip to this evolving and ever-improving site in the heart of downtown New Haven. An environmentally focused, family-friendly morning learning about the Urban Oases projects in the New Haven Harbor Watershed. A one-mile walk along the harbor shoreline and three separate ecosystems as the ground rises from sea level. NHBC Conservation Chair joins with Audubon’s Bird Conservation

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Bird Count – Hawk Watch, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven; Daily September to December

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

Daily from September 1 Lighthouse Point Park on New Haven Harbor is one of the premier locations in southern New England for observing migrating raptors as well as a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at 7 AM and continues as long as the hawks keep flying. Stop by anytime. Coordinator - Steve Mayo - rsdmayo@sbcglobal.net    

Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford – Milan Bull

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

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. Milan Bull -  mbull@ctaudubon.org  cell - 203-610-5097

September Indoor Meeting – Jim Zipp – Connecticut Birding Through the Seasons: Watching and Photographing the Ever-changing Bird life That Surrounds Us Throughout the Year

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

We'll travel in time through a year in Connecticut and watch our bird life change just as our seasons do. Jim will talk about his photographic techniques and pass on some tips on how to improve your captures. Jim has been photographing birds for over 40 years. Much of that time has been in Connecticut but also includes travels throughout

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Migration Festival – Lighthouse Point, New Haven – Dan Barvir

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

Click Here for the full brochure This festive event is sponsored by the New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation and Trees; the NHBC; and other fine organizations. Click Here to see the Lighthouse Point 2018 Migration Fest Flyer 8:00 am-ongoing      Hawk Watching 8:00 am - 9:30    Bird Walk with Chris Loscalzo 8:30 am - 11:00   Bird Banding Demo

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Field Trip – Yale Golf Course, New Haven, CT – 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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Field Trip – Autumn Along Marginal Drive at the West River Memorial Park – Dennis Riordan

west river memorial park rt 34 location rt 34 and marginal drive, New Haven, CT, United States

Note: this is a change from the yearbook on the starting location of the walk. The West River Memorial Park is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and is part of the New Haven Harbor Urban Refuge Partnership. Species counts have increased since the removal of the tide gates at Rt.1 and the planting of native food-producing shrubs and pollinator

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Field Trip – First Wednesday – Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven – 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. Frank Gallo - peeplo@aol.com   cell- 203-644-2163  

Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale St. Park, Derby – 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.  Meet at Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale State Park, 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby. m.stockmal@snet.net  cell - 203-305-3728

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

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

Note: This is a change in date from the Yearbook, the walk was moved from 09/29, Saturday to 10/7, Sunday 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

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October Indoor Meeting – Frank Mantlik – A Passion for Rarities

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

When one has been an avid student of field-birding for a time, one eventually will "discover" a bird rare to their area. Our speaker has found his share of rarities over the years, including several first records for Connecticut. Many birders have caught the "rarity bug," resulting in some miraculous finds in recent years. Mr. Mantlik will discuss methods to

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