Marbled Godwit at Milford Point: Connecticut Audubon Bird Finder Extra Edition

Marbled Godwit
Limosa fedoa

Where to find it: A Marbled Godwit, a relatively rare shorebird for Connecticut, has been feeding at several locations near the mouth of the Housatonic River, including at our Milford Point Coastal Center. A Marbled Godwit had been seen in the same area last weekend as well but then went unreported for several days. Marbled Godwits breed in the center of the continent in the northern prairie wet grasslands and are rare finds in Connecticut.

How to find it: At the Coastal Center, scan the marshes at higher tides and look for a large shorebird sometimes with a group of other roosting shorebirds. The observation tower at the center building is a good place to start. If the godwit is visible, there are likely to be other birders viewing it. The bird has also been seen from the aptly named Birdseye Boat Launch in Stratford.

What it looks like: One of our largest shorebirds, the Marbled Godwit is about 16 inches long and has a very long, slightly upturned bill with dark tip and pinkish base. This godwit has long legs and is a rich, buff-brown all over with cinnamon wing linings and a plain breast in its non-breeding plumage.

What if it isn’t there: September is a beautiful time to be at Milford Point. Take your time and search the shrubs, the beach, the sandbars and the marsh for birds.

Conservation status: The IUCN lists the Marbled Godwit as a species of Least Concern.

This special Bird Finder edition was compiled by Milan Bull, Frank Gallo and Tom Andersen.

Photo by Alan D. Wilson, Carolinabirds.org.