Field Trip – Lake Chamberlain, Cooper & Calabresi Farms – Pat Leahy

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 will visit the adjoining Cooper and Calabresi Farms.  Forty years ago, the families of Peter Cooper, a noted New Haven environmental lawyer, and Guido Calabresi, a federal judge and past dean of the Yale Law School, purchased a 100-acre farm near Lake Chamberlain. The fields and woods have been maintained, providing habitat for a variety of woodland, edge, and grassland species.  We will first bird in the extensive lower areas, then head up the hillside for more birding and spectacular views for miles around.  Hiking to the top field may be strenuous; those who decide it may be too difficult can choose to stay by the lake or in the picturesque lower fields.  Meeting Location – the RWA parking area on Sperry Road  south of Morris Rd. in Bethany.  Leader – Patrick Leahy, ptjleahy@yahoo.com, phone – h 203-393-2427  c 203-314-0566