Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon Milford Point: Bird Walks at the Coastal Center
2026-02-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-26 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
MILFORD POINT

Bird Walks at the Coastal Center

Join local birding expert Frank Mantlik for winter and spring bird walks! 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.

Pricing:
Members, $15
Non-members, $20
Spaces are limited, and pre-registration is required.

February 14, 10:00 a.m.: Register Here!

February 26, 9:00 a.m.: Register Here!

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.

CVH Animal Sanctuary: Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
2026-02-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Rd., Newtown, CT, 06470, United States
Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
Date: February 15, 2026
Time: 9am-11:00am
Location: CVH Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Road, Newtown (Catherine’s Learning Barn)
Expert: Ken Elkins, Director of Education & Partnerships
All ages (children must be accompanied by a registered adult)
FREE
Registration limited to 25 participants
*For the safety and comfort for all, no pets are allowed.
Join us for a special naturalist-led bird walk to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count! Learn basic bird identification and how to be part of this global citizen science project. An exciting way to observe and count the birds spending the winter at the sanctuary while making a difference. All skill levels are welcome to contribute valuable data. Binoculars will be provided.
https://www.cvhfoundation.org/event/great-backyard-bird-count/

CT Audubon Pomfret: Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
2026-02-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Plainfield Fish Hatchery, 145 Trout Hatchery Road,, Plainfield, CT, 06374, United States
Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Enjoy a late winter bird walk at the Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery, located in Plainfield.

Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

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

Woodcock Nature Center: Winter Birding and Waterfowl Walk
2026-02-21 08:30 - 10:00 | Shadow Lake Preserve, Ridgefield, United States
Saturday, February 21 from 8:30 – 10am​

Shadow Lake, Ridgefield

Come along for a Winter Birding Walk at Ridgefield’s Shadow Lake Preserve! The winter months are a great time to look for and learn about bird species that may not live here year-round. If you tend to assume every duck you see is a Mallard, this walk will change that! Binoculars are recommended as well as supportive shoes – the trail passes through some rocky areas alongside the pond.

This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission

This event is for adults and families. Registration is free but required.

Register here.

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Winter Bird Walk
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT, United States
Saturday, February 21; 9-11 a.m.

Winter may not seem like the best time to look for birds. However, as the temperature drops, many species can still be found in the state, especially along the coast. Waterfowl seek open water, larks and buntings search for food in open areas, and sparrows seek shelter in brushy areas. We’ll look for the hardy winter birds in some of the best spots in Connecticut. $13 for members; and $18 for non-members.
– The walk at Hammonasset will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and paved trails. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold temperatures is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.

Saturday, February 21; 9-11 a.m. at Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Register Here

Hartford Audubon Society: Beginner's Bird Walk
2026-02-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Station 43, 990 Main St., South Windsor, CT, United States
Feb 28 2026 Sat 8am
Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #3
953 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park along road near intersection
The third of four morning walks designed for beginners at Hartford Audubon’s oldest sanctuary. Station 43 is an excellent birding area year-round and on each walk we will look for seasonal birds. The
walk is roughly 2.5 miles (3 hours) long over flat terrain but we may encounter areas with water/ice covering parts of the path.
Jon Ward
jward88787@aol.com
860-416-3958 T

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: North Cove Walk
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:00 | North Cove, Essex, North Cove, Essex, CT, United States
Saturday, February 28; 9-11 am
North Cove, Essex

Winter along the Connecticut River is a great time to see Bald Eagles as they head from frozen inland waters to the open waters along the coast. We’ll search the shores of North Cove for eagles and other winter residents. $ 13 members; $18 non-members.
– There will be minimal walking on level, paved, and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

Register Here

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Waterfowl Walks
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00
Waterfowl Walks
Saturday, January 24; 9- 11 AM
Saturday, January 31; 9-11 AM
Saturday, February 28; 1-3 PM
As the temperature starts to drop in Connecticut, we begin to see the winter return of many of our waterfowl species. These ducks and geese breed further north, and when their inland bodies of water start to freeze, they head south to winter along the coast. Join us as we search for these charismatic birds along the coast of Connecticut. $13 for members; $18 for non-members. Mamacoke Island Walk is free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members and $10 for non-members. Exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather.
– The walk in Waterford will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy and dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
– The walk in East Lyme will be approximately 1 mile on level grassy, dirt, and sandy terrain. Portable toilets on site

Saturday, January 24 at Mamacoke Island, Waterford – Register Here
Saturday, January 31 at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme – Register Here
Saturday, February 28 at Griswold Point, Old Lyme – Register Here

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Waterfowl Walk
2026-02-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Griswold Point, Old Lyme, 98 Griswold Point Rd, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Saturday, February 28; 1-3 pm

As the temperature starts to drop in Connecticut, we begin to see the winter return of many of our waterfowl species. These ducks and geese breed further north, and when their inland bodies of water start to freeze, they head south to winter along the coast. Join us as we search for these charismatic birds along the coast of Connecticut. $13 for members; $18 for non-members. Exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. The walk in Old Lyme will be approximately 1 mile out and back on level sandy and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
Saturday, February 28 at Griswold Point, Old Lyme – Register Here

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Woodcock Watches
2026-03-12 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-19 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-21 18:30 - 19:30, 2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Woodcock Watches

Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Andy will bring you to see displaying American Woodcock as they do their courtship flights just before dark. VERY IMPORTANT — no bright-colored clothing or hats; drab colors are recommended.

Limit: 7 people per date. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

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

CVH Animal Sanctuary: Woodcock Walks 1
2026-03-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Rd., Newtown, CT, 06470, United States
Woodcock Walks
Date: March 13, 2026 (rain date March 20)
Time: 6:45pm-8:00pm
Location: CVH Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Road, Newtown (Catherine’s Learning Barn)
Expert: Ken Elkins, Sanctuary Director of Education
Ages: 10 and up (must be accompanied by a registered adult)
Cost: $15.00 (Registration fees are non-refundable unless both event date and rain date are cancelled)
Registration limited to 15 participants
*For the safety and comfort for all, no pets are allowed.
Calling all bird lovers…we have a rare treat for you! Woodcocks, also known as timberdoodles, are enigmatic and well-camouflaged shorebirds with a distinctive aerial courtship flight and nasal “peent” call given in early evening. Join us at the sanctuary as we search for this shy and elusive bird and witness their amazing upward spiral mating dance. Note: this event requires standing still in the dark, listening for the bird call and watching silently for the aerial flight.
https://www.cvhfoundation.org/event/woodcock-walk-2/

Audubon CT Greenwich: Evening Woodcock Watch
2026-03-13 18:45 - 20:00, 2026-03-14 18:45 - 20:00 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
One of our favorite signs of spring at the Greenwich Audubon Center is the amazing aerial mating display of the American Woodcock! These woodland relatives of our sandpipers and shorebirds are truly spectacular acrobats who put on a mesmerizing performance against the twilight sky. Join us for a special evening program to look for these secretive shorebird relatives while looking and listening for other signs of spring from our Hawk Watch Lawn.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER FOR EITHER EVENING’S PROGRAM TICKETS WILL BE VALID FOR THE EVENING OF FAVORABLE WEATHER (March 13 & 20). IF BOTH DAYS HAVE INCLEMENT WEATHER OR LACK OF BIRDS DATES WILL BE MOVED TO FRIDAY MARCH 27
There will be no ticket sales at the door the night of the program. Please be prepared to show proof of your ticket registration, either as a printed copy of your registration receipt or your registration confirmation email on your phone.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
Program Fee: Tickets are $15 per person.
Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same. (Please only register through our official registration page provided)
Pre-registration is required.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353.
Upon arrival please check in at the front desk and proceed to Kiernan Hall where our slide show will take place
Please note, by signing up for this event you are consenting to receive emails from Audubon about this program and our conservation work. You may opt-out of our emails at any time.

Mattabeseck Audubon Society: Let's Go a-Ducking
2026-03-14 08:00 - 10:00 | Cromwell Stop & Shop, 195 West Street, Cromwell, CT, 06416, United States
A replication of Dave Titus’s favorite duck migration trip will start at Bishops Ponds, Research Parkway (off East Main Street) in Meriden, then will take Barnes Road to North Farms Reservoir (reservoir has supplied flock of Coots in past). Then to Broad Brook Reservoir, Cheshire.
Dress for the (usually) raw and chilling weather.
Meet at 8:00 a.m., Cromwell Stop & Shop plaza parking lot, on the side lot by Mattress Firm.
Call Larry Cyrulik for more information at 342-4785 or 635-1880.

CVH Animal Sanctuary: Woodcock Walk 2
2026-03-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Rd., Newtown, CT, 06470, United States
Woodcock Walk
Date: March 14, 2026 (rain date March 21)
Time: 6:45pm-8:00pm
Location: CVH Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Road, Newtown (Catherine’s Learning Barn)
Expert: Ken Elkins, Sanctuary Director of Education
Ages: 10 and up (must be accompanied by a registered adult)
Cost: $15.00 (Registration fees are non-refundable unless both event date and rain date are cancelled)
Registration limited to 15 participants
*For the safety and comfort for all, no pets are allowed.
Calling all bird lovers…we have a rare treat for you! Woodcocks, also known as timberdoodles, are enigmatic and well-camouflaged shorebirds with a distinctive aerial courtship flight and nasal “peent” call given in early evening. Join us at the sanctuary as we search for this shy and elusive bird and witness their amazing upward spiral mating dance. Note: this event requires standing still in the dark, listening for the bird call and watching silently for the aerial flight.
https://www.cvhfoundation.org/event/woodcock-walk/

CT Audubon, Milford Point: Coastal Bird Walks
2026-03-18 08:30 - 11:30, 2026-03-21 09:00 - 12:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
THE COASTAL CENTER AT MILFORD POINT:

Coastal Bird Walks:
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
8:30am – 11:30am

Saturday, March 21, 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm

Join local birding expert Frank Mantlik for winter and spring bird walks! 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.

Members: $15
Non-members: $20
Register here: Coastal Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Fairfield: Planting for the Birds
2026-03-20 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
Planting for the Birds

Friday, March 20, 2026, 10 a.m. to Noon

Discover how native plants can turn your yard, school, or community space into a haven for birds. This interactive program begins with a short PowerPoint presentation highlighting plants that provide birds with food, shelter and nesting opportunities throughout the year. Participants will learn which trees, shrubs and flowers attract different bird species and why native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems.
After the presentation, we’ll head outdoors for a guided hike to observe native plants in their natural setting and see how birds use them. If conditions allow, participants will also help plant a few bird-friendly plants in the ground, putting their new knowledge into action. This hands-on

program is perfect for nature lovers of all ages and encourages participants to support birds right at home by planting with purpose.

Members $20; Non-members $30. Please register here.

This program is held at the Fairfield Nature Center, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, CT.

POSTPONED TO 3/27 Audubon CT Greenwich: Evening Woodcock Watch
2026-03-20 18:45 - 20:00, 2026-03-27 18:45 - 20:00 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
The March 20 event has been postponed to March 27
One of our favorite signs of spring at the Greenwich Audubon Center is the amazing aerial mating display of the American Woodcock! These woodland relatives of our sandpipers and shorebirds are truly spectacular acrobats who put on a mesmerizing performance against the twilight sky. Join us for a special evening program to look for these secretive shorebird relatives while looking and listening for other signs of spring from our Hawk Watch Lawn.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER FOR EITHER EVENING’S PROGRAM TICKETS WILL BE VALID FOR THE EVENING OF FAVORABLE WEATHER (March 13 & 20). IF BOTH DAYS HAVE INCLEMENT WEATHER OR LACK OF BIRDS DATES WILL BE MOVED TO FRIDAY MARCH 27
There will be no ticket sales at the door the night of the program. Please be prepared to show proof of your ticket registration, either as a printed copy of your registration receipt or your registration confirmation email on your phone.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
Program Fee: Tickets are $15 per person.
Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same. (Please only register through our official registration page provided)
Pre-registration is required.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353.
Upon arrival please check in at the front desk and proceed to Kiernan Hall where our slide show will take place
Please note, by signing up for this event you are consenting to receive emails from Audubon about this program and our conservation work. You may opt-out of our emails at any time.

CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm: Bird ID Apps - Class and Walk
2026-03-21 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Bird ID Apps: eBird & Merlin (Class & Walk)

March 21, 10 AM-Noon

Prepare for spring migration by learning to use two of the most popular birding apps: eBird and Merlin. Join Lori Lichtenauer in the Deer Pond Farm classroom for an introduction to eBird: what it is, how to use it, and how scientists benefit from it. Explore the Merlin Bird ID app to help identify birds by sight and sound. We will then hit the trails to use the apps in the field. Learn about the powerful contribution you can make to science research just by birding. All birding levels are welcome.

Please have apps installed on your phone prior to class.

Click here to register for the Bird ID Apps Program

Hartford Audubon Society: Woodcocks at Nod Brook
2026-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Nod Brook, 82 Hopmeadow St (Rt 10),, Simsbury, CT, United States
March 21, 2026 – Woodcocks at Nod Brook – Sat 7:15 pm
82 Hopmeadow St (Rt 10), Simsbury
Back of the first parking lot of the Tower Office Park
See the unique mating display or “sky dance” of the American Woodcock on a relatively short evening trip.
Short distance 0.25 mile – lasts about 1 hour after dusk. Must stand still/quiet while waiting for birds. Dress and layer for cold.
Brian Toal – BrianToal@SBCGlobal.net

CT Audubon, Milford Point: Woodcock Walks
2026-03-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Eisenhower Park, 780 North St, Milford, CT, United States
Woodcock Walks:

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm

Friday, March 27, 2026
6:30pm – 8:30pm

Join us for an evening hike to find the elusive American Woodcock! This bird puts on a dazzling display during the breeding season and we are going to set off to try and see it in action. We’ll start with a discussion about their life cycle, then as the sun sets we’ll keep our eyes and ears out for the start of the show. Bring binoculars, a flashlight, and shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy (we’ll have a limited supply of binoculars to borrow). If the woodcocks prove stubborn, we’ll continue the hike to look for all manner of night life, from owls to Spring Peepers.
We will meet at Eisenhower Park in Milford. Once you enter the park, drive straight forward to the lower gravel parking lot, this is where we’ll be gathering. This program is appropriate for adults and children ages 6+.

Members: $15
Non-members: $20

Register here: Woodcock Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

Litchfield Audubon Society: Woodcock Welcome
2026-03-29 19:00 - 20:00 | Bent of the River Audubon Center, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
Litchfield Audubon Society:

Woodcock Welcome at the Bent
March 29, 2026
Sunday, 7:00 p.m.

Come visit the North Meadow at Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury to see and hear American Woodcocks in courtship display performing their “timberdoodle” tunes as a herald of spring.

We’ll meet at 7 p.m.to walk the meadow seeking early spring migrants — Wood Duck, Common Merganser, Eastern Phoebe, American Robin, and others — before witnessing the comical concert of the woodcocks.

Meet at the North Meadow visitor parking lot, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury.

For details, call Russ at 203-841-7779; leave a message for a return call

Hartford Audubon Society: Field Trip - Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge
2026-04-01 08:00 - 11:00 | Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge, Longmeadow, MA, United States
April 1, 2026 – Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge – 8 am

202 Bark Haul Rd, Longmeadow, MA
Park by sign at the end of the road
A wonderful mix of ponds, swamps, woods, and fields, Fannie Stebbins has ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds. The loop trail we will take is 2.2 miles long and brings us along or through all of the habitats. This is an easy walk, although it may be wet or muddy
in places. Bring bug spray.
Jon Ward
jward88787@aol.com
860-416-3958 T
