Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Sit
2026-05-16 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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

Sharon Audubon Center: Spring Migration Bird Walk and Brunch for Women
2026-05-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Sharon Audubon Center, 325 Cornwall Bridge Road, Sharon, CT, 06069, United States
Saturday, May 16th

9-10:30am
Sharon Audubon Center

Spring Migration Bird Walk & Brunch for Women
West Cornwall, CT
If you are a woman or identify as a woman, this bird walk and brunch is for you!

Calling all bird-loving ladies! If you are a woman or identify as a woman, this walk is for you! Join Sharon Audubon Center Senior Coordinator Conservation and Volunteer Programs, Bethany Sheffer, on a spring bird walk and brunch at our beautiful Miles Wildlife Sanctuary. This property is rich in both bird life and history, being a statewide destination for warbler species and a local treasure for historical structures and installations (think statues and reflection pools). You’ll leave having seen new bird species and (hopefully) discover a new destination that you’ll want to return to again and again. Brunch options will include vegan and gluten-free options and will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
• Fee: $20/adult, $10/youth (ages 8+)
• Pre-registration is required.
• Call 860-364-0250 (ext 115) or email Bethany at bethany.sheffer@audubon.org with questions.
Accessibility
• Public parking lot is gravel.
• Terrain is grassy near the pond; the wooded section contains rocks and is uneven in sections. Total walking distance is ¼ -3/4 mile.
• Public restrooms are available on-site.
Sign up here: Spring Migration Bird Walk & Brunch for Women (5/16/2026) | Sharon Audubon Center

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

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.

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

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

Audubon Shop: Spring Migration Walks
2026-05-16 08:00 - 10:30, 2026-05-13 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!

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: 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

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

Litchfield Hills: Bird Walk with Goshen Land Trust
2026-05-16 07:30 - 10:00 | Goshen Land Trust, Pie Hill Rd, Goshen, CT, United States
May 16, 2026
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
Location: Goshen, CT

Join Ann Orsillo for this walk on a Goshen Land Trust property.

Meet at 193 Pie Hill Road (one end of Pie Hill Road is across from the Goshen Fairgrounds).

Bring binoculars (some loaners available) and insect repellent. Heavy rain cancels.

For questions, call Ann at 910-880-1518.

Hartford Audubon: 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

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

Roaring Brook Nature Center: Spring Bird Walk #3
2026-05-16 07:00 - 09:00 | Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Road, Canton, CT, 06019, United States
Saturday, May 16 | 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, Fairfield: Bird Walk at Smith Richardson Preserve
2026-05-16 07:00 - 09:00 | 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

Sharon Audubon Center: Spring Migration Bird Walk
2026-05-16 07:00 - 08:30 | Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Sanctuary., 99 West Cornwall Road,, Sharon, CT, 06069, United States
May 16 – 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Sharon Audubon Center
Spring Migration Bird Walk
West Cornwall, CT
Experience the magic of spring bird migration at the Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Sanctuary.

Fee: $10/adult, $5/youth (ages 8+)
• Pre-registration is required.
• Call 860-364-0250 (ext 115) or email Bethany at bethany.sheffer@audubon.org with questions.
Accessibility
• Public parking lot is gravel.
• Terrain is grassy near the pond; the wooded section contains rocks and is uneven in sections. Total walking distance is ¼ -3/4 mile.
• Public restrooms are available on-site.

Sign up here: Spring Migration Bird Walk

CT Audubon, Coastal Center @ Milford Point: Coastal Bird Walk #5
2026-05-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Friday, May 15, 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.
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.

Coastal Bird Walk | May 15, 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

Litchfield Hills: Bird Walk on the Appalachian Trail
2026-05-15 08:30 - 10:30 | Cornwall Bridge, 13 River Road, Sharon, CT, United States
May 15, 2026
Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Location: Cornwall Bridge, CT

We will start under the bridge on River Road in Cornwall Bridge. We will carpool to the end of the road to bird the Appalachian Trail. Past migrants found were Worm-eating, Black-thoated Green, Hooded, And Wilson’s Warblers. It’s always fun is to see Eastern Phoebes nesting on the rock overhangs along the trail.

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

Hartford Audubon Society: Longo Farms Open Space Bird Walk
2026-05-15 07:30 - 10:30 | Longo Farms, 2954 Hebron Ave,, Glastonbury, CT, United States
Longo Farms Open Space – Friday – May 15 – 7:30 am
2954 Hebron Ave, Glastonbury
Entrance sign next to driveway. Drive in 0.2 mi and park in lot.
Truly a fun place to gather and learn about birds! Diverse habitats include: pond, marsh, farmland, woodlands, and succession growth. Can be very birdy including warblers, some raptors and waterfowl. Protective boots and bug spray may be necessary. Hilly open trails. This walk can be up to 2 miles depending on how many birds we find and on the group pace. Plan for 3 hours.
Annette Pasek – apasek@cox.net – 860-490-8357 T

CT Audubon, Pomfret: 20 Warbler Day
2026-05-15 06:00 - 14:00 | CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret Center, CT, 06259, United States
20 Warbler Day
Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the peak of their migration, we will attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day. We will travel to numerous locations. This is our 17th year doing this program. We have found as many as 21 warbler species!

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

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

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Spring Bird Walk #3
2026-05-14 17:00 - 18:00 | Thatch Preserve, Lyme, United States
Thursday, May 14, 2026
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Thatch Preserve
Lyme, CT
Though small, the variety of habitats in the Thatch Preserve attract a diversity of species. With a large beaver pond, Wood Ducks and other waterfowl are always a possibility, and songbirds abound in the surrounding forests. The walk will be approximately 1 mile on mostly level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
Members: $5
Non-members: $10
Register here: Spring Bird Walk – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Coastal Center @ Milford Point: Coastal Bird Walk #4
2026-05-14 12:00 - 15:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
Thursday, May 14, 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 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 14, 12:00pm – 3:00pm | Milford Point | The Connecticut Audubon Society

New Canaan Nature Center: Bristow Sanctuary - Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-05-14 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

CT Audubon, Fairfield: Bird Walk at Stratford Point
2026-05-14 08:00 - 10:00 | Stratford Point, 1207 Prospect Drive, Stratford, CT, United States
Thursday, May 14, 2026

8:00am – 10:00am

Stratford Point is one of Connecticut’s great birding locations on Long Island Sound at the mouth of the Housatonic River. Observers have recorded 296 species there (according to eBird). Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin for an early morning walk where we can expect to see many varieties of migrating and resident songbirds and shorebirds at this extraordinary site. Binoculars recommended.
$15 Members

$20 Non-members, Registration is required.

Register here: Bird Walk at Stratford Point – The Connecticut Audubon Society

CT Audubon, Pomfret: Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
2026-05-14 08:00 - 10:00 | Gellert Preserve, Pomfret Center, CT, United States
Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8 a.m.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has field, shrubland, and woodland habitats. We always seem to find exciting species here! Expect Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager.

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 Society: Tanager Hill Bird Walk
2026-05-14 07:30 - 10:00 | 133 East Weatogue Street, Simsbury, CT, 133 East Weatogue Street, Simsbury, CT, United States
Tanager Hill – May 14 – Thu 7:45 am
133 East Weatogue St, Simsbury
From north: parking lot on left 0.3 mi south of Terry’s Plain Rd
From south: parking lot on right 0.5 mi north of Riverside Rd
Tanager Hill and the adjacent Owen-Mortimer property provide over 100 acres of spectacular birding habitat on Talcott Mountain.
A highlight is the presence of nesting Hooded Warblers. This two mile walk ascends over 200 feet and lasts a little over 2 hours. Bring comfortable walking shoes & bug repellent. A few small muddy spots.
Jon Ward – jward88787@aol.com – 860-416-3958 T

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Wood-Warblers of Cockaponset State Forest
2026-05-14 06:00 - 15:00 | Cockaponset State Forest, Haddam, CT, United States
Wood-Warblers of Cockaponset State Forest
Thursday, May 14 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cockaponset State Forest, named after a Native American chief buried in the Ponset section of Haddam, is the second largest forest in the state forest system, encompassing over 16,000 acres. It offers a great habitat for migrating songbirds and provides for a busy morning of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more. The focus will be species setting up breeding territories, and other species still continuing their journey northward to boreal breeding grounds.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75

CT Audubon, RTP Estuary Center: Birding Tricks and Tips Webinar - Zoom Meeting
2026-05-13 18:00 - 19:00 | Online, CT, United States
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Spring is an exciting time to go birding in Connecticut, as many species are making their way through and into the state during migration. However, all the singing birds and bright plumages can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to birding.
In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will share tips to help you make the most of your time outside. He will cover birding equipment, strategies for finding birds during migration, and how to identify them by sight and sound, as well as species to watch for throughout the season.
Free to Attend
Suggested donation $10
Register here: Birding Tricks & Tips Webinar – The Connecticut Audubon Society

New Canaan Nature Center: Spring Early Morning Walks
2026-05-13 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

New Haven Bird Club: Hartman Park Field Trip
2026-05-13 06:30 - 11:00 | Branford Commuter Parking Lot, Branford, CT, United States
Field Trip – Hartman Park, Lyme – John Oshlick

May 13, 2026 @ 6:30 am – 11:00 am

Hartman Park is known for its mix of forest and wetland that hosts many of Connecticut’s breeding birds, including Cerulean Warbler. There is also a power cut which may have Prairie, Blue-winged, Magnolia and other warblers. Both Cuckoos have been seen here as well. The Hartman Park walk involves a moderate distance walk on moderately strenuous terrain.
Meet at the commuter parking lot, Exit 55 off I-95; we carpool from there.
Leader: John Oshlick, 203-584-1955 or john.oshlic@gmail.com

Menunkatuck Audubon: Bird Feathers and Their Fascinating Functions - Zoom Meeting
2026-05-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Online, CT, United States
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
7:00 PM 8:00 PM

Join birder, photographer, and author Heather Wolf as she returns to talk about feather functions — some subtle, some spectacular, all fascinating. As always, she’ll bring beautiful images from the field and leave time for questions.

Heather is the author of Find More Birds and Birding at the Bridge. A Brooklyn-based birder, photographer, and educator, she works with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a web developer, teaches birding classes at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and gives walks and talks for various organizations in New York City and beyond.

Register to get Zoom link.

View Heather’s earlier presentations:
Birding Brooklyn Bridge Park
Find More Birds: 111 Surprising Ways to Spot Birds Wherever You Are

Litchfield Audubon: Birds and Botany
2026-05-12 08:30 - 10:30 | White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd,, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
Birds & Botany Walk at White Memorial
May 12, 2026
Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.
Location: WMCC, Litchfield

Ann Orsillo and Eileen Cooper will lead this walk to find birds, wildflowers, and other interesting plants. Meet in the White Memorial Conservation Center museum parking lot. Bring binoculars, magnifying glass (we have some loaners), and insect repellent. Heavy rain cancels.

For questions, call Ann at 910-880-1518. Please register for the walk at https://whitememorialcc.org/calendar/.
