FIELD TRIPS:

Field Trips are open to the public.  Beginners are welcome. 

There is no charge for most club trips.  Attendees are responsible for their own meals, travel expenses and accommodations, when applicable.

Members and non-members can email us at:  hartfordaudubon at yahoo.com.  Your inquiry will be appropriately routed to the trip leader in charge who will call you back to answer your questions. 

Note to Members:  Please consult the membership booklet for more details on these trips. Please inform the leaders if you plan to join the group. Pouring rain generally cancels a trip, but it may not be raining at the trip site, so call.  

The Hartford Audubon Society Board would like to remind and encourage its members to take seriously the Aims of this organization to promote conservation of our natural resources and car pool whenever possible.    

For more information on map location and trip meeting points for trips shown below, please click on the following link:

                         HAS Birding Trip Meeting Points

2012 Trips:

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SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18-19, 2012

Cape Cod, MA

This is New England late winter birding at its finest. A variety of fresh and saltwater habitats make this an ideal trip to see many species of waterfowl, alcids, winter gulls and the occasional vagrant. Past trips have turned up rarities such as Pink-footed Goose, Atlantic Puffin, Western Bluebird and Rock Wren. The Cape in winter is beautiful and quiet. Call early for reservations.

Leader: Peter Stephan 
 

SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2012

Station 43 Beginner’s Walk III, South Windsor

The ice should be mostly gone as the birds begin to return just in time for this walk. We may also have a few leftovers from winter. The water levels will be even higher, so don’t forget your boots! Meet at the same spot, the corner of Newberry Road and Main Street at 8:00 AM.

Leaders: Roger Preston  - 860-658-5010  or rapreston at snet.net and Jon Ward

SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2012

Top Spots along the Connecticut River in Portland

We expect to see mergansers, cormorants, eagles, and a mix of other birds. Wear boots and bring your scope if you have one. Trip should end by noon, and will be offered to Mattabeseck Audubon as well. Meet in the Brownstone Intermediate School Parking lot (314 Main Street in Portland) at 8:00 AM Bad weather reschedules to March 25th.

Leader: Larry Nichols 
 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH  21, 2012

Timberdoodle Watch at Major Donnelly Preserve, South Windsor

Come observe the very interesting behaviors of American Woodcocks. Meet at the Sullivan Avenue parking lot at 5:00 PM. (this gives us time to check for Virginia Rail and whatever). Then we move to the West Road entrance for the Woodcocks. Bring repellent, flashlights, binoculars.

Leaders: Robert and Alberta Mirer

Saturday, March  24th,  2012

Middlesex  County Community College

Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Ornithological Association

The public is invited to this all-day conference. Richard Crossley, author of “The Crossley ID Guide” series and co-author of “The Shorebird Guide” will be featured. He will share lessons learned while growing up in the wild British birding scene, from travels around the world to living in Cape May.

For additional information, contact www.ctbirding.org.  There is a  registration fee.
 

SATURDAY, MARCH  31, 2012

Sachuest Point, Rhode Island

Sachuest Point is home to the largest wintering flock of Harlequin Ducks in New England, with upwards of 60 birds possible. Other ducks and seabirds are common, and we may see Northern Gannets and Razorbills as well as many birds that are harder to find in Connecticut. Bring a lunch for this all-day trip. Meet at the Sachuest Point parking lot at 8:30 AM. Call leader for directions.

Leader: Paul Desjardins  - 860-623-3696 or paul.desjardins2 at gmail.com
 

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012

Western Connecticut Shoreline

We will drive to Sherwood Island Park and work our way back towards New Haven. We will be looking for late wintering birds and early spring migrants. We have previously had gannets, gannets, and more gannets! Dress warmly and bring lunch for this most-of-the-day trip. Meet at the Long Wharf Information Center (Liberty Belle Ticket Sales), New Haven, at 8:00AM.

Leader: Carl Ekroth  - 860-872-6372

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Greenstone Hollow, East Granby

Come see our newest sanctuary! Spring migrants will abound. The trails are cut through dense shrub, and we can see all the varied habitats. From the center of East Granby, at the intersection of Routes 20 and 187, take 187 (North Main St) north for 1.8 miles and turn left onto Ridge Blvd. The main entrance is on the right at the end of the guardrail. Meet at 8:00 AM.

Leaders: Chris and Diane Fisher  - 860-658-2903 or chrisf001 at aol.com
 

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY, APRIL 20-22, 2012

Bombay Hook, Prime Hook, & Blackwater National Wildlife Refuges

We’ll bird Bombay Hook NWR on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning, and the Prime Hook area Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, we’ll head to Cambridge, MD to bird Blackwater NWR, Hooper’s Island and Elliot Island. If you choose to stay through Monday, we’ll bird Deal Island. Last visit we had at least 25-30 Bald Eagles, and shorebirds were arriving. This trip has limited participation, so carpooling and reservations by April 10th are a must! Please contact Stephanie for meeting place and info on where to make reservations.

Leader: Stephanie Lovell  - amore2LL at comcast.net
 

SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012

Great Pond, Simsbury

What better way to start your spring count than a walk with us at our favorite spot? There should be a nice assortment of birds, with some about to leave and others arriving. Meet at the parking lot off Great Pond Rd at 7:30 AM.

Leaders:
Roger Preston -  860-658-5010 or rapreston at snet.net and Jon Ward
 

APRIL 28- MAY 20, 2012

Annual Spring Census  - Three-Week Census Period

Chair, Jamie Meyers:

Captains subject to change. Check The Crest or HAS Web site for up-to-date information.
 

1.       Avon             Brian Toal

2.       Barkhamstead Margaret Schuster

3.       Bloomfield      Linda Clancy

4.       Bolton           Ernie Harris

5.       Burlington      Margaret Schuster

6.       Canton          Jay Kaplan

7.       East Hartford  Debi Wheeler

8.       Ellington        Carl Ekroth

9.       Enfield           Jim Deschamps

10.     Farmington     Patsy Mason

11.     Glastonbury    Bill Asteriades

12.     Granby          John Weeks

13.     Hartford        TBD

14.     Manchester    Dave Lyons

15.     New Britain    TBD

16.     Newington     Roy Zartarian

17.     Portland        Joe Budrow

18.     Rocky Hill      TBD

19.     Simsbury       Roger Preston

20.     Somers         Jan Collins

21.     South Windsor TBD

22.     Suffield          Arthur Sikes

23.     West Hartford Diane Tucker

24.     Wethersfield   Steve Kotchko

25.     Windsor         Mike and Judy Whittlesey
 

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012

Lewis Farm, Suffield

Birding and Maintenance Party

Bring your gloves, binoculars, and lunch and help the Sanctuaries Committee keep Lewis Farm beautiful and clear of brush. Meet at Lewis Farm entrance at 8:30 AM.

Leader: Jon Smalley

 

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 2012

Quarry Park and Connecticut River Floodplain

We are looking for Bobolinks, sparrows, shorebirds, nesting songbirds and other surprises on this morning trip exploring Quarry Park and the Connecticut River floodplain in the Rocky Hill area. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and if the spring has been wet, bring waterproof boots. Meet at the small dirt parking area for Quarry Park, at the corner of Old Main St and Marshall Rd. 

From I-91 exit 24, take the Silas Deane Hwy (Rt 99) south to the first traffic light. Turn left onto Marshall Rd next to the Howard Johnson Motel, and follow it to the end. The parking lot is across Old Main St – there is no sign. Approximate location: 270 Old Main St. Meet at 7:00 AM.

Leader: Larry Lunden  
 

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2012

Station 43 Beginner’s Walk IV, South Windsor

This is a walk you don’t want to miss. Waterfowl, shorebirds, nesters and some passerines await your binoculars. It will still be wet, so remember your boots. After we get our 50 or more birds on this walk, we will adjourn to Dunkin Donuts to tally the four  walks, and a quiz will be held for the advanced birders! We do have fun, so join us at the corner of Newberry Rd and Main St at 8:00 AM.

Leaders:
Robert Preston - 860-658-5010 or rapreston at snet.net and Jon Ward
 

SUNDAY, MAY 6, 2012

Airline Trail – Lebanon Plus!

This is a nice, mostly elevated, flat section of the Airline Trail. Bring  sunscreen, repellent, water, snacks and lunch. After lunch, for those interested, we will travel to Amston and bird the Raymond Marsh section of the Airline Trail. Directions: RT 87 through Columbia to intersection of Latham Hill Rd and Doubleday Rd. Turn right onto Doubleday, continue to Chesbro. Turn left on Chesbro and proceed a short way to parking lot on the right (before Tobacco St). Meet at 7:30 AM. Rain cancels.

Leader: Ernie Harris  - 860-649-1675 or pdlglt at mac.com
 

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012

East Rock Park, New Haven

This is one of the best spots to see migrating warblers, often at eye level. This is the first place birds see after crossing Long Island Sound. In 2003, we had 25 species of warblers in one day! Meet at the Ely Whitney Museum parking lot on Whitney Ave at 7:00 AM.

Leader: Paul Desjardins - 860-623-3696 or paul.desjardins2 at gmail.com
 

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012

East Granby’s Great Swamp and Beaver Swamp

This is a great area for spring migrants. Expect to see many vireos, warblers, and thrushes as well as Swamp Sparrow, flycatchers, and Virginia Rail. If time permits, we’ll continue north into Suffield to seek out some grassland birds such as American Kestrel, Brown Thrasher, and Grasshopper Sparrow. Meet at the Rails to Trails parking area off Rte  20 in East Granby at 7:00 AM.

Leader: Brian Kleinman 

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 2012
Boston Hollow
There are some serious woodlands in Connecticut, and we’ll try to get “lost” in one today, listening for singing Winter Wrens, Brown Creepers, and lots of warblers. Afterwards, there will be an optional visit to a beaver pond/heron rookery. Bring  repellent and snacks.  Meet in front of the Burger King off I-84 exit 71 (Ruby Rd), at 7:00 AM.  This is a last chance for a real rest stop. Rain cancels. Participation limited to 15; carpooling and pre-registration necessary.
Leaders: Rob Mirer and Ernie Harris 860-649-1675 or pdlqlt at mac.com

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2012

Litchfield and Kent

This trip should produce such excellent species as Cerulean and Hooded Warblers, Cliff Swallow and many others, including marsh birds. Bring lunch and meet at White Memorial Foundation parking lot in Litchfield at 8:00 AM. Rain date: May 20.

Leader: Dave Rosgen

TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2012

Freja Park and Bolton Notch State Park, Bolton

This walk in Bolton visits two beautiful habitats that border the Hop River Rail Trail in Bolton Notch. Bring repellent, etc. Meet at the parking lot down off I-384 (you bear left onto Rte 44 where Rte 44 and Rte  6 separate and take a quick left after passing under the bridge. You will now be heading west on I-384. Watch carefully for a sharp right, turn down to the lot). Meet at 7:00 AM.

Leader: Ernie Harris  - 860-649-1675 or pdlqlt at mac.com
 

THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2012

Mount Auburn Cemetery and Plum Island, MA

Visit this famous Cambridge, MA warbler hotspot, Mount Auburn Cemetery. It is not only good for birds, it is also a beautiful, park-like cemetery. Then it’s on to Plum Island at Newburyport for more warblers and shorebirds. We will have dinner at Newburyport before leaving. This is a carpooling trip. Call for further information. Meeting time is 7:00 AM at the cemetery.

Leader: Jim Moore 
 

SATURDAY MAY, 19, 2012

The Lethal Tour

The goal of the Lethal Tour is to see as many species as possible in a single day  within the confines of Hartford County. Sound equipment is not permitted. The tour begins at 4:00 AM at Station 43, South Windsor and meanders through the county until late in the afternoon, depending on bird activity. Participants may come for as little or as long as they like. More information will be available in the spring.

Leader:  Jay Kaplan - 860-693-0157 (evening) / 860-693-0263 (day)

jaybrd49 at aol.com

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Urban Birding Series III  New Haven

New Haven is a gateway for birds every spring. There is more than East Rock, too! Today we’ll check out the wetlands of the Quinnipiac River flood plains at places like the Quinnipiac River Tidal March Wildlife Area and other nearby places. We will meet at McDonald’s on Universal Drive, North Haven, at 7:30 AM. From Rte 91 south, take exit 9  and make a right onto Universal Dr. McD’s is about a mile up on the right. From Rte 9 north, take exit 9 and  go left on Montowese Ave, then right on Universal Dr.

Leader: Joe Budrow
 

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012

Bartholomew’s Cobble, Ashley Falls, MA in the AM.

Upper Housatonic River Birding Paddle in the PM

The Cobble is a beautiful preserve of about 200 acres along the scenic Housatonic River. The preserve is a great area for spring migrants and is well known for its profusion of wildflowers and ferns. This morning walk will explore several trails through forest and meadow to the top of Hulburt’s Hill, with its magnificent views of the Housatonic Valley. Hiking boots are recommended. Entrance fee for adult is $5, child 6-12 is $1. You are welcome to come just for the hike. Meet at the parking lot off Weatogue Rd at 8:00 AM.

Leader:  Mike Thomas
 

After the Cobble trip and lunch, we will shuttle cars and set off on a leisurely and lovely paddle of this gently moving section of the Housatonic River. We will go from Rannapo Rd in Ashley Falls, MA to the dam at Falls Village, CT – 11 miles, all afternoon! The river banks and the air over us should be “birdy”. Bring PFD's (to be worn!), sunscreen, repellent, water and snacks.

Leader: Ernie Harris 860-649-1675 or pdlqlt at mac.com
 

SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2012

Barn Island WMA, Stonington

Come explore one of Connecticut’s finest coastal habitats with Audubon Connecticut’s Director of Bird Conservation, Patrick Comins. Not only is Barn Island a great place to look for shorebirds and water birds, but it is also a wonderful place for migrant land birds. We will be keeping an eye on Connecticut and Rhode Island Rare Bird Alerts in case there are other birds nearby worthy of a chase. This trip will again be coordinated with the New Haven Bird Club. Meet at the parking lot of Barn Island at 8:30 AM.

Leader: Patrick Comins - 203-264-5098 / pcomins@audubon.org
 

SUNDAY, MAY, 20, 2012

Nepaug Trip, Canton area

This roving trip to an excellent area always produces interesting migrants. Come see Nepaug at its best. Meet at the commuter parking lot on Rte 179 in Canton, just north of the intersection  of Rtes 202 and 44 at 7:30 AM.

Leader: Jamie Meyers  - ctredbird at comcast.net
 

SUNDAY, MAY 27, 2012

Fisher Meadow, Avon

Fisher Meadow is a great place to see spring migrants. This park offers a nice mix of habitats that include fields, woodlands, shrubland, and a large pond. Bird species such as Orchard Oriole, Yellow-throated Vireo and American Redstart all nest here, while Brown Thrasher and Osprey are typically seen during migration. Mourning Warbler has been seen here in the past. This is an easy stroll around the pond and should be enjoyable for all levels of birders. Meet in the Fisher Meadow parking lot off Old Farms Rd  in Avon at 7:00 AM.

Leader: Brian Toal - 860-677-7156 or briantoal at sbcglobal.net

SATURDAY, JUNE  2, 2012
Spice Bush Swamp and Mooney’s Woods
Join us for a small but interesting suburban park visit. This has a swamp, pond, brook, field, and upland areas. It  is an especially good nesting site. It is located on Mountain Road in West Hartford, at the corner of Gloucester Ln. From Farmington Ave (Rte 4), take Mountain Road north for 0.2 miles to the parking lot on the left. Meet at 7:00 AM.
Leader: Larry Lunden