Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, Milford Point: Woodcock Walks
2026-03-24 18:30 - 20:30, 2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Woodcock Watches
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

POSTPONED TO 3/27 Audubon CT Greenwich: Evening Woodcock Watch
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.

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

New Canaan Nature Center: Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-04-01 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-04-08 08:30 - 10:00, 2026-04-15 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

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Spring Bird Behaviors
2026-04-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Spring Bird Behaviors (Class & Walk)

April 1, 10 AM-Noon

Enhance your birding experience by learning more about how birds interact with each other and their environment, the field known as behavioral ecology. Join Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer starting in the Deer Pond Farm classroom and ending outside. Lori will describe specialized bird behaviors for spring and how birds’ brains prepare them for these changes. Learn how birds manage to complete their harrowing migration journeys, find mates, territories, and begin their breeding process, all within a matter of weeks. The beginning of the breeding season is a busy time full of territory disputes, song, mate selection, and nesting. Learn how to identify these behaviors to make the most of your spring birding season. All birding levels are welcome.

Click here to register for Spring Bird Behaviors.

Audubon CT Greenwich: Spring Migration Bird Tour
2026-04-04 07:00 - 08:30 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
Join Bird Education Specialist Ryan MacLean for a morning bird tour at the Greenwich Audubon Center! The center’s open fields, apple orchard, wetlands, and woodlands provide great habitat for migrating birds such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, orioles, and others. Binoculars will be available for those who don’t have them. Meet in the Audubon Center in Greenwich parking Lot.
The program is FREE but participants must register in advance through our online ticket sales page with additional contributions optional. Please select the date from the registration page of the program you wish to attend. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day 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.
Program Fee: Admission is FREE but donations are encouraged. Your contributions help support our conservation work, including advocating for the protection of birds and the habitats they depend on for survival.
RSVP is Required
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
We will meet you in our parking lot at the start of the program.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353.
ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING MUST BE SUPERVISED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Walk #1
2026-04-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Fort Trumbull State Park, New London, United States
Saturday, April 4, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Fort Trumbull State Park
New London, CT
Members: $13
Non-Members: $18
Register here: Shorebird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Coastal Center at Milford Point: Spring Bird Walk
2026-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 | 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 | 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

Bent of the River Audubon: Woodcock Walk
2026-04-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Bent of the River Audubon Center, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
Friday, April 10, 2026
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Rain Date Thursday, April 9, 2026
Bent of the River Audubon Center, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT 06488
Join us for a Woodcock Walk. Interested participants will have an opportunity to witness the fantastic courtship dance of the American Woodcock at the Bent of the River Audubon Center. Also known as “timberdoodle,” the male woodcock flies to his singing grounds at sunset and gives a short, high-pitched insect-like single-note call, which he may repeat as many as 200 times in five minutes. Then he flies in a low circle about 200 feet in diameter, then climbs higher and higher, the diameter of their circle decreasing, until he is 200 to 300 feet in the air. His rapid wing beats create a musical sound as he climbs. At the apex of his flight, he sings a variable series of liquid notes.

Program Fee: $15.00
Accessible bathroom on site
For questions, please contact Allison Middlemass at allison.middlemass@audubon.org or 203-405-9115
RSVP: Woodcock Walk | Audubon Connecticut

Audubon CT Greenwich: Spring Migration Bird Tour
2026-04-11 07:00 - 08:30, 2026-04-18 07:00 - 08:30 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
SATURDAYS APRIL 4-11-18-25, MAY 2-9 2026. 7 AM – 8:30 AM
Join Bird Education Specialist Ryan MacLean for a morning bird tour at the Greenwich Audubon Center! The center’s open fields, apple orchard, wetlands, and woodlands provide great habitat for migrating birds such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, thrushes, orioles, and others. Binoculars will be available for those who don’t have them. Meet in the Audubon Center in Greenwich parking Lot.
The program is FREE but participants must register in advance through our online ticket sales page with additional contributions optional. Please select the date from the registration page of the program you wish to attend. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day 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.
Program Fee: Admission is FREE but donations are encouraged. Your contributions help support our conservation work, including advocating for the protection of birds and the habitats they depend on for survival.
RSVP is Required
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
We will meet you in our parking lot at the start of the program.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353.
ALL CHILDREN ATTENDING MUST BE SUPERVISED BY A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN FOR THE DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

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

Hartford Audubon Society: Station 43 Beginner's Bird Walk
2026-04-15 08:00 - 11:00 | Station 43, 990 Main St., South Windsor, CT, United States
April 15, 2026 Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #4 Wed 8 am
953 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park along road near intersection.
The fourth 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 hrs) long over flat terrain but we may encounter muddy areas and water covering parts of the path. Bring spotting scope if you have one. High, water-proof boots and insect repellent are suggested.
Jon Ward – jward88787@aol.com – 860-416-3958 T

New Canaan Nature Center: Bristow Sanctuary - Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-04-16 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

New Canaan Nature Center: Area Open Space Bird and Natural History Walks
2026-04-17 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

Hartford Audubon Society: Farmington River Park Bird Walk
2026-04-18 08:00 - 11:00 | Farmington River Park, 458 Tunxis Ave, Bloomfield, CT, United States
April 18, 2026 – Farmington River Park – Sat 8:00 am
458 Tunxis Avenue, Bloomfield, CT. Meet in Parking Lot
Enjoy a morning trip exploring the Farmington River and neighboring woodlands. This is a new area for Hartford Audubon. This is an exploratory walk to see what can be found in the area. About a two-mile walk. There are some ups and downs, and several places may be muddy. River conditions may send us on a different trail.
Larry Lunden larrylunden@hartfordaudubon.org 860-953-1847

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

Litchfield Hills Audubon Annual Woodcock Walk - Boyd Woods Sanctuary
2026-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary, Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary Route 254, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
Annual Woodcock Walk at Boyd Woods Sanctuary

April 18, 2026
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.

Our walk will begin with a check of Margery’s Bird Pond, where the wood frogs should be out and about (and very noisy!).Next, we’ll head to the Monarch Meadow to await “the dance of the woodcock.” Year after year, the woodcocks (sometimes as many as seven or eight) have performed their mating ritual overhead and are easily viewed from this vantage point.

Also, close by, we’re likely to hear our resident Barred Owls hooting back and forth. If there’s enough interest, we can walk through the nearby conifers with the hope of seeing them.

Sanctuary managers Rich and Debbie Martin will guide you on this walk. Bring a flashlight. Wear boots, as trails are soggy in spring. Dress warmly. No dogs allowed!

Meet at the Boyd Woods Sanctuary parking lot on Route 254 in Litchfield.

For additional information, contact Debbie Martin at barnowl524@hotmail.com or 860-819-7462

Litchfield Hills Audubon: Birding at Hammonasset
2026-04-21 08:30 - 11:30 | Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT, United States
Birding at Hammonasset Beach State Park
April 21, 2026
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.

Our walk will begin with a check of Margery’s Bird Pond, where the wood frogs should be out and about (and very noisy!).Next, we’ll head to the Monarch Meadow to await “the dance of the woodcock.” Year after year, the woodcocks (sometimes as many as seven or eight) have performed their mating ritual overhead and are easily viewed from this vantage point.Also, close by, we’re likely to hear our resident Barred Owls hooting back and forth.If there’s enough interest, we can walk through the nearby conifers with the hope of seeing them.Sanctuary managers Rich and Debbie Martin will guide you on this walk. Bring a flashlight. Wear boots, as trails are soggy in spring. Dress warmly. No dogs allowed! Meet at the Boyd Woods Sanctuary parking lot on Route 254 in Litchfield. Birding duration about 3 hours. Scopes are welcome.

Let us know if we can count you in by texting Pam Hicks at 203-922-2684 or Celeste Echlin at 860-485-2567.

Hartford Audubon: Glastonbury Great Pond Bird Walk
2026-04-22 08:00 - 10:00 | 451 Great Pond Road, Glastonbury, CT, 451 Great Pond Road, Glastonbury, CT, United States
April 22, 2026 – Glastonbury Great Pond – Wed 8 am
Entrance is just beyond 451 Great Pond Rd, Glastonbury, on left
From Rt. 17 – use south entrance to Great Pond Rd and drive in 0.2 mi. Park on south side away from hydrants.
Great Pond offers great treetop, pond and mudflat visuals of migrants, including shorebirds. Great Pond has had over 140 recorded species: Wild Turkey, flycatchers, warblers, kinglets, herons and ducks. 2.5 mile walk. Hilly terrain. Bring bug spray and sturdy shoes. Extend your morning by birding nearby Cotton Hollow and Ferry Road, a CT River ferry landing.
Annette Pasek – apasek@cox.net – 860-490-8357 T
