Bird Walks and Watches

Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10 A.M.

Located in Plainfield, the Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery often has many species of wintering birds, since it offers a variety of habitats — open water, conifer trees, and heavy shrub areas. Andy will lead you around the extensive grounds, which provide some of the best birding in Windham County. Email arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 for additional details and registration. 

Early Morning Bird Walks
Tuesdays in April and May at 8 A.M.

Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. We have access to thousands of acres of protected land.  Wear drab colored clothing and bring binoculars. On some occasions, a spotting scope will be useful. Andy will have one with him. No registration is required. Fee:  $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Registration is required for the following walks.
Email Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948.

Woodcock Watches
Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:45 P.M.
Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 6:45 P.M.
Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

Andy Rzeznikiewicz will bring you to see displaying American Woodcock. They do their courtship flights just before dark.  It is very important that you do not wear bright colored clothing or hats. Drab colors are recommended.  Each outing is limited to 7 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Virginia Rail Walk
Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 6 P.M.

Our goal is to hear and observe a Virginia Rail.  We will also see what other birds are around. Limited to 12 participants.  Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Beginners Bird Walk
Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 8 A.M.

If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start!  Some of the colorful, spring birds are back and the leaves aren’t out yet.  Expect to see Yellow, Blue-winged, and Black-and-white Warblers.  Limited to 10 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Freidman  Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 8 A.M.

We’ll explore this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve.  We are likely to see a Great Blue Heron rookery, and Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers!  Limited to nine participants. Fee:  $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Mother’s Day Bird Walk
Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 8 A.M.

Bring along your mother or grandmother and join Andy Rzeznikiewicz to find returning birds. It’s the peak of spring migration! There are many beautiful birds to see and enjoy, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 12 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non- members; mothers free!

Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Monday, May 12, 2025 at 8 A.M.

We’ll explore this fantastic bird watching location.  Expect to see Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers, and most likely one or both Cuckoo species.  Limited to 10 participants. Fee:  $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 8 A.M.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has a variety of habitats including fields, shrublands, and woodlands.  Expect to find Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers, Indigo Bunting, and Scarlet Tanager.  Limited to 10 participants. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

20 Warbler Day
Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.

We are going to attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day during the peak of warbler migration. We will travel to numerous locations in our search.  This is our 16th year doing this program.  We have found as many as 21 warbler species!  Limited to 16 participants. Fee:  $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.

Trail Wood Bird Walk
Friday, May 16, 2025 at 8 A.M.

Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton. We expect to find Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers.  Limited to eight participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Long Pond Bird Walk
Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 8 A.M.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake, has varied habitat.  Expect to see Brown Thrasher, Prairie Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, and various migrants.  Limited to 10 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

90 Bird Day (19th Annual)
Monday, May 19, 2025 at 6 A.M. to 4 P.M.

The goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours or fewer. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center.  Interesting sightings from past years include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Limited to 16 participants. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.

Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 9 A.M.

Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz and fellow bird banders to see various songbirds up close. You will see how we gently catch them, record data, and safely release the birds. Participants may release a bird. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Union Bird Walk
Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 8 A.M.

We’ll meet at a location in Woodstock and travel to this new area.  Expect to see Black-throated Blue  and Canada Warblers and Broad-winged Hawk.  Limited to eight participants. Cost: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Trail Wood Bird Walk
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 8 A.M.

Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton. We expect to find Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers.  Limited to eight participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Chaney Preserve Bird Walk
Friday, May 30, 2025 at 8 A.M.

Andy Rzeznikiewicz will guide you around this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Montville. It contains a ten-acre clear-cut, large areas of mountain laurel, interesting rock features, and mature forest.  Expect to see Hooded, Prairie, and Blue-winged Warblers, Acadian Flycatcher, and Scarlet Tanager.  Limited to eight participants. Cost:  $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Boston Hollow Bird Watch
Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 8 A.M.

We will explore the famous Boston Hollow area of Ashford.  Much of the land is owned by Yale.  It is a unique area, having a northern forest feel.  We should see Blackburnian and Canada Warblers, Winter Wren, Northern Waterthrush, and many more.  We will bird from the road.  Limited to 18 participants. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 nonmembers.