New Spotting Scope & Spring Birding Programs

New Telescope for Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point

A new Vortex Spotting Telescope is a recent addition to the Coastal Center’s viewing window. In 2007 a similar telescope was donated by the Solomon family of Milford in memory of my brother Harvey Solomon. The scope and its mounting were set at a lower height and with an upturned eye to assist viewing for everyone, including the young and handicapped.

Recently it had to be replaced, and with the added requirement for a more secure mounting, a number of institutions were contacted. A series of communications began between myself and Shamus Terry, the International Sales Manager at Vortex Optics, which resulted in Vortex Optics donating a top of the line Razor Spotting Scope to replace the original Vortex. The scope is now up and ready for viewing.

I’d like to thank my good friend Phil Perretta for helping to attach the scope; Jim Zipp at the Fat Robin Wild Bird shop in Hamden for his advice; and to Frank Gallo at the Coastal Center for his support in this project. On behalf of the Audubon Coastal Center and myself, our most grateful thanks and acknowledgements to Vortex Optics for this very generous donation. My special thanks to Shamus Terry who took an early interest in this project, for his energy and initiative to be part of it, and in the process demonstrate and become an example of the true spirit of community.

Stanley Solomon

 

Birding for Beginners

Session I: Thursday, April 24,  7–9 p.m. (classroom) or
Session II: Wednesday, May 7,  7–9 p.m. (classroom)

Field Trip Session I: Sat., May 3,  9-11:30 a.m. (field trip)
Field Trip Session II: Sat., May 10, 9-11:30 a.m.(field trip)

Learn the basics for identifying birds on your own! During this fun and comprehensive hands-on course, longtime instructor and expert birder Frank Gallo will teach you ID skills as well as how to choose and use field guides and binoculars, and where to find birds locally. The course culminates with a field trip to a local park. No experience is necessary. Bring the “Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds.” (Field guides are available for sale at the CoastalCenter.) Fee: $75/person. $65 Seniors.

 

Hidden Gems Series: Bird Walks in Milford Parks

7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

Saturday, April 26: Walker Pond – Early migrants

Saturday, May 3: Silver Sands – late waterfowl and early migrants

Saturday, May 10: WilcoxPark – Warblers, vireos and much more

Saturday, May 17: Mondo Pond – Peak migration

Saturday, May 31: Beaver Brook Ponds – Late migrants

Saturday, June 7: Milford Point – Rare shorebirds, terns and gulls

Saturday, June 14: EisenhowerPark – Breeding birds and late migrants

Milford is blessed with many wonderful parks. Expert birder, Frank Gallo, Director of Connecticut Audubon’s Coastal Center (CAS), has handpicked the best sites to explore in spring, from hidden gems, such as WilcoxPark, to more well-known sites, such as Milford Point. Frank will guide walkers to a variety of species of seasonal birds at each location. No experience necessary. Binoculars are available upon request. Preregistration recommended. Contact Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502 to register and to request binoculars. Meet at each park; directions will be provided.

Fee: 7 week series $60 ($30 seniors, $45 CAS members); weekly, $9 per walk ($5 seniors, $7 CAS members)

 

Field Birding (New!)

Saturday, May 17
9 am – 1:30 pm

Spend the day with expert birder, Frank Gallo, cruising the Coast of Connecticut in search of late waterfowl, loons, grebes, and sandpipers, including eiders and purple sandpipers. If conditions are right, we’ll check coastal woodlands for songbirds, as well. This is a great way to polish your identification skills and to find new birding sites to visit. Join the fun. Bring a lunch.

Fee: $55/Person ($25 Seniors, $45 CAS members)

 

Spring Owl Prowls 

Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 29,
7:30 – 9:15 p.m.

When the sun retreats, owls awaken to go in search of prey. Some say that owls are wise; others say that they have sparked legends of ghosts. Whatever the truth, we’ll uncover the mysteries of these amazing nocturnal hunters, while learning about the species that co-exist in our area. The evening culminates at a local park where we’ll carpool and try to call one in. It’s a hoot!  Meet at the Coastal Center. Not recommended for young children.

Fee: $25/person. ($15 Seniors, $7 Children (ages 10 and up))

 

Guided Canoe Tours

Through the Charles E. Wheeler Salt Marsh

Saturday, May 31, 12:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Saturday, June 14, 11:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.*
Saturday, June 28, 11:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.*
Sunday, June 29, 12:30 -3:00 p.m.*
Saturday, July 12, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.*
Sunday, July 13, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. *
Saturday, July 26, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.*
Saturday, August 2, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 13, 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 14, 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 21, 8:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, September 28, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Early Autumn Paddle)

Spend a lovely day with us on a relaxing guided canoe tour of the 840-acre Charles Wheeler Salt Marsh at Milford Point. Get away from the noise and bustle of everyday life to a place for quiet contemplation. Steeped in local history, the Marsh also offers an abundance of birds and other wildlife, beautiful vistas and a chance to paddle and unwind. Bring water, a snack, and wear shoes that can get wet. (* Bring a lunch on these days.)
Contact the Coastal Center for more information. Trip routes are subject to change due to weather. Wind may cause trips to be canceled, even on sunny days; please call 30-45 minutes in advance for trip status. Advance registration required. Sign-up early for these popular tours! Canoes and equipment provided.

Coastal Center Canoes
CAS Members $27/person, $69/canoe (3 people)
Non-members $35/person, $95/canoe (3people)

Private Canoe/Kayak (Bring your own boat)
$20 CAS Members, $30 Non-members