Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Bird Walk
2026-01-14 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | CT
Bird Walk
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9 a.m.

The Eversource property in Brooklyn can be a good location to find various wintering birds.

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.

RTP Estuary Center: All About Owls - Zoom Meeting
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, CT, United States
All About Owls – Zoom Meeting
Wednesday, January 14; 6-7 p.m.

Perhaps no other family of birds captures the imagination of birders and non-birders alike more than owls. These nocturnal birds often remain mysterious to us, with their presence revealed mainly through their calls. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over these amazing birds and how they thrive when most of the bird world is inactive. Joe will discuss adaptations to their nocturnal lifestyle, species you can see and hear in Connecticut, and threats and conservation issues.
Register Here for Zoom Link
Free to attend. Suggested donation $10. Registration required

Western CT Bird Club: Meeting - January 15th - Cancelled
2026-01-15 06:30 - 20:30 | 100 Poverty Hollow Rd. Southbury, CT. 06488, 100 Poverty Hollow, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 – Cancelled

What: Western Connecticut Bird Club Monthly Meeting

Unfortunately, our meeting on Thursday, January 15 has been cancelled- our speaker, Chris Wood, has a very bad cold and cannot make it.

Chris Wood will present “Migration and Connecticut” Thursday February 19.

Please let me know if you have any questions or problems.

Angela Dimmitt
angeladimmitt@aol.com

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POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 19th

When: 6:45 (refreshments) to 8:30 PM

Where: Southbury Public Library, 100 Poverty Hollow, Southbury, CT 06488 (off Main Street South on the corner of Old Field Road)

Title: Bird Migration and Connecticut

Who: Christopher Wood, Past President of the COA

Chris Wood has been a birder and photographer for over 50 years. He has a Master’s Degree in biology and studied under famed ornithologist Dr. Noble Proctor. Chris is retired after a career as a state government executive, a land conservation and management planner with The Nature Conservancy, a municipal planner, and a private land use consultant. He is a past president of the Connecticut Ornithological Association, a founding member of the Western Connecticut Bird Club, and he served as chair of the first Connecticut Breeding Bird Atlas steering committee. Chris now spends much of his time photographing birds and nature, traveling to the neotropics and southwest US to see and photograph as many different hummingbirds as possible, and helping maintain their yard and gardens in Woodbury Connecticut. Chris’s photography can be sampled here: CSWood PhotoSampler

Description: The natural phenomenon of bird migration is easily observed and studied in Connecticut due to the state’s location, geography, and habitat diversity. Wood will present an overview of bird migration, with particular consideration of where Connecticut fits into the big picture of bird conservation and the enjoyment of the hobby of birding. With a state list of over 450 birds, many of which are migrants through the state, Connecticut birders have the opportunity to see well over one quarter of all the bird species found in the United States. Sustaining necessary habitats for breeding birds and migrants in our highly developed state is an important goal for land conservation efforts and this presentation discusses efforts and strategies to attain that goal.

Free and open to the public.

Contact: Angela Dimmitt – angeladimmitt@aol.com

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Owl Prowls
2026-01-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-22 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-28 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-29 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-04 17:30 - 19:30 | CT
RTP ESTUARY CENTER:

Owl Prowls

January 7, 8, 15, 22, 28, & 29
February 4 & 5

All walks are 5:30 – 7:30 pm

When the sun goes down and we’re settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We’ll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Walks will be after sunset, exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. Appropriate for ages 10 and up

$15 for members/$20 for non-members.

Connecticut College Arboretum Walks are free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members/$10 for non-members.

– Walk at Fenwick will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
– Walk at High Hopes will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

Walk at Clark Park will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

– Walk at the Connecticut College Arboretum will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

Wednesday, January 7 at Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook – Register Here

Thursday, January 8 at High Hopes, Old Lyme – Register Here

Thursday, January 15 at Clark Park, Old Saybrook – Register Here

Wednesday, February 4 at Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook – Register Here

Thursday, February 5 at the Connecticut College Arboretum, New London – Register Here

Audubon CT Greenwich: Feeder Watch Fridays
2026-01-16 15:00 - 15:45, 2026-01-23 15:00 - 15:45, 2026-01-30 15:00 - 15:45 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
The winter months are the perfect time to become acquainted with our resident songbirds. Come join us for this recurring program on Friday afternoons where Audubon Naturalist Ryan MacLean will point out the species of birds coming to our Learning Center’s bird feeder station and provide tips on both identifying and feeding them.
We’ll also share how to participate in Project FeederWatch—a winter-long community science survey of the birds that visit feeders in your backyards, parks, offices, and other areas. You and your family can participate by counting the birds you see in your backyard and submitting them to the Project FeederWatch website. We will provide identification guides to backyard birds and information on how you can take part in Project FeederWatch and even submit a checklist of our own at the end of the program!
All ages are welcome including children after school and senior citizens. Our building is ADA accessible so wheelchairs and mobility devices can be used.
This IN-PERSON program has a limited capacity and will be held indoors.
Registration is FREE but tickets MUST be purchased in advance through this online ticket sales page.
Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
Upon arrival please check in at the front desk and proceed to our Learning Center bird feeder window.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353

Hartford Audubon Society: Cape Ann Trip - January 17-18, 2026
2026-01-17 02:00 - 2026-01-19 01:59 | Newburyport, MA, Newburyport, MA, United States
Cape Ann & Newburyport, MA 2 days
Contact Wendy or Fran at least one week in advance for details Barrow’s Goldeneye, Snowy Owl, alcids, sea ducks, and northern rarities are the targets of this perennial favorite trip. Be prepared for severe cold and windy weather and hope for moderate temps.Contact leader for motel (to get the reduced rate) and meeting time.
Wendy Parsons flowers76@sbcglobal.net 860–471–3700 TFran D’Amico frandamico525@yahoo.com 203–237–2734

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Owls at Shawangunk NWR
2026-01-17 12:00 - 20:00 | Shawangunk National Wildlife Refuge, 02 Hoagerburgh Rd,, Wallkill,, NY, United States
Shawangunk Owls
Saturday, January 17 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

When the winter months get long and tiring, join us on an adventure to Shawangunk National Wildlife Refuge in New York as we search for Shore-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and other winter specialties. If we’re lucky, we may even find a rare Gyrfalcon! Sundown is the best time to view these beautiful birds as they bounce over the open grassland.

Date is subject to change depending on weather, including wind.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.

RTP Estuary Center: Shorebird Walk
2026-01-19 09:00 - 11:00 | Harkness Memorial State Park, 275 Great Neck Rd., Waterford,, CT, 06385, United States
Shorebird Walk

Saturday, January 19; 9-11 a.m.

Most of North America’s shorebird species winter in South & Central America, heading north to breed in the high Arctic, but some spend the winter here in Connecticut. Some of these birds breed in Connecticut, while others start their southbound journey in late summer. 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. $ 13 for members; $18 for non-members.

The walk at Harkness will be approximately 1 mile on level sandy, rocky, and grassy terrain. Exposure to the sun and cold is possible, depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.

Saturday, January 19; 9-11 am at Harkness State Park, Waterford – Register Here

RTP Estuary Center: Bird of the Year - Zoom Meeting
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, CT, United States
Bird of the Year
Tuesday, January 20; 6-7 pm

The people have spoken, and Connecticut Audubon’s first bird of the year is the Pileated Woodpecker! One of the most spectacular birds of our eastern forests, the Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America, and one of the largest in the world. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go into depth about our bird of the year. Joe will discuss life cycle, behaviors, diet and foraging, and more.

Register Here

Audubon CT Greenwich: Pollinator Potluck: Let's Talk Turkey!
2026-01-21 18:30 - 19:30 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
Join DEEP Master Wildlife Conservationist Ginny Apple for a lively talk on Connecticut’s Wild Turkeys—from their abundance in early America to near extinction and their remarkable comeback across New England. Learn about their habitats, diet, behaviors, and the truth behind the famous Ben Franklin turkey myth!
A longtime naturalist and outdoor enthusiast, Ginny brings decades of experience studying Connecticut wildlife, including bears, bobcats, bald eagles, coyotes, and more. She contributes field research to DEEP biologists, serves on multiple conservation boards, and is a passionate educator dedicated to helping the public connect with nature.
Potluck food and hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Happiness Is Back Country Market along with organic wine from The Study Fine Wines! Bringing a dish to share is optional but if you do, PLEASE INCLUDE A NOTECARD LISTING INGREDIENTS. Bite size sharables are preferred as the center has limited capacity to provide utensils.
Admission is FREE but RSVPs REQUIRED

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Harlequins of Newport
2026-01-22 09:00 - 20:00 | Newport, Newport, RI, United States
Harlequins of Newport Field Trip
Thursday, January 22 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Harlequin Duck, the fashion plate of the winter seas, is a rare sight in Connecticut. However, travelers are nearly guaranteed to see some in Rhode Island, where a large percentage of the dwindling North American population spends the winter. Look for Harlequins and other winter ducks at the point, and take a tour of additional spots around Newport. Stop for dinner at a favorite local eatery before heading home. Meal is not included in price.Leader: Jim Sherwonit.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.

Cancelled due to cold weather: Hartford Audubon Society: Hartford County Boat Launch Tour
2026-01-24 07:30 - 11:00 | Hartford County, Hartford, CT, United States
Cancelled due to cold weather:
Jan 24 Hartford County Boat Launch Tour Sat 7:30 am12 South River St, EnfieldDonald Barnes Boat Launch
This is a morning tour of eight area boat launches, from Enfield to Rocky Hill. It will last until approximately 11am. Dress warmly and bring a scope if you like. Bad weather may cancel the trip.
Paul Cianfaglione pgcianfaglione@gmail.com 860–836–3443 TAl Gatti algatti22@gmail.com 860–916–7142 T

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Waterfowl Walks
2026-01-24 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-01-31 09:00 - 11:00 | CT
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

Woodcock Nature Center: What's at Your Birdfeeder?
2026-01-24 09:30 - 11:00 | Richardson Park, Ridgefield, Richardson Park, Ridgefield, CT, United States
What’s at Your Birdfeeder?

Saturday, January 24 from 9:30 – 11am​

Richardson Park, Ridgefield

​​Learn to identify which bird species might be visiting your feeders! The bird feeding station here is the perfect place to observe and learn about the common birds that visit feeders in the winter. We will talk about different feeders and seeds and what they attract. Kids will be able to take home materials to make their very own pinecone bird feeders to continue observing and learning at home!

This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission

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

Register

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CT Audubon, Birdcraft: Family Day - Winter Woodpeckers
2026-01-24 11:00 - 14:00 | Birdcraft Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Drop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You’ve heard Connecticut’s woodpeckers drumming on dead trees, which they do to attract mates or establish their territory. Join us to build and decorate your own recycled wood Woodpecker model to take home. For kids up to 10 years accompanied by a participating adult.

Fee (per model kit): Members $13, Non-members $15.
Pre-registration required. Please register here.

Please wear art-appropriate clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

Branford Land Trust: Speaker - The Mission of Preserving Our Wildlife with Christine Cummings, A Place Called Hope 1/28/2026
2026-01-28 18:30 - 19:30 | Blackstone Library, 758 Main St, Branford, CT
Branford Land Trust:
WINTER SPEAKER SERIES The Mission of Preserving Our Wildlife with Christine Cummings, A Place Called Hope

Join the Branford Land Trust on Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium at the Blackstone Memorial Library for “The Mission of Preserving Our Wildlife” with Christine Cummings, A Place Called Hope.

Christine will speak on the mission of A Place Called Hope, with an emphasis on birds of prey. She will introduce and be joined by two species, a hawk and an owl, offering us the chance to connect intimately with these incredible birds. Since 98% of the conflicts these animals face have to do with us humans, Christine will offer simple tips or ways that we can all better coexist with the wildlife within our own backyards.

Christine has a background working with animals and devoted her adult life to Wildlife Rehabilitation since 2005. In 2007, APCH was founded, with the mission of preserving wildlife for the future. As a State and Federally licensed Bird of Prey Wildlife Rehabilitator, Christine admits on average 500-600 patients per year. Her daily routine consists of catering to the needs of injured, orphaned, or sick birds of prey, as well as the 40 resident ambassador birds who call A PLACE CALLED HOPE home. Raising awareness about these incredible birds and the common conflicts they face living so closely to us humans is her educational goal. Learn more at www.aplacecalledhoperaptors.com.

This event and the Winter Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. It will be held in-person at the Blackstone Library (758 Main St, Branford).

Hartford Audubon Society: Cape Cod Tour - January 31 - February 1, 2026
2026-01-31 02:00 - 2026-02-02 01:59 | Cape Cod, Orleans, MA, United States
January 31 – Feb 1 2026 – Cape Cod Tour, MA Sat 2 daysMeet and stay at The Cove, Orleans, Massachusetts
Contact Peter for reservations and details
This is New England late–winter birding at its finest. We should see alcids and waterfowl.
Peter Stephan stephraf@aol.com 860–729–8374 T

CANCELLED - New Haven Bird Club: Annual Mega Bowl of Birding
2026-01-31 06:00 - 17:00 | CT
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
The 10th Annual Mega Bowl of Birding in Connecticut Saturday – January 31, 2026
January 31, 2026 @ 6:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free and open to all CT birders.
This is a fun and friendly event that celebrates birds, birders and birding. The basic concept is to go birding for the day, preferably with one or more of your birding friends, in an area of your choosing. The goal is to see as many bird species as possible within your chosen area. Points are awarded for each species with the point value increasing with the increasing rarity of the species. In general, people bird within a circle with a 5-mile radius that includes the residence of one of the team members, but teams can bird within a town or entire county if they prefer. Birders of all skill levels are welcome.

Organizer: Chris Loscalzo,closcalz@optonline.net or loscalzo969@gmail.com.

CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm: Winter Bird Behaviors (Class and Walk)
2026-01-31 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Winter Bird Behaviors (Class & Walk)

January 31, 10 AM to Noon

Join Sanctuary Manager/Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer at Deer Pond Farm for a program on seasonal differences in bird behavior. Some birds migrate south, but other birds tough it out year-long up north. While some of the more colorful, charismatic migratory birds are away for the winter, this is the perfect time of year to appreciate these year-round (and seasonal) avian residents. These small, smart birds are some of the most fun to watch all winter long. We will start off in the classroom, then go outside to observe winter birds at our feeders.

Click here to register for Winter Bird Behaviors program.

Friends of Greenwich Point: First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point
2026-02-01 09:00 - 11:30 | Greenwich Point Park, 11 Tod's Driftway, Old Greenwich, CT, 06870, United States
Bring binoculars and join us for a casual walk around Greenwich Point Park, Old Greenwich, CT, in search of wild birds in diverse habitats. Held year-round on the first Sunday of every month at Greenwich Point Park, the walk begins at 9:00 am near the southern concession stand near the flagpole on the main beach. The walk lasts from 2 – 3 hours, but participants can leave at any time. All ages and levels of expertise are welcome.
No registration is required and the walk is free. For access for those without beach cards (normally restricted from April – October), let the front gate staff know you are coming for the bird walk for complimentary entry.
Sponsored by Friends of Greenwich Point.

CT Audubon Pomfret: The Secret Lives of Owls
2026-02-01 14:00 - 15:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
The Secret Lives of Owls
See Live Owls from Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education
Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Owls have always been surrounded by an air of mystery, probably because most are nocturnal and not easy to spot in the wild. This is your chance to be only a few feet from an Eastern Screech Owl, a Barred Owl, a Barn Owl, and a Great-horned Owl! Discover the extraordinary features of owls, including exceptional eyesight and hearing, and the ability to fly silently.

Registration is recommended. Register online or call 860-928-4948.

Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members; children aged 10 and under free. The program is recommended for children over 5.

Litchfield Hills Audubon: Meeting - Northern Saw-whet Owl
2026-02-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd (Rte. 202), Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
Date: Monday, February 2, 2026

What: Litchfield Hills Audubon Society Monthly Meeting

When: 6:45 to 8:30 PM

Where: Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd (Rte 202), Litchfield, CT 06759

Title: The Northern Saw-whet Owl

Who: Larry Fischer, past President of the Western Connecticut Bird Club

Description: This is the smallest forest owl (roughly half the size of a screech owl) in eastern North America. In the Fall, thousands leave their northern breeding grounds in southern Canada and the northern United States and move south to find food and cover. Often called a migrant, it is more appropriate to refer to them as a “nomad” or a fall “passage bird,” since they never end up in the same place twice. Despite the fact that they have been studied extensively, much of their life history remains a mystery. Former WCBC President and Federally licensed raptor bander, Larry Fischer will unravel some of the mystery surrounding the life history of the Northern Saw-whet Owl, drawing from his extensive experience with this small owl, illustrated with his amazing photographs of the birds in all ages.

Larry has been banding and watching hawks and owls for more than 40 years. He is a State and Federally licensed bird bander with an emphasis on birds of prey. He is currently the Connecticut collaborator on broad-winged hawk research with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association in Kempton, PA, and also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the NorthEast Hawk Watch.

Free and open to the public.

Contact: Angela Dimmitt – 860-355-3429

CANCELLED: New Haven Bird Club: Bird Walk at Hammonasset State Park
2026-02-04 08:00 - 11:00 | Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT, United States
Cancelled due to weather
Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: Hammonasset State Park, Madison
February 4, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am at Shoreline Greenway Trail Eastern Trailhead Parking Lot – Hammonasset State Park

Enjoy a mid-week field trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park, one of the state’s best birding locations in any season of the year.

We will look for sea ducks, grassland species, and rarities.

Meet outside the park at the Shoreline Greenway Trail parking area on Boston Post Road, Madison
