Events

Join us for a bird walk along the Branford Trolley and Footbridge Trail in the Stony Point section of Branford. We’ll walk a broad trail over an old iron trolley bridge, along a cut through solid rock, and across a footbridge over a large wetland. We’ll look for wading birds, shorebirds, early migrants, and lingering breeders in a beautiful setting.… ..

Unfortunately, due to the closure of Lighthouse Point in New Haven, we are cancelling Hawk Watch and the Introduction to Lighthouse Point. We will update these notices when the Parks Department announces the reopening. Join Hawk Watch Coordinator Steve Mayo for an introduction to identifying and counting the raptors that stream over and through Lighthouse Point Park during fall migration.… ..

Group 1: 8–9:30 a.m.; Group 2: 9:30–11 a.m. Migrating birds looking for a place to rest and refuel on their southbound journeys are attracted to the variety of habitats within Cheshire Land Trust's Fresh Meadows Preserve. With conifer groves, deciduous woodlands, and meadows, all located along the Mill River, it’s worth a visit. Expect a 1-2 mile walk on mostly… ..

The White Memorial Little Pond Boardwalk Trail is an elevated, 1.2-mile loop trail located within the 4,000-acre White Memorial Conservation Center, an Important Bird Area. The trail crosses the Bantam River twice and proceeds through wetlands with waterfowl and various resident and migratory passerines. We will also explore several wooded areas with trails nearby. Meet at the Little Pond Boardwalk… ..

Join us for a walk in this species-rich but under-birded state park in East Haven. September possibilities include shorebirds and herons, various migrating hawks and falcons, resident woodpeckers, and a wide range of resident birds and other passerines in migration. If time allows, we will also walk the short East Haven Greenway Trail loop, which offers a variety of species.… ..

Help us explore Hanover Pond in Meriden. The large pond and trails around it are a reliable site for herons, egrets, eagles and other raptors, and an often-surprising variety of migrating waterfowl and passerines. Meet at the Meriden Linear Trail Phase II parking lot, Oregon Road, Meriden. Leader: Mark Wantroba, 203-974-3966 or markwantroba@gmail.com

Edgewood Park is an important stop-over site for migrating birds in the fall, and a wide variety of song-birds, raptors, and land-birds are possible. Join us as we explore river, woods, pond, and open field habitats. The walk is easy and flat, but might include one dirt path through a wooded area and an often-wet field. Wear appropriate shoes. Total… ..

Join Molly Zahn and Peter Grund for a walk at the Lake Wintergreen area of West Rock Ridge State Park. We will circle the lake and, if there is time, walk up to the water tower close to the top of the ridge. The walk around the lake is on gravel or dirt paths and is mostly flat. The walk… ..

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 Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park's main entrance road.… ..

The salt marshes of Connecticut are active during early fall migration. Come visit one of the state's largest salt marshes to observe Palm Warblers, wading birds, shorebirds, migrating sparrows and swallows, Merlins, Northern Harriers, and others. Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation at Audubon Connecticut, will also discuss salt marsh ecology and the large marsh restoration project that is in… ..

Join us on a visit to this premier local birding location, renowned for its migrating raptors and other passerines. If the weather conditions are favorable, we may see hundreds of hawks in flight over the park. NOTE: the walk will be limited to 20 participants. Watch for the NHBC email announcement for details. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot,… ..

Explore fields, community gardens, and woodland trails for resident birds and migrants. The terrain is easy and mostly flat. Meet at the Bauer Park Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison. Leader: Chuck Imbergamo, imbercj@comcast.net 

Join Chris Loscalzo for a walk on this former golf course (now a valued open space as the fairways have transformed into weedy and brushy fields) as he looks for sparrows and other late fall migrants. The walk will be preceded on Friday, October 16th by a presentation on sparrow identification via Zoom when Chris will review the ID of… ..

Ansonia Nature Center encompasses a variety of habitats: a pond, grassy fields, thickets, wetlands, and woods. In late October we can expect numerous sparrow species, raptors, and woodpeckers, along  with migrating songbirds, including some warblers. Join Ranger Evelyn and NHBC's Kelly Meineke and explore. Leaders: Ranger Evelyn, 203-736-1053 or ansnaturectr@ansoniact.org and Kelly Meineke,  203-736-7888 or meinekek@gmail.com

The Friends of the Farm River and Estuary invite the New Haven Bird Club to share a walk along the tracks of the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven through several productive habitats. The timing may be good for us to find a mix of resident and migrating salt marsh birds, raptors, and woodland species. Plus a ride on an… ..

Join Pat Leahy for a walk on protected Regional Water Authority property in Woodbridge. We will see fall migrants and winter residents. There are some mild slopes on a well-maintained road. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, the second metal gate south of Morris Road, Bethany. We carpool to Lake Dawson from there. Leader:… ..

We bird several hotspots in the Town of Cheshire, including Broad Brook Reservoir. The Reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks in fall, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. The Reservoir is level walking (100 yards) on leaf-covered paved road. Other locations will be chosen according to current conditions and bird sightings. Meet at 894… ..

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… ..

Join Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation for the CT Office of the National Audubon Society, for a walk at Hammonasset Beach State Park, one of CT's most productive birding destinations at all seasons of the year. We'll look for shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, late migrants, and other over-wintering birds. The park's varied habitats include over 400 acres of salt marsh,… ..

Join us for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Bethany. The swallows will be gone but we will see fall migrants and winter residents. Walking is on fairly flat and well-maintained trails and is not strenuous. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, the second metal gate south of Morris Road, Bethany. Leader:… ..

At any time of year, Hammonasset is a true gem. Enjoy a mid-week trip to explore this birding hotspot. The varied habitat attracts shorebirds, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Meet outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park's main entrance road. Leader: Jerry Connolly, 203-710-2011 or birdshop@sbcglobal.net

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… ..

We'll look for waterbirds and fowl including Long-tailed Ducks, scoters, and loons, as well as shorebirds, gulls, and raptors 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… ..

Enjoy a mid-week field trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park, one of the state’s best birding locations any season of the year. We will look for sea ducks, grassland species, and rarities. Meet outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park's main entrance road. Leader: Chris Loscalzo, 203-214-3473… ..

White Memorial Foundation is a 4,000-acre nature preserve. The diverse mixture of habitats includes mature deciduous and evergreen forests, as well as fields of tall grass, weeds, and shrubs that are managed for various stages of succession. One of the best birding sites in the state and an Important Bird Area, White Memorial Foundation has approximately 35 miles of woodland… ..

Snow date - Sunday, February 28, 2027 This all-day trip includes stops at Beavertail State Park, Moonstone Beach, Trustum Pond, and other great birding sites along the Rhode Island 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.… ..

Join us on a visit to this excellent birding area. We’ll look for waterbirds 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 Street (Route 113); we carpool from there. Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net

Join us for an early spring exploration of several birding hotspots in Cheshire. Locations may include Broad Brook Reservoir to check for waterfowl, overwintering songbirds and raptors, and possible early arriving migrants; Riverbound Farm Sanctuary; and Boulder Knoll Open Space. Meet at 894 S Meriden Road, Cheshire. We will carpool from there. Leader: Melissa Baston, 860-995-0656 or mbaston@gmail.com

An early spring walk at this urban park with varied habitat including woodlands, fields, streams, and ponds. Wood Duck, Hooded Merganser, Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and Brown Creeper are all possible. Walking is easy and flat with one dirt path through a wooded area. Total distance is approximately 2.5 miles. Meet at the Edgewood Park parking lot next to the tennis… ..

Hammonasset is one of Connecticut’s birdiest locations, with specialties to be found in any month of the year. We’ll check for ducks and loons, gulls and terns, migrating shorebirds and waders, raptors, and a variety of passerine species at several locations in the park. Meet at the Meigs Point Nature Center parking lot. Leader: Steve Mayo, 203-772-9842, scmayo999@gmail.com

West River Memorial and Edgewood Parks are designated Important Bird Areas and are part of the New Haven Harbor Urban Refuge Partnership. The West River bisects both parks and has been channelized and engineered for flood control for over a century. The lower reach of the West River through Memorial Park is currently a brackish tidal marsh that offers the… ..

Audubon Sharon's Miles Wildlife Sanctuary contains 800 acres of varied habitat with a 1.5 mile loop trail crossing woods, marshes, and a small lake. This site is great for early spring arrivals and waterfowl. If time permits, we will also visit eBird Hotspot Roy Swamp WMA, (two minutes  west of Miles Wildlife Sanctuary; stay on West Cornwall Rd to Roy… ..

Osbornedale State Park offers a variety of species in its fields and forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise which species will be discovered as we walk through the park. We may see a flyover Bald Eagle, nesting Bluebirds, early warbler migrants, Green Heron, and Orchard Oriole, as well as Indigo Bunting, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and the various… ..

Join Molly Zahn and Peter Grund for a walk at the Lake Wintergreen area of West Rock Ridge State Park. We will circle the lake and, if there is time, walk up to the water tower close to the top of the ridge. The walk around the lake is on gravel or dirt paths and is mostly flat. The walk… ..

Join nationally-recognized wildlife artist and birder Mike DiGiorgio for a walk to look for resident and migrating songbirds. We'll explore the fields, gardens, and woodland trails. Birders of all ages and skill levels, especially including beginners, are welcome. Meet at the Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison. Leader: Mike DiGiorgio,  mdigiorgio@comcast.net

Join former NHBC president John Triana for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Prospect. The walk will be jointly sponsored by the RWA and NHBC. We will walk through an area that has a mix of successional habitats. There are fields, mature forests, and areas that were cleared for timber sales 10 and 20 years ago. Meet at… ..

The Friends of the Farm River and Estuary invite the New Haven Bird Club to share a walk along the tracks of the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven through several productive habitats. The timing should be good for us to find a mix of resident and migrating salt marsh birds, raptors, and woodland species. Plus a ride on an… ..

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. Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com

River Road in Kent along the Housatonic River provides a major north-south riparian corridor for spring migration. River Road has produced a nice variety of Northwestern Connecticut nesting species including Acadian and Least Flycatchers; Yellow-throated and Blue-headed Vireos; Winter Wren; and Cerulean, Golden-winged, and Worm-eating Warblers. The vast uninterrupted forest rising from the river is an ideal location for a… ..

Hartman Park is known for its mix of forest and wetland that hosts many of Connecticut's breeding birds, including 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. The Hartman Park walk involves a moderate distance walk on moderately strenuous terrain. Meet at the… ..

Sleeping Giant 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 bird along the uphill but (mostly) smooth-surfaced Tower Path. As we move slowly along the Path, we… ..

Join us at the peak of spring migration on this moderately strenuous hike in a fine birding location. We’ll search for migrants and residents. We often see more than 15 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 here, too.… ..

Join us for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Bethany. Pat Leahy has been maintaining a bluebird trail on several of the properties there. Bluebirds, swallows, and spring migrants are plentiful. Walking is not strenuous and on well-maintained trails. Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, the second metal gate south of Morris… ..

Bent of the River offers a variety of habitats: meadows, shrublands, mixed forest, and freshwater wetlands. These habitats host Purple Martin, Field Sparrow, Blue-winged Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Yellow-throated Warbler, and Common Merganser. We will discuss the efforts of the Audubon Center to restore and maintain habitat for the Wood Thrush as well as their Motus Wildlife Tracking system… ..

Barn Island WMA is a large expanse of varied habitat along the Connecticut shore near the Rhode Island border, including large tracts of salt marsh, deciduous woodlands and a large brushy field. We’ll see 60+ species of birds, with notable resident species including White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Willow Flycatcher likely to be seen. This is a good… ..

Join Pat Leahy for a walk on protected Regional Water Authority property in Woodbridge with views of the lake and dam, some wetlands, and lakeside forest. The trip will be a 3-mile hike on a flat trail. Meet at Lake Bethany Regional Water Authority parking area on Hatfield Hill Road, Bethany. We will carpool to Lake Watrous from there. Leader:… ..

This area of Bristol has historically been farmland. The Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut and the city of Bristol are working to save some of the habitat where Bobolinks, Meadowlarks, and Grasshopper Sparrows have been found. Join us for a tour of these areas in search of these declining species. Bring plenty of water and be prepared to walk in… ..

Join  us as we explore the birds 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. Mostly easy walking, with carpooling between sites. Meet at the entrance to Mohawk Mountain State Park on Route 4 in Cornwall, four miles west of Goshen.… ..

A scenic late spring walk around former hay fields, past streams and a pond. Ewen Farm Preserve contains 43 acres of deep woods, meadows, ponds, wetlands, and fields that attract resident and migrating birds. A 75-yard boardwalk takes you through wetlands to the Indian River. The trail crosses wet areas; wear appropriate footwear. Meet at the intersection of St. John's… ..

Brooksvale is a city park with a small barnyard for children. The rest of the park features a tree-lined pond and streams, deep woods, field/wood edges, and a large weedy field with bluebird/swallow boxes and an array of bird-attracting feeders at a private residence just beyond the park. There is also easy access to the Farmington Canal Greenway Trail. Join… ..

Peoples State Forest spans over 3,000 acres of diverse habitats and features 14 miles of trails, yet it has been infrequently birded over the years. Join us as we explore various hotspots within the forest. Species we’re likely to encounter include: Blackburnian, Canada, Black-throated Blue, and Black-throated Green Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbirds, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Scarlet Tanagers, Least and Alder Flycatchers,… ..