Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Walk
2026-08-15 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington, CT, United States
Shorebird Walk

Saturday, August 15, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area
Stonington, CT
Members: $13
Non-members: $18

The largest coastal wildlife management area in Connecticut, Barn Island’s diverse mix of coastal forests and salt marshes spans over 1000 acres, attracting a huge diversity of species. We’ll search for shorebirds, wading birds, and late summer migrants in one of the best spots along the coast. Walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. Exposure to sun, heat, and wind, depending on weather. No restrooms on site.

Register here: Shorebird Walk | Aug 15, 9:00am – 11:00am | RTP Estuary Center | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Walk
2026-08-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Bluff Point State Park, Bluff Point State Park, Groton, CT, United States
SHOREBIRD WALK:

Saturday, August 22, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Bluff Point State Park
Groton, CT
Members: $13
Non-members: $18

Bluff Point State Park is one of the largest coastal preserves in the state, and park of the newly formed CT National Estuarine Research Reserve system. The sandy beaches and numerous salt marshes attract a wide diversity of shorebird and wading bird species, and the coastal forests are home to many songbird and raptor species.
The walk will be approximately 2.5 miles out and back on level dirt trails. Exposure to wind, sun, and heat is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site

Register here: | The Connecticut Audubon Society | Aug 22, 9:00am – 11:00am | RTP Estuary Center | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Tree Swallow Cruises - Aug 30; Sept 5; Sept 13; Sept 20, 2026
2026-08-30 15:30 - 20:00, 2026-09-05 15:30 - 20:00, 2026-09-13 15:30 - 20:00, 2026-09-20 15:30 - 20:00 | Essex Steam Train, 30 Plains Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Tree Swallow Cruises

Witness one of the most spectacular avian events when thousands of Tree Swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River at sunset to settle in on a giant communal roost during their fall migration. Birds come from miles away, creating a ballet of synchronized flight before settling down for the night. Renowned ornithologist and artist Roger Tory Peterson wrote that “the tornadoes of Tree Swallows eclipsed any other avian spectacle I have ever seen.” Join Connecticut Audubon naturalists and journey from Essex, by train and then by boat to see the awe–inspiring display. Enjoy picturesque scenery from the 70–foot Mississippi–style river boat’s three decks. Snacks, a full bar, and restrooms are available on board. If you take only one trip this fall, make sure it’s this one!
Tours are approximately three and a half hours in length and vary in departure time from 3:30 – 5 pm, depending on the date chosen (the later in the month, the earlier the departure time).
Tours depart from the Essex Steam Train & River Boat in Essex. Appropriate for children eight years and over.

Aug 30; Sept 5; Sept 13; Sept 20
4:30pm – 8:30pm OR 3:30pm – 8:00pm
Essex, CT
Led By Matt Bell
Members: $55
Non-Members: $55
For more info and to register:
(860) 767-0660
ecotravel@ctaudubon.org
Register here: Tree Swallow Cruises | Aug 30; Sept 5; Sept 13; Sept 204:30pm – 8:30pm OR 3:30pm – 8:00pm | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, EcoTravel: Long Island Shorebirds
2026-09-12 07:00 - 17:00 | Jamaica Bay NWR, 175-10 Cross Bay Blvd,, Queens, NY, United States
Saturday, September 12, 2026
7:00am – 5:00pm
Queens, New York
Led By TBD
Members: $155
Non-Members: $170
For more info and to register:
(860) 767-0660
ecotravel@ctaudubon.org

Each fall, shorebirds flock to Long Island on their journey south. Large flocks gather both at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Jones Beach State Park, depending on the water levels. Jamaica Bay, located within Brooklyn and Queens, is one of the most important urban wildlife refuges, hosting a variety of habitats, including salt marsh, several fresh and brackish pools, and an open expanse of bay and islands. Jones Beach is home to staging areas for hundreds of American Oystercatchers, ducks, and more! Join us as we enjoy the signs of fall.

Register here: Long Island Shorebirds | Sep 12, 7:00am – 5:00pm | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Planting for Birds
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
RTP Estuary Center: Planting For Birds

Winter Session – Saturday, December 13; 10 am – 12 p.m.
Spring Session – Saturday, March 14; 10 am – 12 p.m.
Summer Session – Saturday, June 13; 10 am – 12 p.m.
Fall Session – Saturday, September 12; 10 am – 12 p.m.

While habitat loss poses challenges for birds and wildlife worldwide, creating backyard habitats offers a solution! In this four-part series, participants will learn about ways to improve backyard habitats throughout different seasons. Each program will focus on the seasonal needs of birds and specific ways to support them, using examples from the sanctuary grounds of the RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme. Each session will include an indoor presentation and an outdoor exploration of the sanctuary grounds and gardens, accompanied by handouts that list the plants mentioned for each session.

Click here to learn about each session!

$20 for members/$25 for non-members for individual sessions
$75 for members/$95 for non-members for all four sessions

Register Here for All Four Sessions

Register Here for a Single Session
