Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

RTP Estuary Center: Migration Magic Kickoff Walks
2026-05-01 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Audubon CT Greenwich: Spring Migration Bird Tour
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 #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.

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.

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.

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

Hartford Audubon: Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk
2026-05-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge, Longmeadow, MA, United States
May 2 Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge – Sat 8 am
202 Bark Haul Rd, Longmeadow, MA
Park by sign at the end of the road
A wonderful mix of ponds, swamps, woods, and fields, Fannie Stebbins has ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds. The loop trail we will take is 2.2 miles long and brings us along or through all of the habitats. This is an easy walk, although it may be wet or muddy in places. Bring bug spray.
Jon Ward – jward88787@aol.com

CT Woodlands: Bird-Nature Hike
2026-05-02 08:30 - 10:30 | Earle Park, 1325 Main St, Glastonbury, United States
CT Woodlands.org
Mindfulness Bird-Nature Hike at Earle Park in Glastonbury
May 2 @ 8:30 am – 10:30 am

Earle Park 1325 Main street. (Rte. 17), Glastonbury, CT, United States
Enjoy a relaxed walk focused on observing, listening and noticing birds and nature. The walk will include a sensory awareness meditation at the start.

Slow paced walk along trails with some hills. Mainly forested land along the CT River. Focus of the hike will be observing, listening and noticing birds and nature in a relaxed enjoyable manner. This hike is more about connecting w/ nature, appreciating birdsongs- behavior rather than just identification. An invitation to participate in a 10-15 minute sensory awareness meditation (SAM) at the start will be done. After the SAM, we’ll explore several places throughout the park. Recommendations: wear sturdy footwear, Dress for the weather, Bring water, binoculars and or smart phone/Merlin app
I’m a dog lover but no dogs on this hike. Stormy or dangerous weather cancels.
Will meet near Gazebo.

Free

RSVP Here
Going

Audubon Greenwich: Warblers & Neotropical Migrants Workshop
2026-05-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
Get ready for the most exciting portion of spring bird migration by learning about the colorful champion bird travelers filling our springtime with song and color! Warblers are our most colorful spring visitors and often the most sought-after birds as they journey northward to their summer breeding grounds. Join naturalist Ryan MacLean for an introductory lecture on the life histories of these beautiful birds and learn how to identify the 20+ species that pass-through Connecticut each May. Then, we will venture outside to look for warblers and other spring migrants on our trails.
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)
RSVP 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 at the start of the program

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Family Bird Walk
2026-05-02 13:30 - 15:00 | 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.

CT Audubon Coastal Center - Milford Point: Coastal Bird Walk #1
2026-05-03 09:00 - 12:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Sunday, May 3, 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm
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.
This will be a casual walk for 2-3 hours, depending on the weather and birding conditions. The walk is fairly flat,but will take place on loose sand with little shade. Please bring good walking shoes, binoculars, and water. Dress appropriately for the weather, as it tends to be windy at the coast. There are bathrooms on site at the Coastal Center.
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 | May 3, 9:00am – 12:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy: Duck Day!
2026-05-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, 55 Duck Pond Road, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
DUCK DAY – SUNDAY, MAY 3RD | 10AM-3PM

Our annual Duck Day is back! Enjoy live animal programs, games, crafts, amazing local organizations and the signature Duck Derby Race!

Live reptile programs by Riverside Reptiles – meet fascinating cold-blooded creatures up close (begins at 11:00 AM)

Rubber Duck Derby race – a crowd favorite you won’t want to miss (begins at 1:00 PM)

Live raptor demonstrations by Skyhunters in Flight – watch these awe-inspiring birds of prey soar and hunt in action (begins at 2:00 PM)

$10/person | kids 12 & under & members are FREE

Tickets & More info here!

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.

Ct Audubon Coastal Center- Milford Point: Coastal Bird Walk #2
2026-05-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Thursday, May 7, 2026
10:00am – 1:00pm
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 Johann Heupel 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.
This will be a casual walk for 2-3 hours, depending on the weather and birding conditions. The walk is fairly flat, but will take place on loose sand with little shade. Please bring good walking shoes, binoculars, and water. Dress appropriately for the weather, as it tends to be windy at the coast. There are bathrooms on site at the Coastal Center.
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 | May 7, 10:00am – 1:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

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.

Litchfield Audubon: Bird Walk at Bent of the River Audubon Center
2026-05-08 08:00 - 10:00 | Bent of the River Audubon Center, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
Bird Walk
May 8, 2026
Friday, 8:00 a.m.
Location: Bent of the River, Southbury

We will bird along the Pomperaug River to the historic barn and beyond. The Bent of the River is managed for shrub-land birds including Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers, Field Sparrows, and Indigo Buntings. The river has nesting Common Mergansers and Eastern Kingfishers. Meet at the Bent of the River parking lot at 185 East Flat Hill Road in Southbury.

Questions? Contact Donna Rose Smith at 1ffastbird@gmail.com.
