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.… ..
Join Ginny Apple, a Master Wildlife Conservationist with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, for an engaging presentation on bald eagles and their remarkable resurgence in Connecticut. Through a slide show and discussion, Ginny will explore the lives of these magnificent birds of prey, their important role in the ecosystem, and the conservation success story behind their growing… ..
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… ..
The "Birds in Words" book club will meet on Monday, September 28, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Mitchell Library in New Haven. Feel free to bring snacks to enjoy and share! The club will discuss Feather Wars: And The Great Crusade to Save America’s Birds by James H. McCommons. "A definitive history of bird conservation in America.” (Kirkus… ..
NHBC Sponsored Children's Program! Meet a hawk, falcon, and owl from a Place Called Hope! Learn about three species of birds of prey along with each birds personal story of survival and the many simple ways to lessen conflicts with the wildlife that lives in your very own backyard. For all ages. Sponsored by the New Haven Bird Club. Registration… ..
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. Lighthouse Point Park is a premier location in southern New England for observing migrating raptors and a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at… ..
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,… ..
The history of birds, formal studies of ornithology and birdwatching owe much to the efforts of British natural historians, scientists and collectors. In the 17th and 18th centuries artists helped systematically cataloguing and depicting both British and world birds. By the 19th century artists tried to depict all the species they came across during their world travels. Mark Aronson, the… ..
Join the New Haven Parks Department for the Annual Migration Festival. Lighthouse Point Park is located on the Atlantic flyway, a major route for butterflies, hawks, and many other bird species in their annual migration south for the winter months. Events include bird watching walks, hawk displays, butterfly observations, and the annual hawk count, among others. Meet at Lighthouse Point… ..
Yes, The Big Sit!® is on! The Big Sit®, established by the NHBC, has become an international event, with birders from all over the world trying to record as many species of birds as possible in one day from one 17-foot diameter circle. There are local circles at a number of birding hot spots throughout Connecticut. Join other birders at… ..
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
Chris Loscalzo will give a zoom presentation on the identification of the 27 species of sparrows known to have occurred in Connecticut as preparation for his walk to be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the old Country Club of Woodbridge; see Outdoor schedule. The talk will last 45 to 50 minutes and will focus on the important identification… ..
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:… ..
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. Lighthouse Point Park is a premier location in southern New England for observing migrating raptors and a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at… ..
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,… ..
Vermont Center for Ecostudies biologist Eric Hanson will discuss the amazing recovery of loons in Vermont over the past 30 years, the threats that they face, and the conservation actions that have brought them back. We’ll explore their fascinating behaviors and natural history, from territorial takeovers to visual and verbal communication. The Vermont Loon Conservation Project is a program of… ..
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:… ..
The "Birds in Words" book club will meet on Monday, November 16, 2026 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Mitchell Library in New Haven. Feel free to bring snacks to enjoy and share! The club will discuss The Story of Birds: A New History from Their Dinosaur Origins to the Present by Steve Brusatte. Tens of billions of birds… ..
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. Lighthouse Point Park is a premier location in southern New England for observing migrating raptors and a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at… ..
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
In 1900, ornithologist and Bird-Lore editor Frank Chapman called for “a Christmas bird-census” to counter the ongoing slaughter of millions of North American birds. Two pioneer counts were held in Connecticut, and in 1901 Aretas A. Saunders held New Haven’s first Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in Edgewood Park. The CBC, sponsored by National Audubon Society, has matured over the past… ..
Join other NHBC members in this fun event, steeped in tradition. Join birders in the field or report what you see in your backyard (if you reside within the count circle). Take part for a few hours or all day. The results of the count are sent to the National Audubon Society for inclusion in an international census of early… ..
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 Dr. Sarah Knutie, Associate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut, for a presentation on the remarkable birds of the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador. Learn about the unique birdlife of this iconic island ecosystem and what makes it one of the world’s most important places for studying evolution, ecology, and conservation.
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… ..
The Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in Connecticut Saturday, February 6, 2027, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mega Bowl Compilation Dinner Sunday, February 7, 2027, 5–7 p.m. Kellog Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in a fun and friendly event! Go birding for all or part of the day… ..
The Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in Connecticut Saturday, February 6, 2027, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mega Bowl Compilation Dinner Sunday, February 7, 2027, 5–7 p.m. Kellog Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave, Derby Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in a fun and friendly event! Go birding for all or part of the day… ..
Join Matt Joyce, Conservation Science Manager at the Connecticut Audubon Society, for a presentation detailing the ongoing conservation efforts to preserve Connecticut's charismatic shoreline bird species. This presentation will show the challenges faced by these birds; the techniques the Audubon Alliance staff and volunteers use to monitor and protect species such as Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Least Tern, and Common… ..
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 author Will McLean Greeley for the story of Connecticut’s George P. McLean and his pivotal role in securing lasting legal protections for birds. Greeley will discuss how McLean helped oversee passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, landmark environmental legislation still in effect today, and place this achievement within McLean’s distinguished 45-year career of public service and reform.… ..
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
Stefan Martin, Conservation Manager for Connecticut Audubon, will discuss the latest research from Osprey Nation, including findings from the 2026 Osprey Prey Study and field season. He will also look ahead to the future of the project and discuss next steps for understanding Connecticut’s Osprey population and the health of the waters upon which they depend. NOTE: The April meeting… ..
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… ..
Join us for the Big Day Marathon! 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. The Big Day could potentially involve several miles of walking on more strenuous… ..
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… ..
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, May 13, 2026 – 6 p.m. Amarante’s Sea Cliff Restaurant, New Haven Don’t miss this festive event! Watch for MailChimp emails and check the Club website for information on how to make reservations and for other details. NOTE: Our speaker was not confirmed at time of publication; check the NHBC website for updates The New Haven… ..
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.… ..
Join us for the summer bird count! A wonderful opportunity to work on your song identification skills and see what birds are nesting in your area. Meet at various points. For the names of area captains, to join a team, and for other information, contact Steve Mayo, Coordinator, 203-772-9842, scmayo999@gmail.com
Join us for the summer bird count! A wonderful opportunity to work on your song identification skills and see what birds are nesting in your area. Meet at various points. For the names of area captains, to join a team, and for other information, contact Steve Mayo, Coordinator, 203-772-9842, scmayo999@gmail.com
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,… ..