Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon - Fairfield: Bird Walk at Smith Richardson Preserve
2026-05-16 07:00 - 09:00 (America/New_York) | Smith Richardson Preserve, 39 Sasco Creek Rd,, Westport, CT, United States
Saturday, May 16, 2026
7:00am – 9:00am

Conservation Manager Stefan Martin leads this exploration of the diverse habitats of the Smith Richardson Preserve in Westport. Just a stone’s throw from Long Island Sound we’ll hope to see returning songbirds like warblers and orioles, as well as coastal water birds like egrets and osprey. Binoculars recommended.

$15 Members
$20 Members

Pre-registration required.

Register here: Spring Bird Walk at Smith Richardson Preserve – The Connecticut Audubon Society

Hartford Audubon Society: - Fisher Meadows - Bird Walk
2026-05-16 07:00 - 10:00 | Fisher Meadows, 800 Old Farms Rd, Avon, CT, United States
Fisher Meadows – May 16 – Sat 7 am
Main Entrance Fisher Meadows Recreation Area on Old Farms
Rd next to soccer fields
789 Old Farms Rd, Avon on Google Maps
Take an easy morning stroll, suitable for all levels of birders,
around the pond. Habitats include fields, woodlands, and shrub
land. We’ll hope to see Orchard Oriole, Yellow-throated Vireo,
Willow Flycatcher and Canada Warbler among others. The walk
should last less than 3 hours.
Brian Toal – BrianToal@SBCGlobal.net – 860-999-2733 T

Hartford Audubon Society: Penwood State Park - Bird Walk
2026-05-16 07:00 - 10:00 | Penwood State Park, 560 Simsbury Road, Bloomfield, CT, United States
Penwood State Park – May 16 – Saturday – 7 am
174 Hartford Rd, Simsbury – We will meet in the parking lot.
A three-hour leisurely bird walk in search of migrant warblers,
vireos, thrushes, and flycatchers. Special possibilities include
Worm-eating Warbler, Swainson’s Thrush and both Yellow-billed
and Black-billed Cuckoos. This will be easy walking.
Paul Cianfaglione – pgcianfaglione@gmail.com -860-836-3443 T

Mattabeseck Audubon Society: Spring Birding at Frederick White Farm
2026-05-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Frederick White Farm, Maple Avenue, Durham, CT, 06422, United States
Join MAS board member Michael Good for a beautiful walk through White’s Farm, a 110-acre parcel of former farm land donated to the town of Durham. This area is a Birding Hotspot in eBird.
Contact Michael to let him know you will be attending at michaeldg@aol.com

CT Audubon - Deer Pond: Bird Walk
2026-05-16 08:00 - 10:00 | Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Saturday, May 16, 2026
8:00am – 10:00am

Join Western CT Bird Club President, Angela Dimmitt, on a casual bird walk at Deer Pond Farm. Angela is a seasoned birder with a wealth of wisdom to share about local migratory birds. Many birds are passing through CT to the forests of Canada, while some will stay in CT to breed. All birding levels welcome.
$5 Members / $10 Non-members
Register here: Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
2026-05-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Pumpkin Hill Rd., Ashford, Pumpkin Hill Rd, Ashford, CT, United States
Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8 a.m.

We’ll explore this fantastic bird watching location with expectations of finding Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers, and likely one or both cuckoo species.

Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members

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

New Haven Bird Club: Sleeping Giant State Park - Field Trip
2026-05-16 08:00 - 11:00 | Sleeping Giant State Park, Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, United States
Field Trip – Sleeping Giant State Park – Jim Sirch, Craig Repasz and DeWitt Allen

May 16, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Sleeping Giant dominates the landscape north of New Haven. The park hosts diverse habitats: riparian woods, rivers and streams, stands of white pines, mature deciduous forests, and cliffs and meadow edge. Although it is famous for its ankle-twisting and heart-pumping terrain, we will bird along the uphill but (mostly) smooth-surfaced Tower Path. As we move slowly along the Path, we can expect to find a rich mix of migrant and resident warblers, thrushes, vireos, and woodpeckers. We should be able to locate the nesting ravens and may also get glimpses of the resident Peregrine Falcons.
Meet at the Sleeping Giant State Park entrance on Mt. Carmel Avenue, Hamden.
Leaders: Jim Sirch, jimsirch95@gmail.com;
Craig Repasz, 203-745-6683 or crepasz@hotmail.com;
DeWitt Allen, 860-949-0995 or allendatlow@gmail.com

RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Sit
2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Lyme, Lyme, CT, United States
Saturday, May 16, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am

Selden Landing
Lyme, CT

A bird sit involves little to no walking, instead focusing on a single location and letting the birds come to you! We’ll search for songbirds and wetland birds along Selden Creek and scan the skies for migrating raptors. No restrooms on site.

Members: $13
Non-members: $18

Register here: Spring Bird Sit – The Connecticut Audubon Society

RTP Estuary Center: Birding Basics Walk
2026-05-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, 100 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, United States
Saturday, May 16, 2026
1:00pm – 2:00pm

RTP Estuary Center
100 Lyme St.
Old Lyme, CT

New to birding or want to brush up on skills? Learn how to make the most of your equipment, keep an eBird list, and decode Merlin on the grounds of the RTPEC sanctuary. The walk will be approximately .25 miles on level grassy terrain. Restrooms on site.

Members: $5
Non-members: $10
Register here: Birding Basics Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Eco Travel: Eagle/Osprey Boats
2026-05-16 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Essex Steam Train, 30 Plains Road, Essex, CT, 06426, United States
ECO TRAVEL:
Eagle/Osprey Boats – Saturdays May 16 and 23 5 – 8 pm

Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel will again offer boat cruises to search for Bald Eagle, Osprey, and other bird species migrating and nesting along the Connecticut River. Bald Eagle can be found along the lower river, a habitat that hosts a transient winter population as well as nesting residents. Naturalists are on board the vessel to share information about the Connecticut River, the birdlife, and natural history.

The vessel has a heated cabin, restrooms, and three decks for optimal viewing. Tours are approximately three hours in length and depart from The Essex Steam Train in Essex. Train ride is included in the cost of the trip. Appropriate for children eight years old and over. Enjoy the beauty of the Connecticut River in spring!

Fee: $55 for members and nonmembers.

For reservations, click here:

May 16

May 23

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.

New Haven Bird Club: Naugatuck State Forest - Field Trip
2026-05-17 07:00 - 12:00 | Naugatuck State Forest, Rte 8, exit 25, Naugatuck, CT, United States
Field Trip – Naugatuck State Forest, Naugatuck – Chris Loscalzo

May 17, 2026 @ 7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Join us at the peak of spring migration on this moderately strenuous hike in a fine birding location. We’ll search for migrants and residents. We often see more than 15 species of warblers on this trip, including resident Hooded, Chestnut-sided, Prairie, and Worm-eating Warblers. Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and many other birds are residents here, too.
Meet at the commuter lot at Exit 24 off Route 8, Naugatuck.
Leader: Chris Loscalzo, 203-214-3473 or closcalz@optonline.net

Hartford Audubon Society: Addison Bog/Woodlands - Bird Walk
2026-05-17 08:00 - 11:00 | CT
Addison Bog and Woodlands – May 17 – Sun 8 am
216 Addison Rd, Glastonbury
Meet in the baseball parking lot at the far end of the Smith Middle School Rd
WHEELCHAIR AND WALKER ACCESSIBLE PAVED TRAIL
Join us for a bird walk through mature growth forest and brook,
Black Spruce bog and power line cuts. The area has many resident
and migrant species. Choose to walk the ten-foot wide, paved path
with 5 benches spaced throughout, or join a group that walks
through a very flat woodland trail section that can be good for
seeing ovenbird, veery and barred owls. As an option, we can
explore a power-line cut which is good for indigo buntings, prairie
warblers, yellow warblers, and blue-winged warblers. Bring sturdy
shoes and bug spray. There is a porta potty at the Smith parking lot.
The 2-3 mile walk will last about 3 hours, but you can easily leave
at any time if necessary.
Laura and Bob Bengtson rlbengtson@cox.net 860-882-4285 T

RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Walk #4
2026-05-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT, United States
Sunday, May 17, 2026
2:00pm – 4:00pm

Hammonasset State Park
Madison, CT

Hammonasset has a great mix of habitats for birding, which attracts a diversity of species. We’ll search for migrating songbirds and coastal birds at one of the best spots in the state. Walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level grassy, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to sun, heat, and wind possible depending on weather. Restrooms on site.

Members: $13
Non-members: $18

Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Trail Wood Bird Walk
2026-05-18 08:00 - 10:00 | Trail Wood Sanctuary, 93 Kenyon Rd, Hampton, CT, 06426, United States
Trail Wood Bird Walk
Monday, May 18, 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.

CT Audubon - Pomfret: 90 Bird Day
2026-05-19 06:00 - 16:00 | CT
90 Bird Day (20th Annual)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Our goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center. Interesting past sightings include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack.

Limit: 12 people. Fee: $25 members; $50 non-members.

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

Hartford Audubon Society: Cedar Hill Cemetery - Bird Walk
2026-05-20 07:30 - 10:30 | Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Avenue, Hartford, United States
Cedar Hill Cemetery – May 20 – Wed 7:30 am
453 Fairfield Ave, Hartford
A three-hour leisurely bird walk in search of migrant warblers,
vireos, thrushes and flycatchers. We may find Cape May and
Canada Warblers and Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Easy walking.
Paul Cianfaglione – pgcianfaglione@gmail.com – 860-836-3443 T
Al Gatti – algatti22@gmail.com – 860-916-7142 T

New Haven Bird Club: Lake Chamberlain - Field Trip
2026-05-20 07:30 - 10:30 | Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area, Sperry Road south of Morris Road, Bethany, CT, United States
Field Trip – Lake Chamberlain, Bethany – Pat Leahy

May 20, 2026 @ 7:30 am – 10:30 am

Join us for a walk on Regional Water Authority property in Bethany. Pat Leahy has been maintaining a bluebird trail on several of the properties there. Bluebirds, swallows, and spring migrants are plentiful. Walking is not strenuous and on well-maintained trails.
Meet at Lake Chamberlain Regional Water Authority parking area on Sperry Road, the second metal gate south of Morris Road, Bethany.
Leader: Pat Leahy, 203-314-0566 or ptjleahy@yahoo.com

New Canaan Nature Center: Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-05-20 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: Birding by Ear (class & walk)
2026-05-20 09:00 - 11:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Birds are often heard before being seen. Learn about bird songs with avian biologist and Deer Pond Farm Naturalist Lori Lichtenauer. She will describe song patterns and how to hear the difference between alarm and contact calls. Discover how keen listening skills can lead to unexpected wildlife finds. We’ll start in the classroom, and end outside.
$5 – Members / $10 Non-members
Register here: Birding by Ear (class & walk) – The Connecticut Audubon Society

New Canaan Nature Center: Bristow Sanctuary - Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-05-21 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
2026-05-22 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

New Haven Bird Club: Julius Hansen Park - Field Trip
2026-05-23 08:00 - 11:00 | Julius M. Hansen Park, 52 Patten Rd, North Haven, CT, United States
Field Trip – Julius M. Hansen Park, North Haven – Craig Repasz and DeWitt Allen

May 23, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am

Rich meadows and fields, forested wetlands, trap rock ridge, and riparian woods host breeding populations of sparrows and warblers, woodpeckers, hawks, Baltimore Orioles, Rose-breasted Grossbeaks, Indigo Buntings, and other field and woodland birds. Other migrating species are possible.
Meet at the Hansen Park parking lot down a driveway just east of 52 Patten Road, North Haven.
Leaders: Craig Repasz , 203-745-6683 or crepasz@hotmail.com; DeWitt Allen, 860-949-0095 or allendatlow@gmail.com

CT Audubon - Pomfret: Bird Banding Demo
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9 a.m.

See how banders gently catch birds, record data, and safely release them. You may have a chance to release a bird yourself.

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

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

RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Walk #5
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Goodwin Natural Area, New London, United States
Saturday, May 23, 2026
9:00am – 11:00am
Goodwin Natural Area
New London, CT
Situated along the Thames River, the Arboretum provides an urban oasis for migrating songbirds with its diverse habitats. We’ll look for the songbirds singing from the forests, swallows foraging over the pond and wetlands, and more. The walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.
Free for CT Audubon & Arboretum member
Members of CT Audubon Society or Connecticut College Arboretum: $0
Non-members: $10
Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon - BirdCraft: Bird Banding
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Birdcraft Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT, 06824, United States
May 23, 2026
9:00 a.m.
Birdcraft Museum

314 Unquowa Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 259-0416 ext. 305
mwilson@ctaudubon.org

$10 per person

Birdcraft is a federally licensed bird banding station. Come see citizen science in action! You’ll learn the history of bird banding, see how banders identify birds, take a tour of our sanctuary and see some birds up close! Registration required.

To register: Bird Banding Demonstration | May 23, 20269:00 a.m. | Birdcraft | The Connecticut Audubon Society

Connecticut College Arboretum: Spring Bird Walk
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Goodwin Natural Area, New London, United States
Connecticut College Arboretum:

Spring Bird Walk— Goodwin Natural Area
This program is held in partnership with the Connecticut Audubon Society.
Saturday, May 23
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
COST: $10 -or- FREE for Ct College Arboretum or CT Audubon Society members
Space is limited. Registration Required.
REGISTER HERE
The Connecticut College Arboretum provides an urban oasis for migrating songbirds with its diverse habitats. We’ll walk through the Goodwin Natural Area to look for the songbirds singing from the forests, swallows foraging over the pond and wetlands, and more. The walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain.

RTP Estuary Center: Family Bird Walk
2026-05-23 13:30 - 15:00 | Clark Community Park, Old Saybrook, United States
Saturday, May 23, 2026
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Clark Community Park
Old Saybrook, CT
Spring is a great time to learn about birds, as many species are singing away and in brighter plumage. Join us as we look and listen for birds in the diverse habitats of Clark Park. Suitable for ages 5 and up. The walk will be approximately .75 – 1 miles on mostly level dirt terrain. 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: Barn Island Wildlife Mgt Area - Field Trip
2026-05-24 08:00 - 12:00 | Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington, CT, United States
Field Trip – Barn Island Wildlife Management Area, Stonington – Chris Loscalzo and Dan Errichetti

May 24, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Barn Island WMA is a large expanse of varied habitat along the Connecticut shore near the Rhode Island border, including large tracts of salt marsh, deciduous woodlands and a large brushy field. We’ll see 60+ species of birds, with notable resident species including White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Saltmarsh Sparrow and Willow Flycatcher likely to be seen. This is a good spot to look for rare shorebirds such as Wilson’s Phalarope and Black-necked Stilt. We’ll take a long hike of approximately 4 to 5 miles through the property, which is mostly flat on good trails. Wear comfortable shoes and bring bug spray and water.
Meet at 8 a.m. at the WMA entrance on Palmer Neck Road, Stonington
Official state map – the entrance off Palmer Neck Road is marked with an “E.”
Leaders: Chris Loscalzo, 203-214-3473 or closcalz@optonline.net;
Dan Errichetti, danerrichetti@gmail.com

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Early Morning Bird Walks
2026-05-26 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
