Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

Litchfield Hills Audubon: Paddling at Charles E. Wheeler Wildlife Area
2026-08-25 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh, Milford, CT, United States
August 25, 2026

Tuesday, 9:30 AM
Location: Milford

Join Pam Hicks and Ann Orsillo for a gentle paddle through the marsh waters in Milford, on the Long Island Sound. We’ll look for shorebirds, Ospreys, and waterfowl while we take in the beautiful waterways. Pack a picnic lunch and bring something to share with others.

Meet us at 69 Court Street, Milford. Please bring your kayak or canoe and PFD (life vest).

For more information, contact Pam at 203-922-2684 or Ann at 910-880-1518.

Greenwich Audubon: Hawk Watch Kickoff and Intro to Hawk ID
2026-08-29 10:00 - 12:00 | Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
SATURDAY AUGUST 29th 2026. 10 A.M. – 12 P.M.

Did you know that an average of 20,000 hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures migrate over our Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch every fall? Join Audubon naturalist Ryan MacLean as we kick off another hawk watching season and learn how to identify and count the raptors seen over the Greenwich Audubon Center. Following a slide show introduction where you will learn of the importance of hawk watches and how to distinguish the different shapes of hawks in flight, we’ll use binoculars to look for migrating raptors from Hawk Watch Lawn.

The Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch will be staffed by official hawk counters every day (weather dependent) from August 25th through November 30th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. All are welcome to come assist in counting efforts and enjoy the magic of fall hawk migration!

This IN-PERSON program has a limited capacity and will start with an indoor slide show.

Tickets MUST be purchased in advance through this online ticket sales page. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day of the program. 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.
Upon arrival, please check in at the front desk and proceed to Kiernan Hall where our slide show will take place

For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353

$15.00

COA: Shorebird Workshop at Milford Point
2026-08-30 12:00 - 14:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
COA will present a Shorebird Workshop on Sunday, August 30 at noon. Presentation followed by field experience. Details to come shortly.
Reservations will be required.

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

Bent of the River Audubon: Fall Migration Hike
2026-09-05 09:30 - 11:00 | Bent of the River Audubon Center, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
September 5, 2026
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Rain Date September 6
Fall migration has migrating birds headed south towards their wintering grounds. Join Allison Middlemass, Coordinator of Community Conservation Programs, for a guided Fall migration birding hike where we will use binoculars to get a good view of birds, see the various habitats that our birds depend on, and discuss the ways scientists are tracking birds to help protect them. Binoculars will be provided for folks without their own to borrow for the duration of the hike. On the morning of the hike, we will meet in the visitor parking lot at 9:30 AM.

Program Fee: $15
Pre-registration is required by Noon on Friday, September 4, 2026 (space is limited)
Handicapped parking by the barn
Accessible bathroom on site
Please wear appropriate footwear

For questions, please contact Allison Middlemass at allison.middlemass@audubon.org or 203-405-9115 x115

To Register: (CT) Bent of the River – Fall Migration Hike 2026 | Audubon Connecticut

White Memorial: Predators at Risk: The Deadly Journey of Rodenticides
2026-09-05 14:00 - 15:30 | White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd,, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
Predators at Risk: The Deadly Journey of Rodenticides with Mary-Beth Kaeser

September 5 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Carriage House

For Ages 16 and up
From mice in the pantry to rats in the barn, rodents have posed health and economic challenges for people for thousands of years. Today, a variety of effective rodent control methods are available, with prevention serving as the most important and successful first line of defense.

The use of anticoagulant rodenticides, particularly second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs), unintentionally poisons native wildlife when predators consume contaminated rodents. Species such as hawks, owls, eagles, bobcats, fishers, foxes, and other predators are especially vulnerable to these secondary effects. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques offer safer, effective alternatives that reduce rodent populations without the use of poisons, helping protect wildlife and pets.
Join Raptor Rehabilitator Mary-Beth Kaeser, owner of Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation and Education Center https://www.horizonwings.org/and her live avian ambassadors to learn more about what you can do to protect your home from rodents while protecting the other wildlife sharing your yard. Mary-Beth reports that close to 80% of the birds she rehabilitates have some level of rodenticide poisoning! This alarming statistic illustrates that the issue of rodenticide usage needs to be addressed.
A PowerPoint presentation will accompany this program. Due to its serious and disturbing nature, this presentation is open to individuals ages 16 and up.
,Free…but you must pre-register here: Predators at Risk Registration
Donations to this program will help fund White Memorial’s new aviary for our raptor ambassadors.

Friends of Greenwich Point: First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point
2026-09-06 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-10-04 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-11-01 09:00 - 11:30, 2026-12-06 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, 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

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Planting for Birds
2026-09-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
RTP Estuary Center: Planting For Birds

Winter Session – Saturday, December 13; 10 am – 12 p.m.
Spring Session – Saturday, March 14; 10 am – 12 p.m.
Summer Session – Saturday, June 13; 10 am – 12 p.m.
Fall Session – Saturday, September 12; 10 am – 12 p.m.

While habitat loss poses challenges for birds and wildlife worldwide, creating backyard habitats offers a solution! In this four-part series, participants will learn about ways to improve backyard habitats throughout different seasons. Each program will focus on the seasonal needs of birds and specific ways to support them, using examples from the sanctuary grounds of the RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme. Each session will include an indoor presentation and an outdoor exploration of the sanctuary grounds and gardens, accompanied by handouts that list the plants mentioned for each session.

Click here to learn about each session!

$20 for members/$25 for non-members for individual sessions
$75 for members/$95 for non-members for all four sessions

Register Here for All Four Sessions

Register Here for a Single Session

White Memorial Conservation Center: Radical Raptors
2026-09-12 14:00 - 15:30 | White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd,, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
White Memorial Conservation Center:
Meet our Radical Raptors with Colleen Harrak
September 12 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

For Ages 8 and up

Just who-who-whoo are those big, beautiful birds of prey you see perched atop fenceposts by day or hear calling outside your window by night? Environmental Educator Colleen Harrak highlights some of the hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons that call northwest CT home. You’ll even get to meet our Avian Ambassadors up close and personal! 2 p.m., A. B. Ceder Room, Members: $5.00 Non-Members: $10.00,

Pre-registration is required: Radical Raptors Registration

COA: Hawk ID Workshop @ Lighthouse Point
2026-10-10 02:00 - 2026-10-11 01:59 | Lighthouse Point Park, 2 Lighthouse Rd, New Haven, CT, United States
Hawk ID presented by Steve Mayo
Hawk Identification in the field at Lighthouse Point. Steve will have cards and ID handouts.
Live – held in conjunction with Fall Migration Festival at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.
Details to follow. Free.

World Migratory Bird Day
2026-10-10 02:00 - 2026-10-11 01:59
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2026 features the theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!”
It highlights the power of community science in tracking and protecting migratory bird populations across the globe. Learn more here.

Mattabeseck Audubon Society: David Titus Memorial Sparrow Crawl - October 10, 2026
2026-10-10 08:00 - 10:00
Mattabeseck Audubon Society:

October 10, 2026 (Saturday 8 a.m.)
David Titus Memorial Sparrow Crawl

Join Larry Cyrulik in a visit to the old field adjacent to the soccer parking on Long Hill Road, then to Middletown Nature Gardens (off Randolph Road), and lastly, to Durham Meadows fairgrounds.

Five species of sparrows may be noted, including the elusive White-crowned sparrow, as well as other fall migrants.

Meet at Middletown’s Long Hill Road soccer field parking lot. Call Larry for info 860-342-4785 or 860-635-1880.

New Haven Bird Club: The Big Sit
2026-10-10 08:00 - 2026-10-11 17:00 | Connecticut, CT, United States
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.

Woodcock Nature Center: Nighttime Wonders - Owl Prowl
2026-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Woodcock Nature Center, 56 Deer Run Road, Wilton, CT, 06897, United States
Friday, October 16 from 6 – 8 pm​​

​​An exciting evening adventure awaits!! We will explore the woods in search of native owls! During our guided hike, we’ll listen for their unique calls—and if we’re lucky, some wild owls may even respond to our recorded ones!

To close, we will gather around the campfire for games, s’mores, and cozy fun before heading home.​​​

Registration is required. $45 per child.

This program is for children in grades 5 – 8.

RTP Estuary Center: Where are the Birds and How do we protect them - November 18, 2026
2026-11-18 17:00 - 18:00 | Old Lyme Town Hall, 52 Lyme St., Old Lyme, United States
CT River Lecture Series –

Where are the Birds and How Do We Protect Them:

Results from the CT Bird Atlas, with Chris Elphick

The CT Bird Atlas is a project to map all species of birds that occur in the state of Connecticut. Connecticut conducted its first atlas from 1982-86, with the results published in 1994 as the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Connecticut by Louis Bevier. Field work for the second atlas took place between April 2018 and February 2022, and involved nearly a thousand volunteer birders, who submitted more than 600,000 bird observations. This talk will provide an overview of the results of the CT Bird Atlas, an overview of the Birds of Connecticut web site, and a discussion of the conservation implications of the project.
Chris Elphick is a professor of conservation biology in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. His research centers around describing, understanding, and mitigating biodiversity loss. He is also one of the lead investigators for the Connecticut Bird Atlas.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Old Lyme Town Hall
52 Lyme St.
Old Lyme, CT
Program is free; registration required

Register here: CT River Lecture Series – Where are the Birds and How Do We Protect Them: Results from the CT Bird Atlas, with Chris Elphick | Nov 18, 5:00pm – 6:00pm | RTP Estuary Center | The Connecticut Audubon Society
