CT Birdwatching Spots Feel Like a Hidden Front Row to Nature

Decor Hint, Rachel Dunlap, May 31, 2016

A visit here can feel like stepping into a quiet corner of the state that many people simply drive past without noticing. Mixed forest, wetlands, and pond habitats support a rich community of woodland birds that can be harder to find in more developed areas. 

Pileated woodpeckers are among the more exciting finds, and their loud calls and dramatic size make them unforgettable for anyone encountering them for the first time. 

Deer Pond Farm is at 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT 06784, in the quiet northwestern corner of the state. 

This Connecticut Audubon Society sanctuary covers over 800 acres, with trails that range in difficulty and length, giving visitors options depending on how much time and energy they have available on a given day. 

The pond itself attracts waterfowl and wading birds, particularly during migration. 

The relative remoteness of Sherman means crowds are rarely an issue, and the sense of solitude on the trails adds to the overall birdwatching experience in a meaningful way. 

Early spring is especially rewarding here, as breeding birds begin establishing territories and filling the forest with song before the leaves fully emerge. 

The lack of significant light or noise pollution in the surrounding area also means dawn visits can produce the kind of chorus that urban and suburban birders rarely get to experience.

Deer Pond Farm rewards those willing to make the drive.