Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

Hartford Audubon Society: Cedar Hill Cemetery - Bird Walk
2026-05-20 07:30 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, United States
Cedar Hill Cemetery – May 20 – Wed 7:30 am
453 Fairfield Ave, Hartford
A three-hour leisurely bird walk in search of migrant warblers,
vireos, thrushes and flycatchers. We may find Cape May and
Canada Warblers and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Easy walking.
Paul Cianfaglione – pgcianfaglione@gmail.com – 860-836-3443 T
Al Gatti – algatti22@gmail.com – 860-916-7142 T

New Haven Bird Club: Lake Chamberlain - Field Trip
2026-05-20 07:30 - 10:30 | Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area, Sperry Road south of Morris Road, Bethany, CT, United States
Field Trip – Lake Chamberlain, Bethany – Pat Leahy

May 20, 2026 @ 7:30 am – 10:30 am

Join us for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Bethany. Pat Leahy has been maintaining a bluebird trail on several of the properties there. Bluebirds, swallows, and spring migrants are plentiful. Walking is not strenuous and on well-maintained trails.
Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, the second metal gate south of Morris Road, Bethany.
Leader: Pat Leahy, 203-314-0566 or ptjleahy@yahoo.com

New Canaan Nature Center: Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-05-20 08:30 - 10:00 | New Canaan Nature Center, 144 Oenoke Ridge, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States
Spring Early Morning Walks with Frank Gallo
Wednesday, April 1, 8, 15, 22 May 13 & 20

8:30am – 10:00am

Meet Senior Naturalist Frank Gallo for bird walks on the beautiful grounds at the Nature Center Center. We’ll be keeping track of and learning about the birds we see as we generate a database and new bird lists for Bristow Sanctuary and NCNC. Binoculars are available if needed

All walks will meet in the lower parking lot at NCNC

All walks are free of charge but we do ask that you register

Register Here

New Canaan Nature Center: Bristow Sanctuary - Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-05-21 08:30 - 10:00 | New Canaan NC and Bristow Bird Sanctuary, 144 Oenoke Ridge / 47 Old Stamford Rd, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States
Thursday, April 16, 23 May 14 & 21

8:30am – 10:00am

Meet Senior Naturalist Frank Gallo for bird walks on the beautiful grounds at the Bristow Sanctuary. We’ll be keeping track of and learning about the birds we see as we generate a database and new bird lists for Bristow Sanctuary and NCNC. Binoculars are available if needed

All walks will meet in the Meade Park parking lot near the Ball Fields

All walks are free of charge but we do ask that you register
Register Here

Litchfield Audubon: Bird Walk in Mohawk State Forest
2026-05-22 08:00 - 10:00 | Mohawk Mountain State Park, Route 4, Cornwall, CT, United States
May 22, 2026
Friday, 8:00 a.m.
Location: Goshen, CT

We will bird by foot and car, looking for Northern Waterthrushes and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, and listening for orioles, flycatchers, and vireos.

Meet at the entrance parking area, 20 Mohawk Mountain Road (Route 4) in Goshen.

Questions? Contact Donna Rose Smith at 1ffastbird@gmail.com.

New Canaan Nature Center: Area Open Space Bird and Natural History Walks
2026-05-22 08:30 - 10:00 | New Canaan NC and Bristow Bird Sanctuary, 144 Oenoke Ridge / 47 Old Stamford Rd, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States
Friday, April 17 & 24, May 8 & 22
8:30am – 10:00am

Meet our Senior Naturalist and expert birder, Frank Gallo, for early morning bird walks at Bristow Sanctuary as well as the other sites below. We’ll be keeping track of the birds we see as we generate a database and new bird lists for Bristow Sanctuary and the New Canaan Nature Center.

Friday, April 17
Bristow Bird Sanctuary, New Canaan
Parking at Mead Park

Friday, April 24
Cove Island Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Stamford
Park at far southwest corner of the parking lot past the rink

Friday, May 8
Silvermine-Fowler Preserve, New Canaan
The parking lot is on Silvermine Road
This lovely preserve is a joy to explore. Join us as we search for signs of spring – salamanders, frogs, and early spring wildflowers.

Friday, May 22
NCLT’s Browne Preserve, New Canaan
Meet in the parking lot at their office
Join us as we search for signs of spring – birds and spring wildflowers.

All walks are free of charge but we do ask that you register

Register Here

New Haven Bird Club: Julius Hansen Park - Field Trip
2026-05-23 08:00 - 11:00 | Julius M. Hansen Park, 52 Patten Rd, North Haven, CT, United States
Field Trip – Julius M. Hansen Park, North Haven – Craig Repasz and DeWitt Allen

May 23, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods host breeding populations of sparrows and warblers, woodpeckers, hawks, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grossbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and other field and woodland birds. Other migrating species are possible.
Meet at the Hansen Park parking lot down a driveway just east of 52 Patten Road, North Haven.
Leaders: Craig Repasz , 203-745-6683 or crepasz@hotmail.com; DeWitt Allen, 860-949-0095 or allendatlow@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: Barn Island Wildlife Mgt Area - Field Trip
2026-05-24 08:00 - 12:00 | Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington, CT, United States
Field Trip – Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Chris Loscalzo and Dan Errichetti

May 24, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Barn Island WMA is a large expanse of varied habitat along the Connecticut shore near the Rhode Island border, including large tracts of salt marsh, deciduous woodlands and a large brushy field. We’ll see 60+ species of birds, with notable resident species including White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Saltmarsh Sparrow and Willow Flycatcher likely to be seen. This is a good spot to look for rare shorebirds such as Wilson’s Phalarope and Black-necked Stilt. We’ll take a long hike of approximately 4 to 5 miles through the property, which is mostly flat on good trails. Wear comfortable shoes and bring bug spray and water.
Meet at 8 a.m. at the WMA entrance on Palmer Neck Road, Stonington
Official state map – the entrance off Palmer Neck Road is marked with an “E.”
Leaders: Chris Loscalzo, 203-214-3473 or closcalz@optonline.net;
Dan Errichetti, danerrichetti@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: Lake Watrous - Field Trip
2026-05-27 07:30 - 11:00 | Lake Watrous, Lake Watrous, Woodbury, CT, United States
Field Trip – Lake Watrous, Woodbridge – Pat Leahy

May 27, 2026 @ 7:30 am – 11:00 am

Join Pat Leahy for a walk on protected Regional Water Authority property in Woodbridge with views of the lake and dam, some wetlands, and lakeside forest. The trip will be a 3 mile hike on a flat trail.
Meet at Lake Bethany Regional Water Authority parking area on Hatfield Hill Road, Bethany. We will carpool to Lake Watrous from there.
Leader: Pat Leahy, 203-314-0566 or ptjleahy@yahoo.com

Litchfield Audubon: Birding on Lower River Road, West Cornwall
2026-05-29 08:00 - 10:00 | CT
May 29, 2026
Friday, 8:00 a.m.
Location: West Cornwall, CT

On past visits to this under-birded spot, we have had Ruffed Grouse, Blackburnian Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, and other northern species. To get there from Route 7, cross the West Cornwall covered bridge and turn right down River Road. If coming from the east, turn left onto River Road (do not cross the covered bridge).

Meet at the parking area past the Trinity Retreat Center at the end of the road.

Questions? Contact Donna Rose Smith at 1ffastbird@gmail.com.

CT Audubon Coastal Center - Milford Pt: Family Bird Walk #1
2026-05-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Friday, May 29, 2026
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

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

Free

Join local birding expert Matt Joyce 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, and this program is great for all ages (5+). The Coastal Center has a limited supply of binoculars to loan out if needed.
This will be a casual walk for about 2 hours, depending on the weather and birding conditions. The walk is fairly flat, but will take place on loose sand with little shade. Please bring good walking shoes, binoculars, and water. Dress appropriately for the weather, as it tends to be windy at the coast. There are bathrooms on site at the Coastal Center.
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: Family Bird Walk | May 29, 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon Coastal Center - Milford Point: Family Bird Walk #2
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Saturday, May 30, 2026
2:00pm – 4:00pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

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

Free

Join teacher-naturalists Ava and Maggie 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, and this program is great for all ages (5+). The Coastal Center has a limited supply of binoculars to loan out if needed.
This will be a casual walk for about 2 hours, depending on the weather and birding conditions. The walk is fairly flat, but will take place on loose sand with little shade. Please bring good walking shoes, binoculars, and water. Dress appropriately for the weather, as it tends to be windy at the coast. There are bathrooms on site at the Coastal Center.
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: Family Bird Walk | May 30, 2:00pm – 4:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

New Haven Birding Club: Chippens Hill - Field Trip
2026-05-31 07:00 - 11:00 | Chippens Hill, Chippens Hill, Bristol, CT, United States
Field Trip – Chippens Hill Grassland Birds – Jack Swatt

May 31, 2026 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am

The Chippens Hill area of Bristol has historically been farmland. The Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut 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 to walk in sunny field habitat that may contain ticks.
Meet at the Bristol Dog Park parking lot ​at 400 Perkins Street in Bristol, just north of the intersection with Pinehurst Road.
Leader: Jack Swatt, 203-592-4686 or jswattbirds@gmail.com

Litchfield Audubon: Picnic and Birding at Shepaug Dam
2026-05-31 09:00 - 13:00 | Shepaug Dam, River Rd., Southbury, CT, United States
May 31, 2026
Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Location: Southbury, CT

Russ Naylor will lead us on a bird walk to the Shepaug Dam to find breeding birds — warblers (Pine, Prairie, Blue-winged, etc.), edge and field species (Eastern Towhees, Field Sparrows, American Bluebirds), plus some special treats: a Cliff Swallow colony, Spotted Sandpipers, ravens, Common Mergansers, Osprey, perhaps even a Bald Eagle or two. Some of these birds will be nesting, and we’re apt to be serenaded by Orchard Orioles and Warbling Vireos.

After our walk, we’ll enjoy an informal picnic (bring your lunch and beverage) and swap bird or outdoor tales in the late-spring warmth (we hope!).

Meet at 7:30 outside the Canfield Corner Pharmacy at the junction of Route 6 (Main Street North) and Route 47 in Woodbury.

For more information, call Russ Naylor at 203-841-7779; leave a message for a return call.

New Haven Bird Club: Mohawk Mountain State Park - Bird Walk
2026-06-03 08:00 - 11:00 | Mohawk Mountain State Park, Route 4, Cornwall, CT, United States
Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Mohawk Mountain State Park – Jack Swatt

June 3, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Join us as we explore the birds 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. Mostly easy walking, with carpooling between sites.
Meet at the entrance to Mohawk Mountain State Park on Route 4 in Cornwall, four miles west of Goshen.
Leader: Jack Swatt, 203-592-4686 or jswattbirds@gmail.com

Hartford Audubon Society: Station 43/Vibert Rd - Bird Walk
2026-06-06 07:00 - 10:00 | Station 43, 990 Main St., South Windsor, CT, United States
Station 43 & Vibert Rd – Wetland Birds Sat Jun 6 – 7 am
953 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd & Main St Park on road by intersection.
A bird walk which focuses on wetland nesting species. We have a
chance to see Least Bitterns, Virginia Rails and Marsh Wrens.
Knee-high waterproof boots and bug spray are recommended.
Mostly easy walking but some very wet areas. 2-3 hours.
Paul Cianfaglione pgcianfaglione@gmail.com 860-836-3443 T

Hartford Audubon Society: Reservoir #3 - Bloomfield - Bird Walk
2026-06-06 08:00 - 10:00 | Reservoir #3 Bloomfield, 298 Tunxis Ave, Bloomfield, CT, 06002, United States
Reservoir # 3, Bloomfield – Jun 6 – Sat 8 am
298 Tunxis Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Meet at first parking lot
This area is easily accessible and has a wide variety of habitats
within a short distance. We are likely to find Bobolinks nesting in
the fields and Great Blue Herons nesting in their rookery at the
back of a swamp along with a variety of other summer resident
birds. The area encompasses low fields, tall grass fields, marsh,
shrub habitat and forest habitat, all from an easily walkable road.
Wear long pants and bug spray for tick protection. We will walk
about 1-1/2 miles over level solid terrain.
Chris Fisher – ChrisF001@aol.com – 860-967-5976 T
Jim Watso – jcwphotos@cox.net – 860-519-8306 T

New Haven Bird Club: Summer Bird Count
2026-06-06 08:00 - 2026-06-07 17:00 | CT
New Haven Summer Bird Count

June 6, 2026 – June 7, 2026

Saturday–Sunday, June 6–7, 2026, all day
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, to join a team, and for other information, contact Steve Mayo. Meet at various points.
Coordinator: Steve Mayo, 203-772-9842 or scmayo999@gmail.com

Hartford Audubon Society: Ct Trails Day - Family Birdwalk
2026-06-07 07:30 - 09:30 | Mary Conklin Preserve, 144 Indian Hill Road, Canton, CT, 06019, United States
Sunday, June 7, 7:30 am:
Join Hartford Audubon and Canton Land Trust leaders Sarah Faulkner and Jay Kaplan for a 1 1/2 hour beginner’s birdwalk for families in this beautiful Canton Land Conservation Trust preserve. You’ll be introduced to birdwatching, how to use the Merlin app to help with bird identification, learn to find and identify birds, and learn about other apps on your phone that can help. Children ages 6 and older are welcome. We’ll look for birds, discuss the ecosystems, and enjoy being in nature. Easy walking, around 2 miles, 1.5 hours. Bring binoculars, smart phone if possible, sturdy sneakers, insect repellent, water and snack. Please leave dogs at home. Leaders will have some binoculars to loan to participants. Email leader to pre-register for this walk at sffaulkner533@gmail.com. Rain cancels.
Directions to the Mary Conklin Preserve: From Route 44 in Canton, turn onto Indian Hill Road and drive about 1.4 miles. The driveway for 144 Indian Hill Road is on the left, next to a large bright red mailbox. Park in the parking area and we’ll gather by the kiosk.

Hartford Audubon Society: Annual Picnic and Bird Walk
2026-06-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Northwest Park, 45 Lang Rd., Windsor, CT, United States
Annual Picnic and Bird walk – Jun 9 – Tuesday – 6 pm
Northwest Park, 145 Lang Rd, Windsor
Park in lot, cross bridge to Warming Shed
Join us for a guided bird walk and socializing to kick off the
summer! The bird walk will start at 5:00 pm and species we
typically see include orioles, indigo buntings, and eastern
bluebirds. The picnic will begin at 6:00. BYO dinner, utensils, and
place setting. HAS will provide drinks and dessert. The picnic will
conclude with a brief meeting.
Audrey Staropoli – Audrey@hartfordaudubon.org – 860-961-6330 T

Hartford Audubon Society: - Annual Summer Bird Count
2026-06-13 08:00 - 2026-06-14 17:00 | CT
Annual Summer Bird Count – Jun 13-14 – Sat & Sun
Bird Count Circle. 7.5-mile radius from Old State House
Join Hartford Audubon members as we participate in the annual
Summer Bird Count. Species and numbers are counted on this two
day tally within our Christmas Count circle. Bird one day or both
and help collect breeding-bird data and track species trends for
Connecticut. Bird for an hour or bird all weekend.
Jay Kaplan – jaybrd49@aol.com – 860-693-0157 – 860-707-5246 T

New Haven Bird Club: Ewen Farm Preserve - Bird Walk
2026-06-13 08:30 - 11:00 | CT
Field Trip – Ewen Farm Preserve, Orange – Bev Propen and Nancy Clark

June 13, 2026 @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am

A scenic late spring walk around former hay fields, past streams and a pond. Ewen Farm Preserve contains 43 acres of deep woods, meadows, ponds, wetlands, and fields that attract resident and migrating birds. A 75-yard boardwalk takes you through wetlands to the Indian River. The trail crosses wet areas; wear appropriate footwear.
Meet at the intersection of St. John’s Drive and Farm River Road in Orange.
Leaders: Beverly Propen, 203-640-4089 or bpropen@gmail.com; Nancy Clark, nancyclarkbirder@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: Mendell's Folly/Van Epps Preserve - Field Trip
2026-06-14 08:00 - 11:00 | CT
Field Trip – Mendell’s Folly and Van Epps Preserve, Bethany – John Triana and Christin Arnini

June 14, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

REGISTRATION REQUIRED by June 10, 2026
Join the Bethany Land Trust and NHBC for a vigorous birding walk on the trails of several of the Bethany Land Trust’s parcels. The properties include a variety of habitats including wetland, field, upland deciduous and hemlock forest sections with rocky ledges, and streams. Expect some steep and rocky areas with rough terrain and uneven and wet footing. Wear appropriate footwear and tick-proof clothing. Bring water. Inclement weather cancels.
Meet at the roadside parking area at the Van Epps Preserve at 390 Beacon Road (route 42) in Bethany. Off road parking behind the gate is also available.
TO REGISTER, contact Bethany Land Trust Trails Chair, Bob Harrison, by Friday June 10, 2026, via cell 203-506-5888 or bjh51box@gmail.com. Walk will be limited to 20 participants.
Leaders: John Triana, 203-758-7203 or jtriana1@rwater.com; Christin Arnini, 203-671-5567 or cevea55@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: Brooksvale Park - Field Trip
2026-06-20 08:00 - 11:00 | Brooksvale Park, 524 Brooksvale Avenue, Hamden, CT, United States
Field Trip – Brooksvale Park, Hamden – Alan Malina and DeWitt Allen

June 20, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Brooksvale is a city park with a small barnyard for children. The rest of the park features a tree-lined pond and streams, deep woods, field/wood edges, and a large weedy field with bluebird/swallow boxes and an array of bird-attracting feeders at a private residence just beyond the park. There is also easy access to the Farmington Canal Greenway Trail. Join us to look for raptors and nesting birds that share the various habitats.
Meet in the large unpaved parking lot, just south of the Barnyard main entrance.
Leaders: Alan Malina, 203-606-0437 or alm5565@msn.com; DeWitt Allen, 860-949-0995 or allendatlow@gmail.com

New Haven Bird Club: People's State Forest - Field Trip
2026-07-19 07:30 - 11:30 | Peoples Forest, 324 Park Road, Barkhamsted, CT, 06063, 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, along with 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.
Meet at Matthies Grove (106 East River Road, Barkhamsted). Meet in front of the pavilion to the left of the entrance. Due to limited parking at other spots in the forest, we will carpool from there.
Leaders: Paul Mahler, 860-459-6942;
Michele McDermott, 860-485-3087

New Haven Bird Club: The Big Sit - October, 2026
2026-10-10 08:00 - 2026-10-11 17:00 | CT
The Big Sit!™ 2026

October 10, 2026 – October 11, 2026

The Big Sit! is on! And has migrated back to the New Haven Bird Club, where it began in 1992. Although there are a few changes, most stays the same, including the primary rule: HAVE FUN! The Big Sit is a semi-competitive birding event originated by the New Haven Bird Club. It is open and FREE to anyone (individuals and teams) all over the world! How many birds can you identify in one day while staying within a 17-foot / 5.2-meter diameter circle? That’s the challenge of The Big Sit!
Final dates/times and registration will be announced in 2026! Visit the Big Sit website for more information.
The Big Sit!™ is a registered trademark of the New Haven Bird Club, Inc.
