Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Family Bird Walk
2026-05-02 13:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Pond Meadow Preserve, Pond Meadow Preserve, Essex, CT, United States
Saturday, May 2, 2026
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Pond Meadow Preserve
Essex, CT
With boardwalks over extensive wetlands surrounded by coastal forest, Pond Meadow Preserve is a haven for songbirds during migration. We’ll look and listen for birds on this mellow walk through the woods. Suitable for ages 5 and up. The walk will be approximately .75 miles on mostly level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
Members: $10
Non-Members: $15
Children Ages 12 and under: $5
Register here: Family Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

New Haven Bird Club: Farm River Trolley Trail
2026-05-03 08:00 - 10:30 | Farm River Trolley Trail, Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street, East Haven, CT, United States
Field Trip – Farm River Trolley Trail with Friends of Farm River Estuary – DeWitt Allen

May 3, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am

The Friends of Farm River Estuary invite the New Haven Bird Club to share a walk along the tracks of the Shoreline Trolley Museum in East Haven through several productive habitats. The timing should be good for us to find a mix of resident and migrating salt marsh birds, raptors, and woodland species. A bonus – at the end of the walk a trolley from the museum will give us a ride back to our starting point.
Meet in the rear parking lot of the Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street, East Haven.
Leader: DeWitt Allen, 860-949-0995 or allendatlow@gmail.com

Friends of Greenwich Point: First Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point
2026-05-03 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.

Hartford Audubon: Greenstone Hollow Bird Walk
2026-05-04 08:00 - 10:00 | Greenstone Hollow, 31 Ridge Blvd., East Granby, CT, United States
Greenstone Hollow – 31 Ridge Blvd, East Granby – Park on north side of road
Monday, May 4 – 8 am
Enjoy a morning walk at a Hartford Audubon sanctuary with shrub, swamp, marsh, wet meadow, pond and wooded habitats. Flat easy walking. About one mile over 2 hours. Expect mud and water if it has rained. Many habitat types: woods, marsh, shrub field, beaver pond, cedar woods. Should be very good for spring warblers.
Larry Lunden larrylunden@hartfordaudubon.org / 860-953-1847

CT Audubon, Birdcraft: Spring Bird Walk
2026-05-05 07:00 - 10:00 | Birdcraft Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
May 5, 2026 – 7 a.m.

Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin at this historic property to look for returning migrant songbirds. What the Birdcraft Sanctuary lacks in size, it makes up for in diversity with over 30 species of warblers and nearly 180 species of birds seen at this urban oasis. One of the area’s best locations to photograph warblers in the spring. All levels of birders welcome; appropriate for ages 12 and up. Binoculars recommended. Pre-registration required.

$15 Members
$20 Non-members
Register here: Spring Birdwalk at Birdcraft – The Connecticut Audubon Society

Hartford Audubon Society: Farmington River/Barkhamsted Bird Walk
2026-05-05 08:00 - 10:00 | Farmington River Barkhamsted, 20 River Road, Barkhamsted, United States
Farmington River Barkhamsted – May 5 – Tuesday – 8 am
Enter 20 River Rd, Barkhamsted in Google Maps
From Rt 44 drive north on 181 – 0.15 miles to first dirt rd on right
We will meet at the kiosk along the dirt road.
Lower Greenwoods – Boneyard Walk. Spend a morning on an easy walk looking for migrants on MDC property along the West Branch of the Farmington River. Walk will be on mostly level dirt road. May be muddy if recent rainfall. The walk will last about 2 hours. This walk is in memory of Mickey Nordell, who offered this trip every spring until her death in March of 2020.
Gina Decker – grodckr21@gmail.com – 860-733-2670 T
Cathy Delasco cathy_cosgrove@yahoo.com – (860) 324-4709 T

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Early Morning Bird Walks
2026-05-05 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

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Walk #1
2026-05-05 17:00 - 18:00 | Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
5:00pm – 6:00pm
RTP Estuary Center
100 Lyme St.
Old Lyme, CT
Search for spring migrants along the beautiful Lieutenant River Estuary on the grounds of the RTP Estuary Center. We’ll look for songbirds in the bird garden and wetland birds along the marsh. The walk will be approximately .25 miles on level grassy terrain. Restrooms on site.
Members: $5
Non-Members: $10
Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Bird Song Basics (via Zoom)
2026-05-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, CT, United States
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
7:00pm – 8:00pm

Birds’ songs are beautiful, but their singing is important for mating and territorial protection.  A well-performed song can be a matter of life or death!

Avian biologist Lori Lichtenauer will help you discover the incredible science of bird songs and learn how to ID your favorite birds by ear, just in time for peak migration.  Free; suggested donation $5.

To register: Birdsong Basics (via Zoom) | May 5, 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Deer Pond Farm | The Connecticut Audubon Society

Hartford Audubon: Auerfarm State Park Bird Walk
2026-05-06 07:00 - 10:00 | Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve, 35 Auer Farm Rd, Bloomfield, CT, 06002, United States
Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve – Wed, May 6 – 7 am

35 Auerfarm Road – Auerfarm Road is 400 feet N of Burr Rd on Rt 185 Park in the parking area on the right
Auerfarm State Park Scenic Reserve was once part of the historic Auerfarm property that was a working farm for 40 years. This property maintains some of the most scenic views of the Metacomet Ridge on Talcott Mountain and the variety of habitats, including woodlands, apple orchards, and grasslands, act as valuable feeding, resting, and breeding sites for an array of wildlife.
Expect common CT birds and migrants. 2.5 mile walk. Mostly flat but some hilly terrain. Bring bug spray and sturdy shoes.
Al Gatti – algatti22@gmail.com – 860-916-7142 T
Jack Halibozek mjmhal@comcast.net – 860-978-4890

New Haven Bird Club: East Rock Park
2026-05-06 08:00 - 11:00 | East Rock Park, New Haven, CT, United States
Field Trip – First Wednesday Walk: East Rock Park, New Haven – John Oshlick

May 6, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

East Rock Park in early May is one of the best places in the state to see migrant warblers. Fifteen to twenty species are possible on a good day.
Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.
Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Annual Lyme Loop
2026-05-07 06:00 - 15:00 | Lyme, Lyme, CT, United States
Annual Lyme Loop

Thursday, May 7 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Travel through Lyme and Nehantic State Forest in search of neotropical migrants. The habitats of the state forest include wetlands, streams, and ponds, all excellent places for the morning chorus of neotropical migrants. While the main focus will be on warblers and learning their songs, vireos, thrushes and other breeders can be present. Target species include Hooded, Worm-eating, and Cerulean warblers.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

Hartford Audubon Society: Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve Bird Walk
2026-05-07 07:30 - 09:30 | Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, 253 Loomis Street, North Granby, CT, United States
Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve – May 7 -Thu 7:30 am
253 Loomis St, Granby (approx). From East St drive 2.5 miles
north on Loomis St to parking lot on left.
LIMITED TO 15 PEOPLE – CONTACT JOHN AFTER 4/1 TO REGISTER
Offering woodlands, two extensive marshes, a weedy field and a pond with active beavers, Dismal Brook attracts a spectacular variety of birds (the site’s checklist numbers 143 species). The
preserve boasts wide, well-maintained trails, two observation decks for viewing the marshes and comfortable benches at strategic points. The walk will cover about two miles, most of it on even
ground, except for the quarter-mile, gentle climb up to the cabin overlooking the pond Rain cancels the walk.
John Weeks – aerie.john@cox.net – 959-222-9978 T

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Trail Wood Bird Walk
2026-05-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Trail Wood Sanctuary, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton, CT, 06426, United States
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton to find an assortment of birds. Expect Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Veery.

Limit: 8 people. Fee: $10 members, $20 non-members.

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

Hartford Audubon: Town Forest, Simsbury - Bird Walk
2026-05-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Town Forest Road, 66 Town Forest Rd,, West Simsbury, CT, United States
Town Forest Road, West Simsbury Thursday, May 7, 6:30 PM
66 Town Forest Rd, West Simsbury
Off Stratton Brook Rd.- turn west at the bike path signal
Meet in the sand parking lot east of the pond
This early evening walk has level easy walking. We will cover a variety of habitats, pond, forest, and along the road past the town maintenance garage to the roadside marsh. Wear bug spray, and be aware of poison ivy along edge of road. Having Merlin on your phone is useful for picking up bird calls, and Ebird to enter your list. Good walk for beginning birders; we have extra binoculars.
Donna Summers donnasummers@hartfordaudubon.org 860-966-1642 T
Sarah Faulkner sffaulkner@comcast.net – 860-543-1280 T

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Freidman Forest Bird Walk
2026-05-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Friedman Memorial Forest, Friedman Memorial Forest, Ashford, CT, United States
Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 8, 2026, at 8 a.m.

While exploring this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve, we will likely find Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers! Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

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

Hartford Audubon: Simsbury River Bird Walk
2026-05-08 08:00 - 11:00 | Simsbury River Walk, 46 Drake Hill Rd., Simsbury, CT, United States
Simsbury River Walk – Friday – May 8 – am
46 Drake Hill Rd, Simsbury
Park at the Simsbury High School Crew Boathouse across from Drake Hill Rd from Flower Bridge. Do not park at Flower Bridge
The Simsbury River Walk provides beautiful and varied birding habitat along the Farmington River floodplain and can be great for
warblers and other passerines. Plan to walk approximately 2 miles over 2-3 hours. The trail is flat but may be wet in places, depending
on recent rainfall. Bring bug spray and appropriate footwear.
Jon Ward – jward88787@aol.com – 860-416-3958 T

New Canaan Nature Center: Area Open Space Bird and Natural History Walks
2026-05-08 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

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Birdwatching - Big Sit
2026-05-08 13:00 - 16:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Birdwatching “Big Sit” Open House – Free

Friday, May 8, 2026
1:00pm – 4:00pm

Sitting in one area quietly can be a rewarding and low-effort way to observe birds. Join us at the Deer Pond Farm’s teaching terrace with avian biologist Lori Lichtenauer for this casual twist on the competitive “Big Day” of birding. We will observe birds soaring, in the meadows, and forest edges. Extra spotting scopes, binoculars, and lots of ID resources will be set up. All birding levels are welcome.
Register here: Birdwatching “Big Sit” Open House – The Connecticut Audubon Society

Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation: Bird Walk
2026-05-09 06:30 - 08:00 | Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, United States
Bird Walk
Saturday, May 9, 6:30 am
Free – Reservations Encouraged
Join Jay Kaplan from Roaring Brook Nature Center for his annual bird walk at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Jay will lead participants through the ornamental foreground in search of resident and migratory birds.
Appropriate hiking shoes and binoculars are strongly recommended.
Admission to the program is free. Advance reservations are recommended and may be made online at www.cedarhillfoundation.org.
Cedar Hill Cemetery is located at 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford. Meet near the bridge along the entrance drive.
No pets allowed, except for service animals.

Audubon CT Greenwich: Spring Migration Bird Tour
2026-05-09 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

Greenwich Audubon Bird Tours and Breakfast co-sponsored by COA
2026-05-09 07:00 - 22:00 | Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026

Spring Bird Tours and Bird Breakfast
Bird Tours 7 AM.

Breakfast 9 AM, plus bird banding.
Greenwich Audubon Center
613 Riversville Rd, Greenwich, CT, 06831, CT
Details and registration info to come.
This event is co-sponsored by the Connecticut Ornithological Association and Greenwich Audubon Center.

New Haven Bird Club: River Road in Kent - Field Trip
2026-05-09 07:30 - 13:00 | Kent, Old Train Station, 43 Railroad St, Kent, CT, United States
Field Trip – River Road, Kent – Travels Along a Riparian Woodland Corridor – Allan Welby

May 9, 2026 @ 7:30 am – 1:00 pm

River Road in Kent along the Housatonic River provides a major north-south riparian corridor for spring migration. River Road has produced a nice variety of Northwestern Connecticut nesting species including Acadian and Least Flycatchers; Yellow-throated and Blue-headed Vireos; Winter Wren; and Cerulean, Golden-winged, and Worm-eating Warblers. The vast uninterrupted forest rising from the river is an ideal location for a moderate to strenuous walk on beautiful terrain.
Meet in Kent at the old train station, 3 Railroad Avenue, just north of the intersection of Routes 7 & 341. We carpool from there.
Leader: Allan Welby, 630-303-3411 or antpitta4@yahoo.com

Mattabeseck Audubon Society: Spring Birding at Cogichaug Greenway
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | Coginchaug Greenway, 86 Strickland Road, Middlefield, CT, 06455, United States
Meet MAS board member, Michael Good, at Strickland Road Trail Head for a delightful walk in Middlefield, CT. Plan to see field nesting species such as Bobolink.
Contact Michael to let him know you will be attending at michaeldg@aol.com

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Little River Preserve Bird Walk
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | CT
Little River Preserve Bird Walk
Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Owned by the town of Hampton, this new preserve has a diversity of habitats that should attract lots of interesting birds. Hooded Warbler, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and several flycatcher species are just a few of the possibilities.

Limit: 10 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members

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

CT Audubon - Deer Pond: Bird Hike
2026-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026 / 8:00am – 10:00am
During peak migration, millions of birds will be flying through CT, taking brief breaks at “stopover” sites. These sites provide important food and shelter for birds as they recover from their journeys. Join Lori Lichtenauer, Sanctuary Manager / Naturalist, at Deer Pond Farm to hike some of our birding “hotspots” in search of great bird diversity count

$5 – Members / $10 Non-members
Register here: Bird Hike – The Connecticut Audubon Society

Hartford Audubon Society: - Mount Auburn/Plum Island Ma - Field Trip
2026-05-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Mount Auburn, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, United States
May 9 Mount Auburn & Plum Island, MA – May 9 – Sat 8 am
580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA
Mount Auburn Cemetery entrance inside front gate.
After cemetery we drive to Plum Island, Newburyport, MA
Mount Auburn Cemetery is famous as a Spring migration hotspot
with many species of warblers present. From there we will drive (1
hr) to Plum Island in Newburyport to see more warblers, waterfowl
and shore birds. One of our most popular trips!
Jon Ward – JWard88787@aol.com – 860-416-3958 T

RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Walk #2
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Fenwick Grove
Old Saybrook, CT
Located at the mouth of the Connecticut River and on Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is situated perfectly to attract a wide variety of species. We’ll search for songbirds, shorebirds, and lingering waterfowl in a small patch of coastal forest. The walk will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt trails. No restrooms on site.
Members: $13
Non-members: $18
Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Deer Pond: Beginner Birding (class & walk)
2026-05-09 13:00 - 15:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Saturday, May 9, 2026
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Join us at Deer Pond Farm with avian biologist Lori Lichtenauer on this beginner-friendly program. You’ll learn about binocular types and use, how to find and ID birds. Learn about useful apps such as Merlin & eBird to advance your skills, and how to bird on your “best” behavior! We’ll start in the classroom, and end outside.
$5 – Members / $10 Non-members
Register here: Beginner Birding (class & walk) – The Connecticut Audubon Society

New Haven Bird Club: Big Day Marathon - May 10th
2026-05-10 06:00 - 17:00 | Eli Whitney Museum, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT, United States
Big Day Marathon – Sunday, May 10

May 10, 2026 @ 6:00 am – 5:00 pm

Take part in all or part of this event. We’ll focus on New Haven area hotspots, seeking 100–130 species. We start at East Rock and search several other local migrant traps, as well as the coast from Lordship to Hammonasset. The Big Day could potentially involve several miles of walking on more strenuous terrain.
Meet at the Eli Whitney Museum parking lot, 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden.
Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com
