Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #3 - Saturday - 3/2/2024
2024-03-02 08:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | S Windsor, 990 Main St., South Windsor, CT, 06074, United States
8 am – 11 am
953 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park along road near intersection.
The third of four morning walks designed for beginners at Hartford Audubon’s oldest sanctuary. Station 43 is an excellent birding area year ‘round and on each walk, we will look for seasonal birds. The walk is roughly 2.5 miles (3 hours) long over flat terrain, but we may encounter areas with water/ice covering parts of the path.
https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/sanctuaries/station-43-wildlife-sanctuary/
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T

Woodcocks at Nod Brook - Bird Walk - Saturday - 3/16/2024
2024-03-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Simsbury (Tower Office Park), 82 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury, CT, 06089, United States
7:15 pm – 8:30 pm
82 Hopmeadow St (Rt 10), Simsbury
Back of the first parking lot of the Tower Office Park
See the unique mating display or “sky dance” of the American Woodcock on a relatively short evening trip. Short distance (0.25 mile). Lasts about 1 hour after dusk. Must stand still/quiet while waiting for birds. Dress and layer for cold.
Brian Toal BrianToal@SBCGlobal.net 860-677-7156

Silver Sands State Park Bird Walk - Sunday - 3/24/2024
2024-03-24 08:00 - 11:00
8 am to 11 am
Silver Sands State Park, 1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford
Meet in main parking lot
Contact Maggie to verify this date. This is a good trip to try for sea ducks and sparrows while hoping for a Rough-Legged Hawk. Dress warmly. Flat shoreline walk approximately 2 miles for about 3 hours.
“https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Silver-Sands-State-Park
Sandy beaches, boardwalks, seashells, and shore birds dominate the attraction to Silver Sands’ beaches in Milford. Over a half mile of shoreline and three quarters of a mile of all-weather boardwalk make this a popular four-season waterfront destination.
Maggie Peretto wings.mp@gmail.com 860-604-4903 T

Sachuest Point RI Bird Trip - Sunday - 3/24/2024
2024-03-24 08:30 - 13:30 | Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Hanging Rock Rd., Middletown, RI, United States
8:30 am to approximately 1:30 pm
769 Sachuest Point Rd, Middletown, RI
Sachuest Point Visitor Center parking lot
GPS Coordinates 41.479909, -71.243489
If you are looking for colorful, easy to see birds, then Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is the place to be. The refuge is home to the second largest wintering population of harlequin ducks on the Atlantic coast. The harlequins, named after the clowns they resemble, can be seen along the refuge’s rocky shoreline between November and March each year. By scanning the coastline, visitors may also see loons, eiders, and gannets. More than 200 bird species visit the refuge seasonally, and other occasional migrating travelers include the peregrine falcon, northern harrier, as well as snowy and short-eared owls. Walking the nearly 3 miles of trails around Sachuest Point offers visitors the opportunity to experience several habitats where interesting animals and plants can be observed and photographed. The refuge includes 40 acres of salt marsh lands and steep rocky shorelines around the perimeter. Most visitors enjoy year-round birdwatching, and elevated observation platforms along the trails provide unobstructed views of the refuge. A short distance away at Third Beach is our recently restored salt marsh habitat, a new birding “hotspot” and a favorite of birders and non-birders alike. Dress Warmly and bring a lunch.
Paul DesJardins Paul.Desjardins2@gmail.com 860-623-3696

Great Pond, Simbury Bird Walk - Saturday - 4/6/2024
2024-04-06 08:00 - 11:00
8 am – 11 am
156 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury
Between Laurel Ln and Old Farms Rd
Meet in parking lot at end of entrance dirt road
An easy walk over a newly widened road leads to Great Pond where we will see waterfowl, shorebirds, migrating warblers and the many types of birds that call this area home. Usually lasts about 3 hrs, but can leave at any time. Maximum distance is 1.5 miles. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Massacoe-State-Forest (Great Pond is a separate block of this forest)
Hiking map available online
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T

Greenstone Hollow Bird Walk - Saturday - 4/13/2024
2024-04-13 08:00 - 10:00
8 am to 10 am
31 Ridge Blvd, East Granby
Park on north side of road
All are welcome on this exploration of our Greenstone Hollow Nature Preserve. Woodland, water and shrub meadow habitats will hopefully provide 20-40 species during the Fall migration. About 1.5 miles of easy walking for up to 2 hours. Can leave at any time. Wear waterproof footgear if it has rained recently.
Chris&Diane Fisher ChrisF001@aol.com 860-967-5976 T

Simsbury River Bird Walk - Saturday - 4/13/2024
2024-04-13 08:00 - 11:00
8 am to 11 am
46 Drake Hill Rd, Simsbury
Park at the Simsbury High School Crew Boathouse across from
Drake Hill Rd from Flower Bridge. Do not park at Flower Bridge
The Simsbury River Walk provides beautiful and varied birding habitat along the Farmington River floodplain and can be great for warblers and other passerines. Plan to walk approximately 2 miles over 2-3 hours. The trail is flat but may be wet in places, depending on recent rainfall. Bring bug spray and appropriate footwear. For a map and more information visit.
https://www.simsbury-ct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif1216/f/file/file/riverwalk.pdf
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T

Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #4 - Saturday - 4/20/2024
2024-04-20 08:00 - 11:00 | S Windsor, 990 Main St., South Windsor, CT, 06074, United States
8 am – 11 am
953 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park along road near intersection.
The fourth of four morning walks designed for beginners at Hartford Audubon’s oldest sanctuary. Station 43 is an excellent birding area year ‘round and on each walk we will look for seasonal birds. The walk is roughly 2.5 miles (3 hrs) long over flat terrain but we may encounter muddy areas and water covering parts of the path. Bring spotting scope if you have one. High, water-proof boots and insect repellent are suggested.
https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/sanctuaries/station-43-wildlife-sanctuary/
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T

Glastonbury Great Pond, Bird Walk - Wednesday - 4/24/2024
2024-04-24 08:00 - 11:00
8 am to potentially 11 am
Entrance is just beyond 451 Great Pond Rd, Glastonbury, on left
From Rt. 17 – use south entrance to Great Pond Rd and
drive in 0.2 mi. Park on south side away from hydrants.
Expect common CT birds as well as migratory. Habitat varies, woodland, water, shrub and field. Count on chickadee, nuthatch, jay, cardinal, wren. Many hawk, duck and sparrow species. There are always some surprises. 2.5 mile walk. Hilly terrain. Bring bug spray and sturdy shoes. Extend your morning by birding nearby Cotton Hollow and Ferry Road, a CT River ferry landing.
Annette Pasek apasek@cox.net 860-490-8357 T

Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge Bird Walk - Saturday - 4/27/2024
2024-04-27 08:00 - 11:00
8 am – to potentially 11 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.
Directions: I-91 N to Exit 49 (Longmeadow)
Right at exit onto Rt 5 N
Rt 5 N ~2.2 miles to intersection with Bark Haul Rd (on left)
Take Bark Haul Rd to end
Meet at the sign
https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8013979/fannie-stebbins-wildlife-refuge
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T

Roaring Brook Nature Center Bird Walk - Sunday - 4/28/2024
2024-04-28 06:30 - 09:00
6:30 am – to 9 am
Springtime Bird Walk
Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd, Canton
Meet in the Nature Center parking lot.
Ideal area for a morning walk during spring migration as 50 species may be seen or heard. Look for warblers, vireos, orioles, tanagers and more. Dress for weather and wear footwear for possible wet ground conditions. Rain cancels walk. Lasts until about 9am.
Jay Kaplan jaybrd49@aol.com 860-707-5246 T

Lewis Farm Sanctuary - Bird Walk - Wednesday - 5/1/2024
2024-05-01 08:30 - 11:30
8:30 to potentially 11:30 am
1035 Hill St, Suffield
Park off road on WEST side only (by sign for Sanctuary)
Use caution: poor sight line for passing cars
Please join Abby on a trip through this slice of heaven on Hill Street. The Audubon property has been near and dear to Abby’s heart since she was old enough to follow her 3 brothers down the hill in search of wildlife. Now, decades later the sanctuary still calls her name. She has sought out the quiet trails on days when she has had a heavy heart and on those days when her world was full of joy.So bring your binoculars, apply some bug spray and wear light hikers as we set off on the beautifully maintained trails in this sanctuary. We will cover mixed terrain of low hills and mostly dry trails, crossing a babbling brook and meandering around a pond. We will keep our eyes peeled for warblers and other spring birds. When our necks are tired from scanning the treetops, we can admire the variety of wildflowers that sprout up near the trail. Join us for a couple of hours as we explore this very special property.
Abby Wolcott abwol81@cox.net 860-436-7667 T

Canceled: Quarry Park - Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/4/2024
2024-05-04 07:00 - 12:00 | Quarry Park, 270 Old Main St., Rocky Hill, CT, 06067, United States
Cancelled
270 Old Main St, Rocky Hill
Meet in the small dirt parking lot opposite Marshall Rd
Enjoy a morning trip exploring Quarry Park. Warblers and field birds will be found. If the river conditions permit, we will also caravan to explore the Connecticut River flood plain until about 12pm. About a three-mile walk. There are some ups and downs and several places have open rock that can be slippery in damp or wet weather. Wear sturdy shoes and waterproof boots if needed.
Larry Lunden larrylunden@hartfordaudubon.org 860-953-1847

Keney Park - Hartford's Jewel - Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/4/2024
2024-05-04 08:00 - 10:30
8 am – to 10:30 am
171 Windsor Ave, Windsor, CT
Park in Golf Club Parking Lot
The walk is flat and easy walking on both paved and wooded trails. We will hopefully see Bluebirds, fall/spring warblers and others as we enjoy this hidden jewel of a park. The walk will be between 2 – 2-1/2 hours long, depending on what we come across. Great for beginners, but always good for seasoned veterans. Dress appropriately for the weather and use bug spray.
Annette Pasek apasek@cox.net 860-614-8281 T
Al Gatti algatti22@gmail.com 860-916-7142 T

Farmington River-Barkhamsted Bird Walk - Tuesday - 5/7/2024
2024-05-07 08:00 - 10:00 | Lower Greenwoods (Bone Yard), 22 River Rd., Barkhamsted, CT, 06063, United States
8 am – to 10 am
Unnamed dirt road south of 22 River Rd, Barkhamsted on east side
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

Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve Bird Walk - Thursday - 5/9/2024
2024-05-09 07:30 - 10:00
7:30 am to approximately 10 am
253 Loomis St, Granby (approx)
From East St drive 2.5 miles north
on Loomis St to parking lot on left.
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 144 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. Limited to 15 participants; contact the leader after April 1st to register. Rain cancels the walk.
John Weeks aerie.john@cox.net 959-222-9978 T

Penwood State Park - Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/11/2024
2024-05-11 07:00 - 10:00
7 – 10 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

East Rock - Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/11/2024
2024-05-11 07:00 - 12:00 | East Rock, 915 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, United States
7 am – 12 pm
915 Whitney Ave, Hamden
Eli Whitney Museum parking lot
This is one of the best spots to find migrating warblers, as it is the first large land mass birds see after crossing Long Island Sound. Walk about 2 miles during 5 hours with some hills.
Paul Desjardins Paul.desjardins2@gmail.com 860-623-3696

Machimoodus State Park - Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/11/2024
2024-05-11 07:30 - 11:00
Starting at 7:30 am
128 Leesville Rd, Moodus
From Goodspeed Opera House, follow 149 north to Rt 151
Bear left on 151 and parking lot entrance is on left in 1 mile
This state park is an area new to most HAS members. It has woods, a hemlock ravine, grassy fields, and early successional habitat along the Salmon River.
Alberta & Rob Mirer twomirers@comcast.net
860-891-8364

Greenstone Hollow Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/11/2024
2024-05-11 08:00 - 11:00
8 am – to 10 am
31 Ridge Blvd, East Granby
Park on north side of road
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 been raining recently. 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

Mount Auburn & Plum Island, MA Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/11/2024
2024-05-11 08:00 - 12:00 | Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mt Auburn St., Cambridge, MA, 02138, United States
Starting at 8 am
580 Mt Auburn St, Cambridge, MA
Mount Auburn Cemetery entrance inside front gate.
After cemetery we drive to Plum Island, Newburyport, MA
Mount Auburn Cemetery is famous as a Spring migration hotspot with many species of warblers present. From there we will drive (1 hr) to Plum Island in Newburyport to see more warblers, waterfowl and shore birds. One of our most popular trips!
Jon Ward JWard88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T

Canceled: Manchester Mystery - Bird Walk
2024-05-15 07:30 - 10:00
CANCELED –

Depending on weather the leader will hold this walk on Wednesday, May 1st or 8th.
Check back here for the latest information.
7:30 am – 9/10 am
Somewhere in Manchester!
I will scout the Manchester hot spots shortly before the trip to see what interesting spring migrants are being seen where. Then I will send an e-mail to the entire club to update you with the actual location where we will meet and a description of what the walk might involve.
Maggie Peretto wings.mp@gmail.com 860-604-4903 T

Fisher Meadows Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/18/2024
2024-05-18 07:00 - 10:00 | Fisher Meadows, 291 Old Farms Rd., Avon, CT, 06001, United States
7 am to 10 am
800 Old Farms Rd, Avon
Fisher Meadows Parking Lot at main entrance
Take an easy morning stroll, suitable for all levels of birders, around the pond. Habitats include fields, woodlands, and shrub land.
Brian Toal BrianToal@SBCGlobal.net 860-677-7156

Canceled for this year: Catskills and Hudson Valley, NY Bird Trip - 5/25-26/2024
2024-05-25 - 2024-05-26 | Catskills and Hudson Valley, Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, Wurtsboro, NY, 12790, United States
Catskills and Hudson Valley, NY May 25-26, Sat-Sun 2 days
Contact Peter for arrangements.
Bird Saturday in the Cooperstown and Oneonta areas of Otsego County. On Sunday, bird the marsh at Bashakill WMA and Doodletown Road in Bear Mountain State Park.
Peter Stephan stephraf@aol.com 860-729-8374 T

CANCELED: Suffield Wildlife Management Area - Bird Walk - Saturday - 5/25/2024
2024-05-25 07:30 - 10:30
CANCELED
7:30 am – 9:30-10:30 am
200 Point Grove Rd, West Suffield, CT
From intersection of Mountain Rd (268) and Point Grove Rd (585),
drive north 1.3 miles. Enter Suffield WMA and meet in parking lot
A bird walk which focuses on grassland and shrubland birds. We will search for Grasshopper Sparrows, Bobolinks, Brown Thashers and Prarie Warblers. Last year some Blue Grosbeaks were also seen. Flat wide trail. Distance: up to 3 miles and birding 2 to 3 hours. You may want bug spray and a hat. Easy walking.
Paul Cianfaglione pgcianfaglione@gmail.com 860-836-3443 T

Station 43 Wetland Birds - Bird Walk - Saturday 6/1/2024
2024-06-01 07:00 - 10:00 | S Windsor, 990 Main St., South Windsor, CT, 06074, United States
7 am – 9-10 am
990 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park along road near intersection.
A bird walk which focuses on wetland nesting species. We have a chance to see Least Bitterns, Virginia Rails and Marsh Wrens. Knee high waterproof boots and bug spray is recommended. Mostly easy walking but some very wet areas. 2-3 hours.
Paul Cianfaglione pgcianfaglione@gmail.com 860-836-3443 T

CT State Trail's Day Family Bird Walk - Time/Location change - 7:30 Sunday 6/2/2024
2024-06-02 08:00 - 10:00
CT State Trails Day Family Bird walk — TIME AND LOCATION CHANGE: 7:30 am, Sunday, June 2, Sun, Wind and Woodlands Preserve, Canton.

Join HAS leader and science teacher Sarah Faulkner for a 1-2 hour beginner’s birdwalk for families on the Canton Land Trust’s beautiful Sun, Wind, and Woodlands Preserve. You’ll be introduced to birdwatching, learn to find and identify birds, and learn about apps on your phone to help you recognize birds. We’ll look for birds, discuss the ecosystems, and enjoy being in nature. Slow walking with some uneven footing (stepping over branches in places), about 1 mile in total. Bring binoculars, smart phone if possible, sturdy sneakers, insect repellent, water, and snack. Children ages 6 and older are welcome. Leader will have some binoculars to loan to participants if needed. Email leader to register. Please load the apps “Merlin” and “eBird” before coming. Both are free from Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The hike is also being offered also to the Canton Land Trust.

Questions and to register: Email sffaulkner@comcast.net. Limited to 20 participants.

Directions: Sun, Wind, and Woodlands Preserve, 200 Breezy Hill Road, Canton. From Route 44, turn onto Indian Hill Road and follow to its end. Turn right onto Breezy Hill Road, and follow it about a half-mile, just past Breezy Hill Farm. Park in the unpaved parking lot on the left – look for the land trust sign. In Google maps, search for Sun, Wind and Woodland parking

Reservoir # 3, Bloomfield - Bird Walk - Saturday - 6/8/2024
2024-06-08 08:00 - 10:00
8 am – 10 am
298 Tunxis Ave, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Meet at first parking lot.
This area has is easily accessible and has a wide variety of habitats within a short distance. We are likely to find Bobolinks nesting in the fields and Great Blue Herons nesting in their rookery at the back of a swamp along with a variety of other summer resident birds. The area encompasses low fields, tall grass fields, marsh, shrub habitat and forest habitat, all from an easily walkable road. Wear long pants and bug spray for tick protection. We will walk about 1-1/2 miles over level solid terrain.
Chris Fisher ChrisF001@aol.com 860-967-5976 T
Jim Watso jcwphotos@cox.net 860-519-8306 T
trip report

Hilltop Farm Bird Walk - September 4, 2024
2024-09-04 08:30 - 11:30
Sep 4, 2024 Hilltop Farm Wed 8:30 am
1616 Mapleton Ave, Suffield, CT
Enter at Workday Sign Entrance
Park near the red barn. Additional parking signs will be posted.
Walk around this 7.9-acre historic homestead and adjacent town-owned open space. View the eagles’ nest from the boardwalk which is surrounded by newly planted native species purchased with a HAS grant. Stroll by the Connecticut River, an inland pond, and the Community Garden plots. Visit the Bird Garden area – home to bluebirds, wrens and hummingbirds. This area, also enhanced with the HAS grant, provides a more passive place for those who would like to sit and relax while enjoying birds and butterflies. Butterfly, pollinator, and hummingbird gardens all surround the historic barn. We will be walking on 2 miles of hilly farm road and well-established woodland trails. 3 hours. https://www.hilltopfarmsuffield.org/
Joan & Tom Heffernan
joanheffernan@gmail.com
860-668-5328/860-983-5158 T

Great Pond, Simsbury Bird Walk - September 7, 2024
2024-09-07 08:00 - 11:00
Sep 7 Great Pond, Simsbury Sat 8 am
156 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury
Between Laurel Ln and Old Farms Rd
Meet in parking lot at end of entrance dirt road
An easy walk over a newly widened road leads to Great Pond where we will see waterfowl, shorebirds, migrating warblers and the many types of birds that call this area home. Usually lasts about 3 hrs, but one can leave at any time. Maximum distance is 1.5 miles. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Massacoe-State-Forest (Great Pond is a separate block of this forest)
Hiking map available online
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T
