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THE BIG SIT!®, established by the NHBC, has become an international event, with birders from all over the world participating in it. 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
Recently, in collaboration with Prof. Eric Brown from the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science at Yale and Prof. Rick Prum from the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Yale, Corey O'Hern has begun investigating the mechanical and structural properties of bird nests. This work was featured in Episode 1 (The Nest) of the PBS Nature documentary, "Animal
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. Leader - Flo McBride - email fmcb_warbler@yahoo.com, phone - h.203-288-6777
This walk has been canceled due to much needed rain! 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. Leader Maria Stockmal email - m.stockmal@snet.net, phone h.203-305-3728
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. Location is the main parking lot inside the park off the Sherwood Island Connector, Exit 18 off I-95 in Westport. Leader Tina Green,
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. Quinnipiac Meadows. Go south on Quinnipiac Ave. from Rt. 80 (Foxon Rd.). Turn right just past the RR overpass and go
See how photographing birds has changed over the years, from film based photography, to digital and now even iPhones! In today's digital world it's become a lot easier, with more and more birders photographing birds as well as watching them. Jim will show lots of photographs of birds we all love so much, recorded in U.S. locations ranging from here
We will meet at the refuge headquarters building just past the main gate at 6:25 AM SHARP (Bathrooms open 24/7) and tour the many ponds, pools and fields where you may see and photograph as many as 100,000 Snow Geese as well as many other fall migrants from raptors to shore birds. We will also visit other spots in the
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
Spend some time at one of Fairfield County’s top-notch birding locations. We will look for a wide range of species from waterfowl to finches and everything in between. Leader Tina Green - email tina@renaissancestudios.com, phone c.203-247-2660
Note: moved to Thursday Dec 8 due to Wednesday's bad weather forecast. 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. Leader Jerry Connolly, email birdshop@sbcglobal.net, phone h.203-421-4128, c.203-710-2011
When the sun retreats, owls awaken to go in search of prey. Some say that owls are wise, others that they sparked legends of ghosts. Naturalist Frank Gallo will help uncover the mysteries of these amazing nocturnal hunters, especially those species that co-exist in our area. It’s a hoot! Frank is a leading expert on where to find birds in
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
Today we’ll explore this beautiful coastline park. It has ponds, fields, shrubs—and lots of shoreline. We will look for raptors, loons, grebes, all three scoters, Eiders (King Eider has been seen here), Bufflehead, and Goldeneye. Snow Bunting and Horned Lark are likely too. Leader: Tina Green, email tina@renaissancestudios.com, phone c.203-247-2660
Patrick Comins didn’t set out to do a big photo year in 2014, but by mid-January it was game on. The madness didn’t stop until New Year’s Eve 2014 with a trip on a cod boat on a bitterly cold day. By sundown he had captured #308, a Dovekie that landed close to the boat. Along the way Patrick captured
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 off Exit
Join us as we visit this premier CT birding location for a mid-winter excursion. We’ll be looking for sea ducks, shorebirds, grassland species and winter finches as we check several areas in the park, including the campgrounds. We will meet at the Nature Center parking lot. Leader: Paul Wolter, email - Pwolter6@earthlink.net, phone 860-681-5548
Please Note Date and Leader Change!! Changed to Thursday!!! 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 the parking area just left (east) of main entrance road. Leader - Steve Broker, 203-747-2806
MEGA BOWL RULES 1. Have Fun. The Mega Bowl is a celebration of birds, birding, and birders. Enjoy the birds that you see and the birders with whom you see them. 2. Be safe. The Mega Bowl is held in the middle of winter. It will be cold and roads and trails may be icy. Remember: SAFETY FIRST. Do not
This meeting has been canceled due to the Nor'easter Storm. Stay warm and safe! 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
(Snow date, Sunday, February 26, 2017) 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
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 Rd., Stratford, near the intersection with Main St. (Rt. 113). We carpool from there. Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net
This is always a popular evening. We all love it! It's so much fun to share our prized photographs, stories of exciting encounters with wild birds, and descriptions of those special places where we always find the unique migrants. And those of us who are too shy to present sure enjoy seeing the photos, listening to those stories and planning
Cancelled due to bad weather Today we will search for plankton-feeding flocks of gulls, including the rare Little and Black-headed Gulls. We’ll also hope to see Northern Gannets plunge-feeding offshore. Wear waterproof shoes for walking on the tidal mudflats, and dress warmly. We may also carpool to nearby sites. Meet at Southport Beach, 1505 Pequot Ave., Southport, located at
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, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford. Leader: Stephen Spector, 203-876-7461 (home), 203-928-8089 (cell), or charsjs@sbcglobal.net
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 Ave., Hamden. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.net
We start at Lighthouse Point Park and 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
Our first spring invasive plant cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 8, 9:00 am-12:00 noon at Haddam Meadows State Park. Rain Date is Saturday, April 22. We will remove oriental bittersweet and other invasives and pick up litter. Adults and youth under 16 years of age accompanied by an adult, are invited to participate. Meet at the boat launch.
Note: the yearbook had the wrong date for this talk. April 20th is the correct date. We changed from the usual date to not conflict with religious holidays. Ever since the age of 8 years old, Tom Sayers has spent much of his free time wandering the woods and fields fascinated by the complexity and diversity of the natural world.
Take part in a crucial conservation project. Help remove garlic mustard from East Rock Park, an Important Bird Area that is a vital migratory bird stopover and breeding habitat. This invasive plant is a pernicious, prolific pest that can overrun forested areas, squeeze out native spring flowers, kill butterfly caterpillars, and alter the habitat of our native birds. In three
Cancelled due to inclement weather, better luck next year. Join Past NHBC President Bill Batsford to check out this excellent birding area. Lake Chamberlain, a Regional Water Authority property, is surrounded by coniferous forest and also has open fields and thickets. Early spring migrants likely to be seen are Palm and Pine Warblers, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo, and Eastern
Ever wanted to learn to bird by ear? On this walk, we will learn mnemonics for about 25 common bird species and look for early spring migrants at Lufberry Memorial Park, a wooded path located on a ridge above the Quinnipiac River. From "tree hugger, tree hugger, tree" to "drink your tea," you will learn a number of silly phrases
Enjoy a walk at this great birding location. The nature center has a small pond, grassy fields, thickets, wetlands, and woods. The woods have had Northern Goshawk and Great Horned Owls nesting there, and there often are surprises. Meet at the Nature Center parking lot, 10 Deerfield Lane, Ansonia. Leader: Maria Stockmal, 203-305-3728 or m.stockmal@snet.net
On this walk by the 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 you have them. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney
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 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Leaders: Jerry Connolly 203-421-4128 (home), 203-710-2011 (cell), or birdshop@sbcglobal.net; John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@yahoo.com; Bill Batsford, 203-787-1542 (home), 203-494-4325 (cell), or william.batsford@yale.edu
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. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.net
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 Rd, listening and looking for spring migrants. The area is
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 the National Audubon Society. The trip involves moderately strenuous hiking. Meet at 85 E Flat Hill Rd, Southbury, CT. Take Exit 14 off Rt.
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 I-95; exit 55 commuter lot. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@yahoo.com
The Greek Island of Lesvos is renowned for its ancient history, incomparable natural beauty and tradition of hospitality. Celebrated as the Princess of the Northwest Aegean Sea, this stunning island has become known by birders as one of the best locations in Europe to witness spring migration. In late April and early May, a continual stream of migrating birds pass
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@yahoo.com
Less well known as a hotspot for spring migrants and nesting species than is East Rock, West Rock is, in fact, one of the premier places in Connecticut to observe and study birds at this time of year. Lacking the closely associated lake, river, slope, and ridge top environs seen at East Rock, West Rock is far more spread out:
Kept in its natural state, Janie Pierce Park is approx. 60 acres of scenic woodland that surround Transylvania Pond located in Southbury. We will hike around the Transylvania Lake there. It is a fairly easy walk, less than 2 miles, but know that it is mainly a boardwalk and tree root trail. Afterwards we will drive to Earth Tones, a
This will be our thirteenth annual trip to this excellent birding spot. We’ll meet at the commuter lot at Exit 55 of 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
For a number of years, members of the New Haven Bird Club have maintained about 50 nest boxes on Regional Water Authority properties in Bethany and Woodbridge. Join Pat Leahy, Dewitt Allen, and Mike Ferrari on Saturday, May 20 from 9–11 am to view activity in the bluebird and tree swallow boxes on Lake Chamberlain. We will explain how we
Note: this trip has been rescheduled from 5/14 to 5/21 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,
We explore this pristine freshwater marsh and riverine system at four different access points and for target species: (1) Durham Skating Pond, Route 68 (Virginia Rail, Swamp Sparrow, American Kestrel); (2) Frederick White Farm, Durham Fairgrounds vicinity off Maple Street (Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Savannah Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper); (3) south Durham Meadows, Route 17 (Virginia Rail, Willow Flycatcher); (4) Coginchaug River,
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 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby. Leader: Maria Stockmal, 203-488-3876 or m.stockmal@snet.net
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?
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 rsdmayo@sbcglobal.net