2007-2008 Field Trips/Outdoor Events

More details, if required, and/or updates on these trips will be given at the indoor meetings and in the Club newsletter, and you can check the Club's website for trip information. Email announcements and updates also can be sent automatically to members. If you wish to be included on the list to receive trip news via email, contact webmaster John Triana.  Contact trip leaders directly if you have questions about their trips.

Please also check all of the sources listed above for news about the possible last-minute addition of new field trips.

The New Haven Bird Club does not charge trip or leader fees for its outdoor programs, but participants are responsible for the cost of their food, transportation, and entrance fees (where charged), unless prior arrangements are made by the Club. Car-pooling is encouraged to avoid parking problems at some destinations and to promote conservation of our natural resources

Jamaica Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Queens, NY
Saturday, August 18, 2007, 7:30 AM
This birding hotspot, located near JFK airport, is a great place to see a wide variety of shorebirds, herons, terns, and migrating passerines. It's a great place for large and uncommon shorebirds such as American Avocet, Whimbrel, and Marbled Godwit. Meet at 7:30 AM at the commuter lot in Orange at Rt. 34 and Greenway Road, near the entrance to the Wilbur Cross Pkwy. (Rt. 15). From the Wilbur Cross, take Exit 58. We will carpool to the refuge, returning in the late afternoon. Bring lunch, water, and bug spray-and a scope if you have one. Consider a cap and sunscreen, too, and wear shoes you won't mind getting muddy.  Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

COA- NHBC- CT Audubon Shorebird Workshop
Sunday, August 19, 2007, 8:00 AM at Sandy Point
COA Field Seminars focus on one or two groups of birds with the intent of helping birders improve their identification skills. At this workshop, the focus will be on shorebirds. In addition to helping facilitate the fieldwork, COA provides handouts consisting of bibliographies, identification articles, and topographies, and/or other similar materials. The workshop will begin at Sandy Pt. and then move on to Milford Point.   Contact-Randy Domina: 203.314.9656, rhexp@hotmail.com

Daily Hawk Watch at Lighthouse Point
September 1 to November 30, 2007
Lighthouse Point on New Haven Harbor is one of the premier locations in southern New England for observing migrating hawks, eagles, and falcons, as well as a wide variety of songbirds. The watch starts daily at 7:00 AM and continues as long as the hawks keep flying. Stop by anytime.  Coordinator-Steve Mayo: 203.393.0694, smayo@sikorsky.com

Lighthouse Point Bird Walk and Prep for Migration Festival
Saturday, September 8, 2007, 8:00 AM
Park Ranger Dan Barvir and Arne Rosengren will lead the bird walk. Meet at 8:00 AM at the Hawk Watch parking lot at Lighthouse Pt. on New Haven Harbor. Then at about 9:00 AM, we will perform some light trail maintenance and cleanup. This is a great way to enjoy looking at birds and help preserve their habitat at the same time. Leaders-Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086 and Arne Rosengren: 203.248.2903

Fifth Annual Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park
Sunday, September 23, 2007, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
This festive event is sponsored by the New Haven Parks Dept., the New Haven Bird Club, and other fine organizations. In addition to hawk watching, there will be bird banding demonstrations, a live raptor demonstration, canoeing, beginner bird walks, lectures, and other activities. Check the newspaper and Club newsletter for more details.  Leader-Park Ranger Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086. NHBC contact- Maria Stockmal: 203.735.8357, m.stockmal@snet.net

Bird Walk for Kids at Lighthouse Point Park
Saturday, September 29, 2007, 9:00 AM  (Rain Date: Sunday, September 30, 2007)
Children, accompanied by adults, will meet at Lighthouse Point Park, site of the NHBC's annual Hawk Watch, to look for hawks and other fall migrants. This walk is planned for elementary school children, but older children and adults are welcome. We will meet at the Lighthouse Point east parking lot, the first lot you come to after entering the park. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.  Leader-Florence McBride: 203.288.6777, j.mcbride@yale.edu

Empire State Building, New York City
Nocturnal Birding
Friday, October 12 OR Sat., Oct 13, OR Sun., Oct 14, 2007  (Date will depend on the weather/wind direction forecast)
Not many people would think of the Empire State Building as a birding hotspot, but birds that migrate at night, as many do, make their way in remarkable numbers directly past that famous New York skyscraper. Join us as we ascend to the 86th floor observation deck of that national landmark to see and hear migrants as they pass by on their southward journey. On nights when the winds are from the northwest, hundreds of birds have been observed flying by. We will meet at the New Haven train terminal around 5:45 PM and we will return to New Haven around midnight. For more information and the last-minute decision on the trip date, contact the trip leaders: Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net and Bill Batsford: 203.787.1642, william.batsford@yale.edu.   Check the NHBC website, too, and watch for emails if you're signed up to receive Club news automatically via the Internet.

Hammonasset State Park, Madison
Saturday, October 13, 2007, 8:00 AM (Rain date: Sunday, October 14, 2007)
Visit one of Connecticut's best fall birding spots, where the abundance of some migrants and the sightings of less common species can make for a truly memorable trip. Last year's highlights included Wood Duck, American Pipit, seven sparrow species, ten raptor species including all three falcons, and a Baltimore Oriole. The walking is easy, mostly on level ground. Meet at the park entrance. (Take I-95 to Exit 62 and follow the connector to the park.)  Leader-Florence McBride: 203.288.6777, j.mcbride@yale.edu

THE BIG SIT!®
Sunday, October 14, 2007
The Big Sit!®, established by the New Haven Bird Club in 1994 and now a registered trademark of the Club, has become an international event, with birders on as many as four continents currently participating. The objective is to record as many species of birds as possible in a single day from one 17-foot diameter circle. The circles for NHBC's event are strategically located at a number of birding hotspots throughout the state. Join other birders in one of these circles or create your own. You don't have to be a hard-core birder to join in the fun. The event is now run by Bird Watcher's Digest. For more information, go to their website: <birdwatchersdigest.com> or contact John Triana: 203.758.7203, jtriana1@sbcglobal.net

Centennial Walk - Cemetery Tour - Part I
Saturday, October 20, 2007, 8:00 AM
To complete our Centennial Walk series honoring NHBC's 100th Anniversary, we will visit a series of cemeteries to talk about some prominent Club members of the past and to look for birds. The quiet, wooded habitats of cemeteries have long been recognized as excellent birding spots. The first day we'll visit four cemeteries in the western part of the Club's area. Meet at Oak Grove Cemetery in West Haven (use the First Ave. entrance). From there, we will head to Evergreen Cemetery and then to Westville Cemetery, both in New Haven, and finally to Eastside Cemetery in Woodbridge. Some gravesites we will visit include those of popular author Donald Mitchell; two-time NHBC President May Belle Hayes; long-time Club members Philip and Katharine English; and some of our more recent distinguished late members, including Bill Stoddard, Ray Schwartz, and Ed Shove.   Leader-John Triana: 203 758-7203 or jtriana1@sbcglobal.net

Centennial Walk - Cemetery Tour - Part II
Sunday, October 21, 2007, 8:00 AM
The second day of our cemetery tours starts at Branford Center Cemetery, located in Branford on Montowese St., just south of the intersection with South Main St. Meet by the building at the back of the cemetery. From there we travel to Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven, and Beaverdale Memorial Park and Mt. Carmel Burying Ground, both in Hamden. Along with birding, we'll visit the gravesites of several past NHBC Presidents, including Mae McCabe, Percy Morris, Leone Rice Grelle, and George Lovell, plus Charter Members Dr. Louis Bishop and Dwight Pangburn.  Leader-John Triana: 203.758.7203, jtriana1@sbcglobal.net

NHBC 15th Annual Winter Feeder Survey
November 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008
Participate in this yearly census to help determine the number and frequency of birds visiting feeders in the Greater New Haven area. You are invited to watch and record the activity at your feeder at least once a week for the entire time period.   Contact-Amy Peck: 203.933.5718, amyepeck@sbcglobal.net

Fargeorge Wildlife Preserve, Quinnipiac River, New Haven
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 8:00 A.M.
This varied-habitat property owned by the New Haven Land Trust is always full of surprises. Last year we saw three woodcocks, lots of other fall migrants, wintering ducks, and more. Directions: From Rt. 80 go south on Quinnipiac Ave. Turn right just past the R.R. overpass. Go through the open gate onto the property.   Leader-Mike Horn: 203.288.1891, mhorn@rcn.com

Bombay Hook NWR, Leipsic, Delaware
Eastern Neck Island NWR, Rock Hall, Maryland
Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007, 6:30 AM (Veterans' Day Weekend)
Birding and Photography
Last year's trip was great. This year's highlight will be on Sunday, Nov 11 when we enter Bombay Hook's main gate at 6:30 AM sharp and tour the Refuge's many ponds, pools, and fields. We may see and photograph as many as 100,000 Snow Geese and many other fall migrants, from raptors to shorebirds. We will also visit other notable birding spots in the area, including Eastern Neck Island NWR where we will find Tundra Swans. Stay in one of the area's many motels or B&Bs. For more information or details about accommodations and directions, contact trip leaders-Mike & Pat Horn: 203.288.1891, mhorn@rcn.com

108th Annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Join other NHBC members in this fun event, steeped in tradition. Participate for a few hours or the entire day. Results of the Count are sent to the National Audubon Society and are included in an international census of early winter bird populations. The compilation dinner is held at the CT Agricultural Experiment Station, starting about 5:00 PM.  Compiler-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

Milford Birding Tour
Sunday, January 20, 2008, 7:30 AM
Join us as we visit the many birding hotspots in Milford. We will be looking for waterfowl, rare gulls, birds of prey, and wintering shorebirds. Our stops include Mondo Pond, Caswell Cove, Milford Point, Silver Sands State Park, and perhaps another location or two. Meet at commuter lot on Bic Drive just north of I-95, Exit 35. Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

Connecticut River Valley and Eastern Shore
Saturday, February 9, 2008, 8:00 AM
Meet at the entrance to Hammonasset State Park (I-95 Exit 62) in Madison. We'll search the shore from Madison to the Connecticut River Lower Valley for wintering shorebirds and hawks as well as the trip specialty, eagles. Please bring a spotting scope if you have one. Co-leaders-Arne Rosengren: 203.248.2903 & Nancy Rosenbaum: 203.288.8997, nancy.rosenbaum@sbcglobal.net

Sachuest Point NWR and Rhode Island Coast
Saturday, February 23, 2008, 7:00 AM  (Snow date: Sunday, February 24, 2008)
This all-day trip includes stops at Sachuest, Beavertail State Park, Moonstone Beach, and Trustum Pond, all outstanding Rhode Island birding locations. We should see grebes, loons, scoters, scaup, Purple Sandpipers, and lots of Harlequin Ducks. We'll look for alcids, gannets, and rare gulls and waterfowl. Dress warmly as it is cold and windy on the coast. The walk at Sachuest Point is a bit strenuous. Bring lunch and a spotting scope if you have one. Meet at 7:00 AM at the commuter lot at Exit 55 of I-95.   Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

Southwestern Connecticut Coast
Sunday, March 16, 2008, 8:00 AM
Join us on this late winter excursion to several great birding spots along the coast. Meet at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport (off exit 18 of I-95). We will thoroughly search the park, and then check several other sites nearby, such as Compo Beach and Saugatuck Shores. We will pay special attention to the latest rare bird sightings.   Leader-Frank Mantlik: 203.377.5829, mantlik@sbcglobal.net

East Rock Birding and Trail Maintenance
Saturday, April 5, 2008, 8:00 AM
Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot for a bird walk from 8 to 9 AM. Then join Park Ranger Dan Barvir and help with light trail maintenance along the river from 9 AM to noon. A great chance to enjoy birds and help preserve their habitat. Bring work gloves and pruning shears if you have them.  Leader-Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086

Lighthouse Point to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary
Saturday, April 19, 2008, 8:30 AM
Meet in the Lighthouse Point Hawk Watch parking lot and bird the harbor shore for gulls, loons, ducks, and early returning shore- birds. We then proceed to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary on Deer Lake in Killingworth, and after that, to Hammonasset State Park. This is an all-day trip so bring lunch and dress warmly.  Leaders-Dick English: 203.865.8610 and Mike Horn: 203.288.1891, mhorn@rcn.com

West Rock Ridge, New Haven
Saturday, April 26, 2008, 7:30 AM
Climb the winding abandoned road to the top of West Rock Ridge for awesome views of ravens and of Konold's Pond. You can find early warblers, woodland birds, and a variety of woodpeckers. Meet at the West Rock Nature Center parking lot on Wintergreen Ave. Leader-Pat Leahy: 203.393.2427, ptjleahy@yahoo.com

Beginners' Bird Walk at Edgewood Park
Sunday, April 27, 2008, 8:00 AM
This walk will commemorate the very first NHBC field trip, held here 101 years ago. We will be looking for early spring migrants such as Palm, Pine, and Yellow-rumped Warblers as well as the common resident species. Special attention will be given to beginners, but all levels of birders are welcome on this trip to an historic park known to produce some fine surprises. Last year, we found a Red-headed woodpecker and several Rusty Blackbirds.  Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

East Rock Park with Ranger Dan Barvir
Saturday, May 3, 2008, 8:00 AM
Join Ranger Dan at this premier site for viewing warblers and a great variety of other spring migrants. Meet at the Rice Field (baseball field) end of East Rock. Directions: From Whitney Ave. take East Rock Rd. to Farnham. Turn right and follow Farnham a short distance past Orange St. intersection. The large baseball field is on the right. Leader-Ranger Dan Barvir: 203.946.6086

Bird Walk for Kids at East Rock Park
Saturday, May 3, 2008, 9:00 AM  (Rain date: Sunday, May 4, 2008)
On this walk by the park's Mill River, children, accompanied by adults, will search for warblers and other spring migrants. Other interested adults are also welcome to join the walk in this famous spring birding site. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them.  Leader-Florence McBride: 203.288.6777, j.mcbride@yale.edu

Chatfield Hollow/Cockaponsett State Forest, Killingworth
Saturday, May 3, 2008, 8:30 AM
This 356-acre wooded stream valley is a popular stop throughout the year for birds and birders. At least 20 species of warblers have been recorded in the spring, along with a healthy variety of other avian migrants and nesters. Easy walking. Depending on the group-and the birds-the trip may meander over to the adjacent Cockaponsett State Forest. Directions: The entrance to the park is on Rt. 80 in Killingworth, between the Rt. 79 and Rt. 81 traffic circles. Meet in the parking lot at the entrance.   Leader-John Himmelman: 860.663.3225, jhimmel@comcast.net

Bent of the River Wildlife Sanctuary, Southbury
Sunday, May 4, 2008, 7:30 AM
Explore a prime birding location along the Pomperaug River where more than 100 species of birds have been observed in a single day. This beautiful and highly diverse, 650-acre habitat is owned and maintained by the National Audubon Society. Directions: Exit 14 off I-84. Go north on Rt. 172, to the village of South Britain. Turn left onto East Flat Hill Rd. next to the church. Continue to Sanctuary entrance on the left.).  Leader-Roy Harvey: 203.888.5757, rmharvey@snet.net

Big Day Marathon
Saturday, May 10, 2008, 6:00 AM
Join Steve Mayo for all or part of this event. We'll focus on New Haven area hotspots, seeking 110-130 species. We start at East Rock and search several other local migrant traps as well as the coast from Lordship/Stratford to Hammonasset. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot at 6:00 AM, or if you prefer a later start, at 7:30 AM. Participants gather there at both those times.  Leader-Steve Mayo: 203.393.0694, smayo@sikorsky.com

Racebrook Tract in Orange and Woodbridge
Sunday, May 11, 2008, 7:00 AM
Racebrook is known as a good local birding spot for warblers and other spring migrants. Formerly Regional Water Authority land, it is now owned by the two towns as open space. Several hundred acres in size, the tract is comprised of deciduous and evergreen woodlands, fields, and thickets-a good mix of habitats. Today is Mother's Day. Bring Mom along for a special Mother's Day walk filled with serenading birds. Meet at the property's parking lot on Rt. 114, Racebrook Road in Orange, just north of Rt. 34.  Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 7:00 AM
This will be our fifth annual trip to this excellent birding spot in southeastern CT. We meet at the commuter lot at Exit 55 of I-95 and then carpool to the refuge. The management 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 Sharp-tailed and Seaside Sparrow, Marsh Wren, White-eyed Vireo, Willow Flycatcher, American Redstart and many other species. We will be coordinating our efforts with the Hartford Audubon Society which will be running its Barn Island trip on the same day.  Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

White Memorial Foundation, Litchfield
Bird Walk and Paddle on the Bantam River
Sunday, May 18, 2008, 7:00 AM
This will be the second half of our "opposite corners" weekend. Yesterday took us to Barn Island in the southeast corner of the state. Today we head for the northwest part of the state. We will meet at 7:00 AM at the commuter lot in Orange on Greenway Rd. off Rt. 34, near the entrance to the Wilbur Cross Pkwy.-Rt. 15. (From the Wilbur Cross, take Exit 58.) We will then carpool to White Memorial. Or meet at the White Memorial parking lot at 8:00 AM. We will walk many of the trails and boardwalks at this fabulous nature preserve, looking for spring migrants as well as unusual resident species that include Brown Creeper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Bobolink, Purple Finch, and Blackburnian Warbler. Bring a picnic lunch. After we break for lunch anyone who has a canoe or kayak can join in for an early-afternoon paddle on the Bantam River.  Leader-Chris Loscalzo: 203.389.6508, closcalz@optonline.net

Seventeenth Annual Summer Bird Count
Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, 2008
This is a wonderful opportunity to work on your song identification skills and to see what birds are nesting in your area. For the names of area captains and other information, contact leader Steve Mayo: 203.393.0694, smayo@sikorsky.com