Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, Coastal Center at Milford Point: Spring Bird Walk
2026-04-22 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
12:00pm – 3:00pm
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 22, 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

Menunkatuck Audubon: Visiting Argentina's Pampas and Atlantic Forest
2026-04-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, CT, United States
Last November, John Hannan traveled over 2,500 miles through Argentina’s grasslands and Atlantic Forest, visiting five key conservation projects managed by Aves Argentinas. These projects protect thousands of acres of grasslands and forest habitat for hundreds of species, including the endangered Pampas Meadowlark, Saffron-cowled Blackbird, Yellow Cardinal, Blue-winged Macaw, and many others. Along the way, he observed more than 300 bird and other wildlife species.
Through images of stunning birds and landscapes, John will share an inspiring story of conservation efforts that bring together scientists, ranchers, and conservationists. Together, they work to protect some of the world’s most unique habitats while supporting local communities with sustainable livelihoods.
John Hannan is a 40-year veteran of the non-profit world, most of it in the conservation sphere. He has been a part of the Audubon family at all levels. On staff at National John Hannan has 40 years of experience in the non-profit sector, mainly in conservation. He has been involved with the Audubon organization at all levels. While on staff at National Audubon, he helped launch the Americas Flyways’ Strategy fundraising efforts and was part of the team that planned the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Conservation Business Plan. In New York, he is a former Chair of the Audubon NY State Chapters’ Council and has served as President of the Bedford Audubon Board of Directors, both in the past and currently.
At Audubon, he helped launch the Americas Flyways’ Strategy fundraising efforts and was part of the planning team for the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Conservation Business Plan. In NY, he is a past Chair of the Audubon NY State Chapters’ Council and a past and current President of the Bedford Audubon Board of Directors.
From 2017 to 2024, he worked with BirdLife International, raising awareness and support for the Partnership’s coordinated global conservation efforts. Now retired, he is helping build local awareness of how migratory birds truly connect us worldwide and how vital it is for all of us to protect these fragile natural resources we rely on.
Register to get Zoom link.

New Canaan Nature Center: Bristow Sanctuary - Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-04-23 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
2026-04-24 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

Audubon CT Greenwich: Spring Migration Bird Tour
2026-04-25 07:00 - 08:30, 2026-05-02 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

Roaring Brook Nature Center - Spring Bird Walk
2026-04-25 07:00 - 09:00 | Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT, 06019, United States
Saturday, April 25 | 7 AM – 9 AM

An early morning walk through Werner’s Woods provides welcome sights and sounds for beginning birders as well as those with more experience in the field. Bird walks are not geared for younger children.

Bring binoculars and dress for wet ground underfoot.

Donations welcome.

Pre-registration is not required.

Hartford Audubon Society: Great Pond, Simsbury - Bird Walk
2026-04-25 08:00 - 10:00 | 156 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT, 156 Great Pond Road, Simsbury, CT, United States
April 25, 2026 – Great Pond, Simsbury – Sat 8 am
156 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury

Between Laurel Ln and Old Farms Rd
Meet in parking lot at end of entrance dirt road
April 26th is the first day of the Spring census. We will try for forest birds before they migrate (like Juncos), early spring migrants (Pine warbler, Blue-headed vireo) and whatever else we can see and hear. This is a good walk for beginning birders; we will have extra binoculars. The 2-hour walk is mostly level easy walking on forest paths and rock path over the dam. Beware of the occasional tree root. If it’s a wet spring, boots are a good idea; though most of paths should be dry. Bug spray good idea. A scope is helpful for scouting the pond, as is Merlin for birding by song.
Donna Summers djsummers2@comcast.net – 860-966-1642 T
Sarah Faulkner sffaulkner@comcast.net – 860-543-1280 T

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Long Pond Bird Walk
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Long Pond, Long Pond, Thompsom, CT, United States
Long Pond Bird Walk

Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8 a.m.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake in MA, has varied habitats. We’ll look for interesting duck species as well as early arriving spring migrants, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Blue-headed Vireo.

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

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

CANCELLED: Hartford Audubon Society: Keney Park Bird Walk
2026-04-25 08:00 - 11:00 | Keney Park, 171 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT, 06095, United States
April 25, 2026 Keney Park – Hartford’s Jewel – Sat 8 am
244 Greenfield St. Parking, Hartford
That address should take you to the parking lot where we meet.The walk is flat and easy walking on both paved and wooded trails. We will hopefully see Bluebirds, fall/spring warblers and others as we enjoy this hidden jewel of a park. The walk will be between 2 – 2-1/2 hours long, depending on what we come across. Great for beginners, but always good for seasoned veterans. Dress appropriately for the weather and use bug spray.
Annette Pasek – apasek@cox.net – 860-490-8357 T

Hartford Audubon Society: Annual Spring Census
2026-04-25 08:00 - 2026-05-17 17:00 | CT
April 25, 2026 – Annual Spring Census – Sat 3 weeks
All Towns in the Greater Hartford Area
Join fellow HAS members for our annual Spring census, which will end on Sunday, May 17th. Unlike our other bird counts, this count is by towns in the greater Hartford area and lasts 3 weeks. Bird as much or as little as you like and report to as many town captains as you wish. A list of captains will be released at a later date.
Bill Asteriades bill.asteriades@gmail.com – 860-690-1152 T
Doug Beach – beachgolfdesign@att.net – 860-878-1364T

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Beginner Birding
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Beginner Birding for Families & Kids (Class & Walk)

Kids Birding at Deer Pond Farm

April 25, 10 AM-Noon
Are you a curious young explorer looking to learn more about wildlife? Get ready for spring bird migration by joining Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer at Deer Pond Farm to discover the joy of birding. Starting in our classroom, Lori will describe what birding is, how to look and listen like a birder. Finding and watching birds is fun for the whole family and can help you learn about lots of other animals. We will then go out onto our teaching terrace for a binocular lesson and explore some of the trails to find some birds!

Recommended for ages 8 and up; but all ages welcome; parents must be in attendance with children.

Click here to register for the Beginner Birding for Families and Kids (Class & Walk).

Audubon CT Greenwich: Birding by Ear Workshop
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
Birds have an unbelievable variety of sounds which they use throughout their lives. Join naturalist Ryan MacLean for a special workshop to learn about helpful techniques used for identifying birds by their beautiful songs as well as how and why they make such incredible sounds. We will start with a slide show presentation and listen to recordings of common species of birds. Then, you will have a chance to practice your new bird song skills as we take you outside onto the Greenwich Audubon Center grounds.
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance through our online ticket sales page. 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.
Recommended for ages 12 & up.
Program Fee: $20 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 below)
Pre-registration is required.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353.
We will meet you in our front lobby for check in at the start of the program.

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Beginner Birding for Families and Kids
2026-04-25 10:00 - 12:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States

CT Audubon, Milford Point: Return of the Osprey!
2026-04-25 17:30 - 20:30 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Return of the Osprey – A gala celebrating one of our states most iconic species

Saturday, April 25, 2026
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Coastal Center at Milford Point

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

Tickets: $75
2-person Discount: $140

Buy Tickets here: Support The Return of The Osprey 2026 | PledgeIt for Charities

We hope you’ll join us for good cheer, great food and cocktails, and a lively auction as we welcome spring (and the Osprey!) back to Connecticut. Your support of the Coastal Center is a gift to the region’s wildlife and protected spaces, and we want to celebrate our successes with you.
The Coastal Center staff strive to promote the awareness and preservation of Long Island Sound’s ecosystem, and the birds and habitats it supports. Visitors have access to the Sound and to tidal salt marshes, barrier beaches, tide pools, and coastal dunes, making it one of the most significant birding locations in Connecticut. As a part of statewide initiatives, the Coastal Center also participates in the conservation of several protected species, especially Osprey, Purple Martins, and Piping Plovers. Fundraising events like this make our work possible.

Hartford Audubon Society: Roaring Brook Nature Center Bird Walk
2026-04-26 07:00 - 09:00 | Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT, 06019, United States
April 26, 2026 – Roaring Brook Nature Center – Springtime Bird Walk – Sun 7:00 am
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd, Canton
Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.
Ideal area for a morning walk during spring migration as 50 species may be seen or heard. Look for warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers and more. Dress for weather and wear footwear for possible wet ground conditions. Rain cancels walk. Lasts until about 9am.
Jay Kaplan – jaybrd49@aol.com – 860-707-5246 T

New Haven Bird Club: Field Trip - Osbornedale State Park/Kellog Environmental Center
2026-04-26 07:30 - 10:30 | Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, CT, 06418, United States
Field Trip – Kellogg Environmental Center and Osbornedale State Park, Derby – Maria Stockmal

April 26 @ 7:30 am – 10:30 am

Osbornedale State Park offers a variety of species in its fields and forest, and around its ponds. It is always a surprise which species will be discovered as we walk through the park. We may see a flyover Bald Eagle, nesting Bluebirds, early warbler migrants, Green Heron, and Orchard Oriole, as well as Indigo Bunting, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak, and the various thrushes.
We will explore the Kellogg Environmental Center grounds and then walk over to Osbornedale Park to explore and see what we find.
Meet at the Kellogg Environmental Center parking lot at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby.
Leader: Maria Stockmal, 203-305-3728 or m.stockmal@snet.net

WCBC: Spring Bird Hike at Mine Hill, Roxbury
2026-04-26 08:00 - 10:00 | Mine Hill Preserve, Roxbury, Mine Hill Rs off Rte 67, Roxbury, United States
Spring Bird Hike at Mine Hill, Roxbury – April 26
Come join us at Roxbury Land Trust’s Mine Hill Preserve in Roxbury 7– a mélange of habitats from Shepaug River Waters to upland forest as we seek out early spring migrants and other vernal wildlife. This area, once site of local mining and quarry operations, is a great place to check out healthy habitats and add up those daily cardio steps.
Date – Sunday, April 26 at 8:00 AM
Meet – Roxbury Land Trust parking lot on Mine Hill Road off Rte 67 in Roxbury by the Shepaug River
Details – call Rob Buck at 203-558-3328
Note: The bridge is still closed on Wellers Bridge Road, Roxbury, the short cut
connecting Rte 67 from Woodbury/Southbury in the village to Rte 67 across the river.
Follow detour directions around the loop to reach Mine Hill.

Mattabeseck Audubon: Birding at Haddam Meadows State Park
2026-04-26 08:00 - 10:00 | Haddam Meadows State Park, 20 Parmelee Road, Haddam, 06438, United States
Join avid birder Elena Coffey for an exciting early spring bird walk at Haddam Meadows State Park. If you need binoculars to borrow let Elena know ahead of time.
Follow Island Dock Road to large parking area by boat ramp.
Text or call Elena at 860-305-1965.
Hard rain cancels event.

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Early Morning Bird Walks
2026-04-28 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

Hartford Audubon: Lewis Farm Sanctuary
2026-04-29 08:30 - 10:30 | Lewis Farm Sanctuary, 1035 Hill St., Suffield, CT, United States
April 29, 2026 – Lewis Farm Sanctuary – Wed 8:30 am
1035 Hill St, Suffield
Park off road on WEST side only (by sign for Sanctuary)
Use caution: poor sight line for passing cars
Bring your binoculars, apply some bug spray and wear light hikers as we set off on the beautifully maintained trails in this sanctuary. We will cover mixed terrain of low hills and mostly dry trails, crossing a babbling brook and meandering around a pond. We will keep our eyes peeled for warblers and other spring birds.
When our necks are tired from scanning the treetops, we can admire the variety of wildflowers that sprout up near the trail. Join us for a couple of hours as we explore this very special property.
Abby Wolcott – abwol81@cox.net – 860-436-7667 T

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Early Spring Migrants
2026-04-30 06:00 - 15:00 | CT Audubon EcoTravel, 30 Plains Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
Early Spring Migrants

Thursday, April 30 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Late April is the beginning of the intense migration period when birds head north to summer haunts. With favorable weather and winds, some species get a head start and we plan to greet them! Visit places known for their great diversity of migrants to see them in nuptial plumage and listen to their spring songs before the leaves make them more difficult to spot.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

RTP Estuary Center: Migration Magic Kickoff Walks
2026-05-01 08:00 - 09:00, 2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Migration Magic Kickoff Walk at the RTPEC

Friday, May 1, 8-9 am
Friday, May 1, 10-11 am

RTP Estuary Center
100 Lyme Street
Old Lyme, CT, 06371
860-598-4218
rtpec@ctaudubon.org
Free to attend
Registration required

Join us as we kickoff the month-long celebration of Migration Magic on the beautiful grounds of the RTP Estuary Center Sanctuary in Old Lyme. Learn how to participate in our birdathon and search for spring warblers, vireos, thrushes and more to start off your bird list for the month. Join us before or afterwards from 9-10 am for coffee and muffins on the back deck of the Kelsey Family Children’s Innovation and Discovery Center, overlooking our bird garden and inland wetland.

Register here: Migration Magic Kickoff Walk at the RTPEC | Friday, May 1, 8-9 am

Friday, May 1, 10-11 am | RTP Estuary Center | The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Virginia Rail Bird Walk
2026-05-01 18:00 - 19:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Virginia Rail Bird Walk

Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Our goal will be to hear and observe a Virginia Rail. Other possible species include early arrivals like Yellow and Pine Warblers.

Limit: 12 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

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

Roaring Brook Nature Center: Spring Bird Walk #2
2026-05-02 07:00 - 09:00 | Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT, 06019, United States
Saturday, May 2 | 7 AM – 9 AM

An early morning walk through Werner’s Woods provides welcome sights and sounds for beginning birders as well as those with more experience in the field. Bird walks are not geared for younger children.

Bring binoculars and dress for wet ground underfoot.

Donations welcome.

Pre-registration is not required.

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Beginner's Bird Walk
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Beginner’s Bird Walk
Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m.

If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring migrants will have returned and the leaves won’t be out, making the birds easier to spot.

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

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

Mattabeseck Audubon Society: Dave Titus Memorial Warbler Walk
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:00 | River Highlands State Park, 117 Field Road, Cromwell, CT, 06416, United States
Meet at River Highlands State Park parking lot, Field Road, Cromwell.
We’ll be looking for neo-tropical migrants –– warblers: Pines, Blue-wings, Ovenbirds, and more, as well as other recent Spring arrivals like Rose-breasted grosbeak, Baltimore oriole and Scarlet tanager.
Call Larry Cyrulik 342-4785 or 635-1880 for information.

Audubon Shop: Spring Migration Walks
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:30 | The Audubon Shop (for Hammonassett trips), 907 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT, 06443, United States
Join Jerry and co. for a small group Spring Migration Bird Walk at Hammonasset, on of Connecticut’s premier birding “hotspots”.
Hammonasset Beach State Park here in Madison is widely regarded as one of the premier birding spots in CT and springtime migration is a lot of fun. Approximately 250 species of birds occur there annually, as the park boast diverse habitats such as marsh, open water, woodland, grassland, and shoreline areas. Tropical migrants in their bright breeding finery will be seen as they return north to nesting grounds. We’ll be searching with eyes and ears for shorebirds, ducks, birds of prey, and vibrant songbirds. This is a good chance to learn bird song.
Our weekend Spring Bird Walks run Saturday April 18 through June 13, 2026. Always a surprise and always entertaining, birding on the shore of CT is one of the highlights of spring. Get outdoors and enjoy a Saturday morning in the fresh air! No need to pre-register. Our number one priority is to keep every safe. We reserve the right to cancel a trip, should circumstances change.

Meet Jerry at 7:50am in the parking lot at the shop
Charge is $6/person, paid in cash before we depart the shop
Please bring binoculars, or they are available at the shop beforehand for $4
We will carpool to the park
If you have a telescope or a camera, bring it!

New Haven Bird Club: Bauer Park Field Trip
2026-05-02 08:00 - 10:30 | Bauer Farm, Bauer Farm, Madison, CT, United States
Field Trip – Bauer Park, Madison – Mike DiGiorgio

May 2, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am

Join nationally-recognized wildlife artist and birder Mike DiGiorgio for a walk to look for resident and migrating songbirds. We’ll explore the fields, gardens, and woodland trails. Birders of all ages and skill levels, including beginners, are welcome.
Meet at the Community Gardens parking area, 257 Copse Road, Madison.
Leader: Mike DiGiorgio, mdigiorgio@comcast.net
