Field Trips and Meetings
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Field Trip – First Wednesday walk at East Rock, New Haven – Jerry Connolly

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 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

Field Trip – East Rock Park with Ranger Dan, New Haven – Dan Barvir

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. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-946-6086 or dbarvir@newhavenct.net

Field Trip – Housatonic River – Kent, CT – Renee Baade

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

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

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Field Trip – Bent of the River Wildlife Sanctuary, Southbury – Roy Harvey

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 the National Audubon Society. The trip involves moderately strenuous hiking. Meet at 85 E Flat Hill Rd, Southbury, CT. Take Exit 14 off Rt.

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Field Trip – 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 I-95; exit 55 commuter lot. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@yahoo.com

Annual Banquet – LESVOS: European Spring Migration Magic – Gina Beebe Nichol

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

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

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Field Trip – Big Day Marathon Greater New Haven Area – 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. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@yahoo.com

Field Trip – West Rock Ridge State Park, New Haven/Hamden/Woodbridge/Bethany – Steve Broker

West Rock Ridge Nature Center 1110 Wintergreen Ave, Hamden, CT, United States

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:

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Field Trip – Janie Pierce Park, Southbury / Earth Tones Native Plant Nursery – Renee Baade

commuter lot rt 84 exit 14 Southbury 921 Main Street South, Southbury, CT, United States

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

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Field Trip – 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

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

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Field Trip – Bluebirds and Swallows at Lake Chamberlain, Bethany/Woodbridge – Pat Leahy

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

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

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Field Trip – Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Chris Loscalzo

Rt 8 exit 25 commuter parking lot 245 Cross Street, Naugatuck, CT, United States

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,

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Field Trip – Durham Meadows & Coginchaug River, Durham – Steve Broker

Durham Skating Pond 81 Wallingford Rd, Durham, CT, United States

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,

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Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center/Osbornedale St. Park, Derby – 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 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby. Leader: Maria Stockmal, 203-488-3876 or m.stockmal@snet.net

Field Trip – Whip-poor-will Walk in Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Jack Swatt

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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Bird Count – New Haven Breeding Bird Count – Steve Mayo

This is a wonderful opportunity to work on your song identification skills and see what birds are nesting in your area. For the names of area captains and other information, contact leader Steve Mayo. Meet at various points. Leader: Steve Mayo, 203-393-0694 or rsdmayo@sbcglobal.net

Field Trip – Bent of the River, Southbury – Managing for Forest and Shrubland Birds – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

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

On this trip we will look for shrubland and forest nesting birds at the Bent of the River Audubon Sanctuary. At this Important Bird Area, approximately 100 acres of fields are managed for shrubland nesting birds, including Blue-winged Warbler, Indigo Bunting, and Prairie Warbler. The IBA also includes roughly 600 acres of forest and supports species such as Scarlet Tanager,

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Field Trip – National Trails Day Hike at Naugatuck State Forest – Craig Repasz

Quinnipiac Trailhead, Mt Sanford 2705 Downs Road, Hamden, CT, United States

National Trails Day is celebrated across the country with hikes, trail work, and naturalist events. NHBC will commemorate the day with a birding hike on the oldest hiking trail in CT, the Quinnipiac Trail in the Mt. Sanford Block of Naugatuck SF. We’ll leave from the trail head parking area entrance of Naugatuck SF, 2705 Downs Rd., Hamden, and go

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk, White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield – Greg Hanisek

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

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 migrant species. Notable breeding species include: Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Northern Goshawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, and Blackburnian Warbler. Meet at the visitor center parking

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Shorebirds and Terns at Milford Point – Frank Mantlik

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

This will be a trip to study shorebirds and terns, which should be here in concentrations 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 3 PM. mantlik@sbcglobal.com cell - 203-984-9410  

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 dbarvir@newhavenct.net phone - 203-946-6086

Happenings at Long Wharf Nature Preserve and Urban Oasis Demonstration Site – Deborah Johnson

Long Wharf 351 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, United States

This event is organized with the New Haven Land Trust, Save the Sound, and Audubon Connecticut. An environmentally-focused family-friendly morning learning about the Urban Oases projects in New Haven, the work of the Land Trust on this piece of “disturbed” but “recovered” land in the heart of downtown New Haven, and, of course, a bird walk. We hope to see

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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

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 203-393-0694

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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