New Haven Bird Club: People's State Forest Field Trip
2026-07-19 07:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Church Pool Park, 10 Pleasant Valley Rd., Barkhamsted, CT, United States
Field Trip – Peoples State Forest, Barkhamsted – Paul Mahler and Michele McDermott

July 19, 2026 @ 7:30 am – 11:30 am

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, Winter Wrens, and more. Great Horned and Barred Owls and Broad-winged Hawks also nest within the forest. Please note: the forest can be quite buggy in summer. Mosquito nets and/or generous use of bug spray are highly recommended. We will drive to several locations and walk approximately 2–3 miles throughout the morning. Terrain will include boardwalks, rocky access roads, and forest trails with many stumps and roots — please plan footwear and mobility accordingly.

Update 5/14/26: New Starting Location! We will meet at the parking lot for Church Pool Park and then carpool over to the entrance for Peoples State Forest.

Church Pool Park is located at: 10 Pleasant Valley Rd, Barkhamsted, CT 06063 (41.9133759, -72.9864183)

Most people will likely be taking Rt 44 to either Rt 318 or Rt 181.

From Rt 318: Follow Rt 318 until you cross over an old iron bridge. Parking lot will be on right just after the bridge.

From Rt 181: Follow Rt 181 until you come to a 4 way intersection. Turn right onto the old iron bridge. Parking lot will be on right just after the bridge.

Leaders: Paul Mahler, 860-459-6942; Michele McDermott, 860-485-3087

New Haven Bird Club: Boyd Woods Field Trip - August 19, 2026
2026-08-19 08:30 - 11:30 | Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary Route 254, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
Field Trip – Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Litchfield – Celeste Echlin

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 @ 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Litchfield PVF2+WC Litchfield, Litchfield, CT

This 106-acre site is owned by Litchfield Hills Audubon with varied wooded habitat and well-maintained trails, a bird blind, vernal pools, and a bordering brook. If time permits, we will make short visits to other nearby stops.

Meet at Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary parking lot, Northfield Road (Route 254), Litchfield (41.724868, -73.148762). Driving directions.

Venue

Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Litchfield

PVF2+WC Litchfield
Litchfield, CT + Google Map

Leader: Celeste Echlin, 860-485-2567 or cechlin151@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: Harkness Memorial State Park Field Trip
2026-08-30 08:00 - 11:00 | Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Rd., Waterford,, CT, 06385, United States
Field Trip – Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford – Dan Erichetti

Sunday, August 30, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford 275 Great Neck Road, 8V2P+VQ Waterford, Waterford, CT
Harkness Memorial offers a wide variety of habitats including beach, sand dune, salt marsh, saltwater cove, and grassland. We’ll explore, looking for migrants and local residents.

Meet at the western end of the main parking lot, Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Road, Waterford.
Leader: Dan Erichetti, danerrichetti@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: Field Trip - Harkness Memorial
2026-08-30 08:00 - 11:00 | Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Rd., Waterford,, CT, 06385, United States

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
