Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, Coastal Center at Milford Point: Spring Bird Walk
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Saturday, April 4, 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT 06460
203-878-7440
milford@ctaudubon.org

Members $15
Non-members $20

Join local birding expert Frank Mantlik for a spring bird walk! The Coastal Center is a hub for wildlife all times of the year, so we’ll take you to some of our favorite sites around the sanctuary’s salt marsh, woodlands, and sandbar to look for a variety of birds. Beginner birders are welcome. The Coastal Center has a limited supply of binoculars to loan out if needed.

Be sure to check the coastal forecast: we recommend bringing an extra layer, as it tends to get windy at the coast. This walk will last 2-3 hours, so you’ll want to bring good walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars.This walk is subject to cancellation in the event of bad weather. If a walk is cancelled, you will be offered to transfer your registration to a rescheduled date or receive a refund.

Register here: Coastal Bird Walk | Apr 4, 10:00am – 1:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Walk #2
2026-04-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Bluff Point State Park, Bluff Point State Park, Groton, CT, United States
Saturday, April 4, 2026
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Bluff Point State Park
Groton, CT
Members: $13
Non-Members: $18
Register here: Shorebird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Early Morning Bird Walks
2026-04-07 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-04-14 08:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-21 08:00 - 10:30, 2026-04-28 08:00 - 10:30, 2026-05-05 08:00 - 10:30 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Join Andy on a guided bird walk through the meadows and forests of Pomfret. As the landscape wakes up in April, these habitats come alive with birdsong, movement, and seasonal surprises. You’ll stroll at an easy pace, listening and looking for a variety of woodland and meadow species—and with luck, we may hear or even spot the iconic Pileated Woodpecker, a frequent presence along this route. Wear drab-colored clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring your binoculars.
$5 CAS members, $20 nonmembers
No registration required

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebirds Webinar via Zoom Meeting
2026-04-08 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, CT, United States
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Shorebirds are among the longest distance migrants of any bird family, spanning continents and oceans on their journeys to and from breeding grounds. Early spring in Connecticut is an ideal time to observe and listen to these birds, as many migrate through the state to points further north. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will highlight the incredible journeys these birds make and the species we can expect to see in Connecticut, as well as their breeding and migration behaviors, and tips and tricks for identification.
Free to attend / Suggested donation $10
Register here: Shorebirds Webinar – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Coastal Bird Walk
2026-04-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Fenwick, Old Saybrook, United States
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Fenwick, Old Saybrook
Before the rush of spring warblers and other songbirds, birders in Connecticut should head to the coast to see the start of shorebird migration and the last of our winter waterfowl before these incredible birds head north to breed. Located at the mouth of the Connecticut River and jutting into Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is uniquely situated to get a diversity of species in spring. We’ll search for sandpipers and plovers, sea ducks and dabblers along one of the best spots in Southeastern Connecticut.The walk will be approximately 1 mile on level paved, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. No restrooms on site.
Members: $13
Non-members: $18
Register here: Coastal Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Coastal Center at Milford Point: Spring Bird Walk
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Saturday, April 11, 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT 06460
203-878-7440
milford@ctaudubon.org

Members $15
Non-members $20

Join local birding expert Frank Mantlik for a spring bird walk! The Coastal Center is a hub for wildlife all times of the year, so we’ll take you to some of our favorite sites around the sanctuary’s salt marsh, woodlands, and sandbar to look for a variety of birds. Beginner birders are welcome. The Coastal Center has a limited supply of binoculars to loan out if needed.
Be sure to check the coastal forecast: we recommend bringing an extra layer, as it tends to get windy at the coast. This walk will last 2-3 hours, so you’ll want to bring good walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars.
This walk is subject to cancellation in the event of bad weather. If a walk is cancelled, you will be offered to transfer your registration to a rescheduled date or receive a refund.

Register here: Coastal Bird Walk | Apr 11, 10:00am – 1:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Sit
2026-04-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Great Island Boat Launch, Old Lyme, United States
Saturday, April 11, 2026
1:00pm – 3:00pm
Great Island Boat Launch
Old Lyme, CT
Most of North America’s shorebird species winter in South & Central America, heading north to breed in the high Arctic, while others spend the winter here in Connecticut. Early spring is when many of these species start their long-distance migrations, making it a great time of year to head to the coast. Join us as we look for many of our shorebird species at some of the best spots around southeastern Connecticut and learn how you can help these charismatic birds. A bird sit involves little to no walking, instead focusing on a single location and letting the birds come to you. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold is possible depending on the weather. No restrooms on site.
Members: $13
Non-Members: $18
Register here: Shorebird Sit – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Walk #3
2026-04-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme, CT, United States
Saturday, April 18, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Rocky Neck State Park
East Lyme, CT
Members: $13
Non-Members: $18
Register here: Shorebird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Coastal Center at Milford Point: Spring Bird Walk
2026-04-22 12:00 - 15:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
12:00pm – 3:00pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT 06460
203-878-7440
milford@ctaudubon.org

Members $15
Non-members $20

Join local birding expert Frank Mantlik for a spring bird walk! The Coastal Center is a hub for wildlife all times of the year, so we’ll take you to some of our favorite sites around the sanctuary’s salt marsh, woodlands, and sandbar to look for a variety of birds. Beginner birders are welcome. The Coastal Center has a limited supply of binoculars to loan out if needed.
Be sure to check the coastal forecast: we recommend bringing an extra layer, as it tends to get windy at the coast. This walk will last 2-3 hours, so you’ll want to bring good walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars.
This walk is subject to cancellation in the event of bad weather. If a walk is cancelled, you will be offered to transfer your registration to a rescheduled date or receive a refund.

Register here: Coastal Bird Walk | Apr 22, 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Long Pond Bird Walk
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Long Pond, Long Pond, Thompsom, CT, United States
Long Pond Bird Walk

Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8 a.m.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake in MA, has varied habitats. We’ll look for interesting duck species as well as early arriving spring migrants, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Blue-headed Vireo.

Limit: 10 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Registration is required. Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Beginner Birding for Families and Kids
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Beginner Birding for Families & Kids (Class & Walk)

Kids Birding at Deer Pond Farm

April 25, 10 AM-Noon
Are you a curious young explorer looking to learn more about wildlife? Get ready for spring bird migration by joining Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer at Deer Pond Farm to discover the joy of birding. Starting in our classroom, Lori will describe what birding is, how to look and listen like a birder. Finding and watching birds is fun for the whole family and can help you learn about lots of other animals. We will then go out onto our teaching terrace for a binocular lesson and explore some of the trails to find some birds!

Recommended for ages 8 and up; but all ages welcome; parents must be in attendance with children.

Click here to register for the Beginner Birding for Families and Kids (Class & Walk).

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Beginner Birding
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States

CT Audubon, Milford Point: Return of the Osprey!
2026-04-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Return of the Osprey – A gala celebrating one of our states most iconic species

Saturday, April 25, 2026
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

1 Milford Point Road
Milford, CT 06460
203-878-7440
milford@ctaudubon.org

Tickets: $75
2-person Discount: $140

Buy Tickets here: Support The Return of The Osprey 2026 | PledgeIt for Charities

We hope you’ll join us for good cheer, great food and cocktails, and a lively auction as we welcome spring (and the Osprey!) back to Connecticut. Your support of the Coastal Center is a gift to the region’s wildlife and protected spaces, and we want to celebrate our successes with you.
The Coastal Center staff strive to promote the awareness and preservation of Long Island Sound’s ecosystem, and the birds and habitats it supports. Visitors have access to the Sound and to tidal salt marshes, barrier beaches, tide pools, and coastal dunes, making it one of the most significant birding locations in Connecticut. As a part of statewide initiatives, the Coastal Center also participates in the conservation of several protected species, especially Osprey, Purple Martins, and Piping Plovers. Fundraising events like this make our work possible.

CT Audubon - Eco Travel: Early Spring Migrants
2026-04-30 06:00 - 15:00 | CT
Early Spring Migrants

Thursday, April 30 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Late April is the beginning of the intense migration period when birds head north to summer haunts. With favorable weather and winds, some species get a head start and we plan to greet them! Visit places known for their great diversity of migrants to see them in nuptial plumage and listen to their spring songs before the leaves make them more difficult to spot.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Virginia Rail Bird Walk
2026-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Virginia Rail Bird Walk

Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Our goal will be to hear and observe a Virginia Rail. Other possible species include early arrivals like Yellow and Pine Warblers.

Limit: 12 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Beginner's Bird Walk
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Beginner’s Bird Walk
Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m.

If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring migrants will have returned and the leaves won’t be out, making the birds easier to spot.

Limit: 10 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

RTP Estuary Center: Family Bird Walk
2026-05-02 13:30 - 15:00 | Pond Meadow Preserve, Essex, United States
Saturday, May 2, 2026
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Pond Meadow Preserve
Essex, CT
With boardwalks over extensive wetlands surrounded by coastal forest, Pond Meadow Preserve is a haven for songbirds during migration. We’ll look and listen for birds on this mellow walk through the woods. Suitable for ages 5 and up. The walk will be approximately .75 miles on mostly level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
Members: $10
Non-Members: $15
Children Ages 12 and under: $5
Register here: Family Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Birdcraft: Spring Bird Walk
2026-05-05 07:00 - 10:00 | Birdcraft Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
May 5, 2026 – 7 a.m.

Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin at this historic property to look for returning migrant songbirds. What the Birdcraft Sanctuary lacks in size, it makes up for in diversity with over 30 species of warblers and nearly 180 species of birds seen at this urban oasis. One of the area’s best locations to photograph warblers in the spring. All levels of birders welcome; appropriate for ages 12 and up. Binoculars recommended. Pre-registration required.

$15 Members
$20 Non-members

Register here: Spring Birdwalk at Birdcraft – The Connecticut Audubon Society

RTP Estuary Center - Spring Bird Walk #1
2026-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
5:00pm – 6:00pm
RTP Estuary Center
100 Lyme St.
Old Lyme, CT
Search for spring migrants along the beautiful Lieutenant River Estuary on the grounds of the RTP Estuary Center. We’ll look for songbirds in the bird garden and wetland birds along the marsh. The walk will be approximately .25 miles on level grassy terrain. Restrooms on site.
Members: $5
Non-Members: $10
Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Eco Travel: Annual Lyme Loop
2026-05-07 06:00 - 15:00 | CT
Annual Lyme Loop

Thursday, May 7 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Travel through Lyme and Nehantic State Forest in search of neotropical migrants. The habitats of the state forest include wetlands, streams, and ponds, all excellent places for the morning chorus of neotropical migrants. While the main focus will be on warblers and learning their songs, vireos, thrushes and other breeders can be present. Target species include Hooded, Worm-eating, and Cerulean warblers.

Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Trail Wood Bird Walk
2026-05-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Trail Wood Sanctuary, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton, CT, 06426, United States
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton to find an assortment of birds. Expect Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Veery.

Limit: 8 people. Fee: $10 members, $20 non-members.

Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Freidman Forest Bird Walk
2026-05-08 08:00 - 10:00 | CT
Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 8, 2026, at 8 a.m.

While exploring this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve, we will likely find Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers! Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

CT Audubon - Deer Pond Farm: Birdwatching - Big Sit
2026-05-08 13:00 - 16:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Birdwatching “Big Sit” Open House – Free

Friday, May 8, 2026
1:00pm – 4:00pm

Sitting in one area quietly can be a rewarding and low-effort way to observe birds. Join us at the Deer Pond Farm’s teaching terrace with avian biologist Lori Lichtenauer for this casual twist on the competitive “Big Day” of birding. We will observe birds soaring, in the meadows, and forest edges. Extra spotting scopes, binoculars, and lots of ID resources will be set up. All birding levels are welcome.
Register here: Birdwatching “Big Sit” Open House – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Little River Preserve Bird Walk
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | CT
Little River Preserve Bird Walk
Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Owned by the town of Hampton, this new preserve has a diversity of habitats that should attract lots of interesting birds. Hooded Warbler, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and several flycatcher species are just a few of the possibilities.

Limit: 10 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members

Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

CT Audubon - Deer Pond: Bird Hike
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026 / 8:00am – 10:00am
During peak migration, millions of birds will be flying through CT, taking brief breaks at “stopover” sites. These sites provide important food and shelter for birds as they recover from their journeys. Join Lori Lichtenauer, Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist, at Deer Pond Farm to hike some of our birding “hotspots” in search of great bird diversity count

$5 – Members / $10 Non-members
Register here: Bird Hike – The Connecticut Audubon Society

RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Walk #2
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Fenwick Grove
Old Saybrook, CT
Located at the mouth of the Connecticut River and on Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is situated perfectly to attract a wide variety of species. We’ll search for songbirds, shorebirds, and lingering waterfowl in a small patch of coastal forest. The walk will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt trails. No restrooms on site.
Members: $13
Non-members: $18
Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society
