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

Hunters mountain road 1021 Hunters mountain road, Naugatuck, CT

Rain date: Saturday, May 14, 2022, 8:00–10 p.m. Jack Swatt, New Haven Bird Club member and CT 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

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Field Trip – Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – Jim Sirch

Sleeping Giant 200 Mount Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT, United States

Sleeping Giant looms large and 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 explore the gentle trail on the north side. We will first explore the Mill

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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

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, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and many other birds are residents

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Field Trip – Durham hot spots, Durham – Steve Broker

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

We visit several hotspots in the Town of Durham. Durham Skating Pond (south side of Route 68 and west of Maple Street) is on White’s Farm property. Here, we scan for vultures, hawks and eagles, woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows, ravens, sparrows, and blackbirds. Virginia Rail, Marsh Wren, and Swamp Sparrow are target species. A short car ride brings us to the

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Field Trip – Lake Chamberlain, Lake Dawson, and Lake Watrous, Woodbridge/Bethany – Pat Leahy

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

Join us for a walk on Regional Water Authority properties in Woodbridge and Bethany, some of which are off-limits to the public. Pat Leahy has been maintaining a bluebird trail on several of the properties surrounding the reservoirs. Please be prompt! It will be difficult to join the group on route. We will carpool and proceed to trails on Lake

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Field Trip – Julius M. Hansen Park in North Haven. – Craig Repasz

Julius M. Hansen Park 53 Patten road, North Haven, United States

With its rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods, this park has become a prominent birding destination for the Club. We will meet at the parking lot on Patten Rd. From exit 12 off Interstate 91, turn left onto Blakeslee Avenue and follow it until it ends at Bassett Road. Take a right at Bassett

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Field Trip – Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Bill Batsford

the Branford commuter lot, Exit 55 off I-95. 342 East Main Street, Branford, CT, United States

This will be another of our annual trips to this excellent birding spot. 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 Vireo, American Redstart, Willow Flycatcher, Bobolink, and many other species. Easy walking on flat trails

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First Wednesday Field Trip – Mohawk Mountain State Park – Greg Hanisek

mohawk mountain state park mohawk mountain state park, cornwall, CT, United States

Greg Hanisek, one of the best birders in the state, will lead the walk 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. Meet at the entrance to Mohawk Mountain State Park on Route 4 at Toumey Road in Cornwall, four miles

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Field Trip – Chippens Hill Grassland Birds, Bristol – Jack Swatt

roberts field parking area 400 Perkins Street, Bristol, CT

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

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Field Trip – June Birding at Morris Creek Marshes, East Haven – Steve Broker

We bird Ora Avenue, Proto Drive, and the Morris Creek marshes for a diversity of birdlife in the breeding season. This highly-developed area in East Haven manages to retain a rich avifauna year-round in spite of being sandwiched between Tweed-New Haven Airport and the East Haven Industrial Site. For many years, the road once known as Ora Avenue and now

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Summer Breeding Bird Survey – New Haven count circle, New Haven -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 Steve Mayo. Meet at various points.  Coordinator: Steve Mayo, 203-551-1707 or scmayo999@gmail.com

Field Trip – Shorebirds and Terns at Milford Point, Milford – Frank Mantlik

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

We’ll walk out on the sandbar at near high tide to see the variety of shorebirds and terns, which will begin feeding as the tide falls. We’ll also check the Coastal Center grounds for songbirds. Beach walking is involved. Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center, 1 Milford Point Road, Milford. Leader: Frank Mantlik, 203-984-9410 or mantlik@sbcglobal.net

Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal

Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United States

We will meet at and explore the Kellogg Environmental Center grounds and then walk over to Osbornedale State Park to see what we find. Osbornedale Park offers a variety of species in its fields and forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise as species are discovered walking through the park. We may see a flyover Bald Eagle,

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Hawk Watch- Bird Count, Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven – Steve Mayo

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 a.m. and continues as long as the hawks keep flying. Stop by anytime. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Hawk Watching Basics- Steve Mayo

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

We'll try to identify everything that flies over! Learn the identification basics of hawks and other high-flying migrants, and find out what to expect throughout each of the subsequent autumn months at Lighthouse Park. Other topics covered will include migration weather and topography, Connecticut migrant hotspots, migration trends, and basics of hawk watch reporting. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point

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Field Trip – Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford

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 two-mile section of the West River. These parks look particularly “hot” on the radar maps for New Haven that show which areas are most used by birds in fall migration. The walking is easy and flat, and includes one dirt path through a wooded

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Field Trip – Fresh Meadows, Cheshire Land Trust, Cheshire – Corris Folsom-O’Keefe

Fresh Meadows Preserve corner of cook hill road and corliss lane, cheshire

Note: Registration Required Group 1: 8 to 9:30 a.m. Group 2: 9:30 to 11 a.m. Cheshire Land Trust’s Fresh Meadows Preserve includes a variety of habitats that appeal to a wide variety of bird species looking for a place to rest and refuel on their southbound migration. With conifer groves, deciduous woodlands, and meadows, all located along the Mill River, it’s worth a

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven – Greg Hanisek

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

Join us on a visit to this premier local birding location, renowned for its migrating raptors and passerines. If the weather conditions are favorable, we may see hundreds of hawks in flight over the park. Meet at the Hawk Watch parking lot, Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Road, New Haven. Leader: Greg Hanisek,ctgregh@yahoo.com  contact Craig Repasz for questions - 203-745-6683

Bird Count – THE BIG SIT! ® – Anywhere You Want! – Craig Repasz

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. Local circles are at a number of birding hot spots throughout Connecticut. Join other birders in one of the established

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Field Trip – Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison – Maria Stockmal

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

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Field Trip – Fall Birds and Foliage along the West River, Bethany – Pat Leahy

Lake Bethany 179 hatfield hill road, Bethany, ct

Join a fall walk to see what can be found at these picturesque locations. The group will explore trails at Lake Bethany, then proceed to properties not open to the public, Lake Watrous and Lake Dawson. Fall migrants should be working their way through the area and the scenery will be breathtaking. Walking is not strenuous and is on well-maintained

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Field Trip – Great Meadows Unit, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, Stratford – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

Great Meadows Stratford 498 Long Beach Blvd, Stratford, CT

The salt marshes of Connecticut express muted hues of gold and russet in autumn. These colors are the backdrop for the 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, and Northern Harriers. Corrie Folsom-O'Keefe, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Connecticut, and Kris Vagos,

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Field Trip – Cheshire Hot Spots – Cheshire – Steve Broker & Melissa Baston

We bird several hotspots in the Town of Cheshire, including Broad Brook Reservoir, Boulder Knoll, and Fresh Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary (Cheshire Land Trust). Broad Brook Reservoir annually hosts 200-400 Ruddy Ducks in fall, one of the highest concentrations of this diving duck in the state. Boulder Knoll is good for sparrows at this time of year. Fresh Meadows offers a

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Field Trip – Fargeorge Wildlife Preserve, New Haven – Mike Horn

Fargeorge Preserve 1040 Quinnipiac ave, New Haven, CT, United States

This is a joint trip with Gather New Haven, formerly the New Haven Land Trust Fargeorge Preserve is always full of surprises. We have had everything from Woodcock to Bald Eagles to Snow Geese, lots of fall migrants, wintering ducks, and more. It is a varied habitat with excellent view of the lower Quinnipiac River. We will be walking on

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Field Trip – Branford Supply Ponds, Branford – Maria Stockmal

Branford Supply Ponds Branford Supply ponds, Branford, CT, United States

This a good time to look for fall and early winter migrants. There can be quite a mix seeing Baltimore Oriole, Pine Warbler, American Coot, Common Raven, Winter Wren, Fox Sparrow, and Red-shouldered Hawk. The Supply Ponds boast two generous ponds, a forest area, and a power-line cut. The forest was damaged by severe storms in 2020 and tops of

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Field Trip – Farm River Trolley Trail with Friends of Farm River, East Haven – Mike Horn

Shore Line Trolley Museum 17 river street, east haven, ct

We will walk the Shore Line Trolley Museum tracks. There are several habitats and it’s a great trip for migrating raptors plus salt marsh and woodland birds. Meet in the back parking lot of the Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street, East Haven, CT 06512.   Leader: Mike Horn, 203-288-1891 or mfhorn@att.net

Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – Sherwood Island Park – 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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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – Hammonasset Beach State Park – 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. 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, birdshop@sbcglobal.net

123rd Annual New Haven Christmas Bird Count – Chris Loscalzo compiler

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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Field Trip – New Year’s Hike – Lake Bethany – John Triana

Lake Bethany 179 hatfield hill road, Bethany, ct

This walk is at 9:00 am.  It was incorrectly listed on the website as starting at 8:00 am. 9:00 am is the correct time Get your new year off on the right foot by joining us on a hike at the Lake Bethany recreation area. Depending on conditions, we will either do a lap around the lake or take the

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – Sherwood Island State Park, Westport – Tina Green – Cancelled

Sherwood Island State Park 390 Sherwood Island Connector, Main parking lot, Westport, CT, United States

Canceled  the First Wednesday Walk Jan 4, 2023 at Sherwood Island State Park. The leader is unable to attend. A NHBC member could consider posting an Impromptu Walk at Sherwood Island in lieu of the scheduled walk   Join a midweek trip to this outstanding Long Island Sound birding spot. We check for loons, grebes, goldeneye, and other sea ducks.

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Field Trip – Milford Hotspots in Winter – Frank Mantlik

Milford Commuter Lot exit 35 111 Schoolhouse rd, Milford, CT, United States

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

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7th Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in Connecticut – Chris Loscalzo

Changed from February 4th due to cold weather The Seventh Annual Mega Bowl of CT and New Haven County is coming! WHO:  Any birder in CT can participate, either individually or as a member of a team.   Team size should range from 1-5 birders. Ideal is 2-4. WHAT: MEGA BOWL VII: an all-day birding extravaganza where you and your teammates

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Greg Hanisek

Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot - Hammo Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot, Madison, CT, United States

Enjoy a mid-week field trip (on the Second Wednesday!) 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 outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison, just east of the park’s main entrance

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Field Trip – Sachuest Point NWR and Rhode Island Coast – Chris Loscalzo

the Branford commuter lot, Exit 55 off I-95. 342 East Main Street, Branford, CT, United States

This all-day trip includes stops at Sachuest Point NWR, Beavertail State Park, Moonstone Beach, Trustum Pond, and other great birding sites on the RI 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. We’ll also be on the

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Field Trip – White Memorial Foundation – Birding and Tracking – Craig Repasz

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

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

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – Stratford Shore and Great Meadows – Frank Mantlik

Dunkin Donuts - Frash Pond, Stratford 60 access road, Stratford, CT, United States

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

Field Trip -Edgewood Park, New Haven – Bill Batsford

Edgewood Park 361 West Rock Ave, New Haven, CT, United States

Due to the forecast  for bad weather on Saturday this walk will be moved to Sunday March 12 Join Bill Batsford for a late winter 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. We will make a side trip to Evergreen

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Field Trip – The Richard English Memorial Field Trip: Lighthouse Point Park, Deer Lake Scout Reservation, and Hammonasset Beach State Park – Mike Horn

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

We first bird the harbor shore at Lighthouse Point Park for gulls, loons, ducks, and early returning shorebirds. We then proceed to the Richard English Bird Sanctuary at the Deer Lake Scout Reservation in Killingworth. We then proceed to Hammonasset Beach State Park. This is an all-day trip, but you may join us for all or part of it. Check

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – CT Audubon Coastal Center, Milford – Jalna Jaeger

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

Enjoy an early spring trip to one of the best local birding spots. We look out into the marsh and along the shore for waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, and raptors. Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center, 1 Milford Point Road, Milford. Leader: Jalna Jaeger, 203-246-0885 or jalnabird@gmail.com

Webinar and Field Trip – Birding by Ear – Corrie Folsom-O’Keefe

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

Birding by Ear Webinar Series – Registration required Wednesdays, March 22, March 29 April 5, 2023 7–7:45 p.m.  and Birding by Ear Walk – Participants chosen via drawing Saturday, April 22, 2023 Group 1: 8–9:30 a.m. Group 2: 10–11:30 a.m.   NOTE: Watch for the NHBC email announcement to sign up for the webinar series and to be eligible for

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Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal – canceled due to impending storm

Kellog Environmental Center 500 Hawthorne ave, Derby, CT, United States

This walk has been cancelled due to heavy rain forecast to Saturday We will meet at and explore the Kellogg Environmental Center grounds and then walk over to Osbornedale State Park to see what we find. Osbornedale Park offers a variety of species in its fields and forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise as species are

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Field Trip – East Rock Park with Ranger Dan – Cancelled

East Rock Park - English Drive Rice Field, New Haven, CT, United States

Update: the scheduled Saturday, April 29 bird walk in East Rock Park with leader Dan Barvir is CANCELLED due to a conflicting city-wide event 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, New Haven. Leader: Dan Barvir, 203-208-1415 or danielb145@comcast.net

Field Trip – Introduction to Digitally-Assisted Birding and Walk at Lighthouse Point Park – Gail Martino

Lighthouse Point 21 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States

New technologies can help birders get the most out of their time birding. For example, smartphone applications such as Merlin and eBird can help birders identify and log the birds they see and hear. After an orientation to these two apps, we will explore Lighthouse Point Park, an excellent location for early migrants amid the park’s diverse habitats. Warblers, thrasher,

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Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk – John Oshlick

Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United States

Note:  This is a date change from the yearbook.  It will be a "First Thursday Walk".  The new date is May 4th. 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

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Field Trip – River Road, Kent has been moved to Kent Falls State Park – Steve Broker

Kent train station

Kent Falls State Park, Kent, Connecticut Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8:00 a.m. to 12 Noon River Road in Kent is undergoing bridge repairs that prevent us from accessing this remarkable “riparian woodland corridor”.  In place of this annual trip, we explore the woodlands and fields of Kent Falls State Park in search of early neotropical migrants.  As time allows, we

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Field Trip – Big Day Marathon – 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. The Big day could potentially involve several miles of walking on more strenuous terrain. Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum

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Field Trip – Bent of the River Important Bird Area, Southbury – Morgan Evans – moved to May 7th

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

This walk has been postponed from April 30th due to bad weather.  The new date is May 7th 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 Audubon Connecticut. The walk is open

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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. The Hartman Park walk involves a moderate distance walk on moderately strenuous terrain. Meet at the commuter parking lot, I-95 exit 55, or contact the trip

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Field Trip – Sleeping Giant State Park, Hamden – Jim Sirch, DeWitt Allen, Craig Repasz

Sleeping Giant 200 Mount Carmel Ave, Hamden, CT, United States

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

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