Bird Walks

Registration is required for the following programs, with the exception of the Tuesday Early Morning Bird Walks beginning in April. Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Enjoy a late winter bird walk at the Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery, located in Plainfield. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Woodcock Watches
Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 6:45 p.m.
Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Andy will bring you to see displaying American Woodcock as they do their courtship flights just before dark. VERY IMPORTANT — no bright-colored clothing or hats; drab colors are recommended. Limit: 7 people per date. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Early Morning Bird Walks
Tuesdays in April and May 2026, at 8 a.m.
No walk on May 19th

Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. Since the Connecticut Audubon Society’s bird of the year is the Pileated Woodpecker, we will make a special effort on the April walks to see one. 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). Fee: $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Long Pond Bird Walk
Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 8 a.m.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, CT, just south of Webster Lake in MA, has varied habitats. We’ll look for interesting duck species as well as early arriving spring migrants, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Blue-headed Vireo. Limit: 10 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Virginia Rail Bird Walk
Friday, May 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Our goal will be to hear and observe a Virginia Rail. Other possible species include early arrivals like Yellow and Pine Warblers. Limit: 12 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Beginner’s Bird Walk
Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 8 a.m.

If you are new to bird watching, this is a good weekend to start! Some of the colorful spring migrants will have returned and the leaves won’t be out, making the birds easier to spot. Limit: 10 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Trail Wood Bird Walk
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Hike the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton to find an assortment of birds. Expect Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and Veery. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $10 members, $20 non-members.

Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 8, 2026, at 8 a.m.

While exploring this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve, we will likely find Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers! Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

Little River Preserve Bird Walk
Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Owned by the town of Hampton, this new preserve has a diversity of habitats that should attract lots of interesting birds. Hooded Warbler, Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, and several flycatcher species are just a few of the possibilities. Limit: 10 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

Mother’s Day Bird Walk
Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Bring your mother or grandmother to see the colorful birds of spring. This is the peak of migration, and many species can be found, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Limit: 12 people. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members; mothers free.

Nightingale Forest Preserve North Bird Walk
Monday, May 11, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Explore this newly preserved Wyndham Land Trust property. We will bird areas in the 220-acre expansion. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8 a.m.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve has field, shrubland, and woodland habitats. We always seem to find exciting species here! Expect Prairie Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

20 Warbler Day
Friday, May 15, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

During the peak of their migration, we will attempt to find 20 species of warblers in one day. We will travel to numerous locations. This is our 17th year doing this program. We have found as many as 21 warbler species! Limit: 12 people. Fee: $25 members; $50 non-members.

Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 8 a.m.

We’ll explore this fantastic bird watching location with expectations of finding Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers, and likely one or both cuckoo species. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

Trail Wood Bird Walk
Monday, May 18, 2026, at 8 a.m.

90 Bird Day (20th Annual)
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Our goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center. Interesting past sightings include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Limit: 12 people. Fee: $25 members; $50 non-members.

Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 9 a.m.

See how banders gently catch birds, record data, and safely release them. You may have a chance to release a bird yourself. Fee: $10 members; $20 non-members.

Chaney Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 8 a.m.

This large, forested preserve in Montville contains a 10-acre clear-cut, large amounts of mountain laurel, interesting rock features, and mature forest. Expect Hooded Warbler, Acadian Flycatcher, Prairie Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager, and more. Limit: 8 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.

Boston Hollow Bird Walk
Friday, May 29, 2026, at 8 a.m.

We will explore Boston Hollow in Ashford, a unique area with a northern forest feel. Much of the land is owned by Yale University. Expect Blackburnian Warbler, Winter Wren, Canada Warbler, and Northern Waterthrush. We will bird from the road. Limit: 16 people. Fee: $20 members; $30 non-members.