Birding Hotspots in Connecticut

The following locations are consistently good birding spots. The variety and number of bird sightings may vary by season, but each offers its own special experience. There are many other productive sites in Connecticut. The books cited at the bottom of this page provide a rich source for planning birding outings.

Hammonasset Beach State Park
Madison, CT

Located on the Connecticut shoreline between Madison and Clinton. Take exit 62 off I-95, head south 1.5 miles to Park entrance. This peninsula location provides a resting spot for migrating birds.

Best in fall, winter and spring for gulls, terns, water, shore, marsh, and land birds.

White Memorial Foundation
Litchfield, CT

Located about 2 miles southeast of Litchfield on Route 202 in the Northwest hills of Connecticut.

The 4,440 acre preserve includes a museum, river/streams, marsh, ponds, forest and numerous hiking trails roads.

Water, marsh, shore and land birds provide for excellent birding in any season.

Lighthouse Point Park
New Haven, CT

Located at the tip of the eastern shore of New Haven Harbor. Take exit 50 from I95 south 0.2 mile, right on Woodward Ave. (becomes Fort Hale Park Rd.), right onto Townsend Ave. right on Lighthouse Rd to the park entrance.

The Point extends into the harbor, is on the coastal migration route and affords excellent birding, especially during fall hawk migration.

Also See:

  • Finding Birds In Connecticut, A Habitat - Based Guide to 450 Sites by Dave Rosgen and Gene Billings (1996). Includes directions and maps
  • Connecticut Birding Guide by Buzz Devine and Dwight G. Smith. A guide to 84 sites that includes directions, maps and well done illustrations of birds found at the sites.

Have you been? Visit Booth Hill (below) in early September to view Broad‑winged Hawks at their peak migration through Connecticut. Please join us on a field trip!