Bird Walks & Events — 2026
To receive program and/or event announcements please send us an email requesting that you would like to be added to our email list at lhasct@me.com
January 18, 2026
Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Event: Bald Eagles at Shepaug Dam
Come visit the Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observatory on River Road in Southbury to see our national bird at work and play in its natural element. Plus, we’re likely to observe Common Mergansers, American Black Ducks, Red-tailed Hawks, Common Ravens, and other avian treats. Often, something really good shows up — in several winters, we’ve had a visiting Peregrine Falcon. As an extra benefit, we’ll enjoy educational exhibits with live birds of prey shown by local rehabilitators. Meet at the Canfield Corner Pharmacy at the junction of Routes 6 (Main Street North) and 47 in Woodbury.
Any questions, call Russ Naylor at 203-841-7779 and leave a message.
January 25, 2026
Sunday, 9:00 a.m.
Event: Shorebirding in Stratford
January is always full of surprises — once again, let’s see what unusual birds are showing up at the shore. We will meet in Stratford (exit 30 off I-95 north) at the Dunkin Donuts on Route 113/Lordship Boulevard at the corner of Honeyspot Road. We will check out the local birding hotspots, including “Warehouse Pond” (aka McKinney Refuge); Long Beach, where the ice piles up in huge mounds on the sand; Stratford Point (if open) to watch for gannets and maybe even alcids out on the Sound; Short Beach; and the Birdseye Boat Launch. Let’s hope for Snowy Owls! King Eiders? Harlequin Ducks? It probably will be cold and windy, so come prepared!
To register or for more information, contact Angela Dimmitt in advance at 860-355-3429 or angeladimmitt@aol.com.
February 14, 2026
Sunday, 9-11 a.m.
Event: Great Backyard Bird Count and Walk at Boyd Woods Sanctuary
Spend a couple of hours with Rich and Debbie Martin watching and counting birds at Boyd Woods Sanctuary.
In the past, Boyd Woods was quite the hotspot in Litchfield County for bird species counted over the four-day period of the Great Backyard Bird Count. We’ll be sure to see many birds from our wonderful bird blind at the well-stocked feeding station, but we’ll also explore other habitats as we search for unusual species. Meet at the Boyd Woods parking lot on Route 254 in Litchfield. Bring binoculars, dress warmly, and wear appropriate footwear for slippery, snowy trails if necessary. Snow or rain cancels this walk.
For more information, contact Debbie Martin at barnowl524@hotmail.com or 860819-7462.
February 20-22, 2026
Friday-Sunday
Event: Birding Around Newburyport, MA
Dave Tripp will once again escort LHASers around the Newburyport, Amesbury, and Salisbury areas in search of wintering northern birds. In the past, this trip has seen rare birds like Great Gray Owl, Boreal Chickadee, Varied Thrush, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Harris’ Sparrow. Other uncommon birds encountered in the past are Short-eared Owls, “white-winged” gulls, Barrow’s Goldeneye, Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Shrike. An added bonus is a day trip to Gloucester and Rockport on Cape Ann, which may add Razorbills, Thick-billed Murres, Harlequin Ducks, Black Guillemots, and more gulls and waterfowl.
If you plan to go, email Dave at dtrippjr@gmail.com. We will stay at the Fairfield Inn in Amesbury; check websites to find the best rate.