Bird Walks & Events — 2025
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
April 22, 2025
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Event: Garden Clean-up at Wigwam Brook Sanctuary, Litchfield
The Red-winged Blackbirds will be arriving to announce spring! Time to start thinking about getting the gardens ready for the migrants and other pollinators. Mark your calendar for this clean-up event. We will cut down dead plants and grasses, and remove visible weeds and other plant debris. We can also decide on new perennials needed to complement the existing plants. Bring gloves, your favorite gardening tools, spray for ticks, and lots of energy!
To sign up, email Vickie Dauphinais at vdauphinais1@gmail.com or call her at 860-805-9167. Rain date: April 23, same time.
April 24, 2025
Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Event: Garden Clean-up at Kalmia Sanctuary, Harwinton
The Red-winged Blackbirds will be arriving to announce spring! Time to start thinking about getting the gardens ready for the migrants and other pollinators. Mark your calendar for this clean-up event. We will cut down dead plants and grasses, and remove visible weeds and other plant debris. We can also decide on new perennials needed to complement the existing plants. Bring gloves, your favorite gardening tools, spray for ticks, and lots of energy!
To sign up, email Vickie Dauphinais at vdauphinais1@gmail.com or call her at 860-805-9167. Rain date: April 29, same time.
April 27, 2025
Sunday, 1:00 p.m.
Event: Exploration of Pond Life at Boyd Woods Sanctuary
In spring it’s often the arrival of birds and the budding vegetation that captivate us. But nature is on the move underwater too. Join the LHAS Nature Explorers at Boyd Woods to look for all the aquatic critters coming to life in the ponds and streams. Catch a glimpse of frogs and spotted salamanders. Listen for spring peepers and wood frogs. Maybe spot a Jack-in-the-Pulpit or a lovely trillium. Avid naturalists Ann Orsillo and Josh Szwed will lead participants through the fascinating metamorphosis going on in the pond. Come ready to get your hands dirty. Wear waterproof footwear for pond exploration. FUN! Appropriate for kids and adults. Meet at the Boyd Woods parking lot on Route 254 in Litchfield.
Pre-registration is appreciated at lhasjunior@gmail.com. For questions, call Vickie Dauphinais at 860-805-9167. Heavy rain cancels.
May 3, 2025
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Event: Spring Walk at Stony Brook Forest in Sharon
Join forester Jim Gillespie for a spring stroll at his forest in Sharon. Stony Brook Forest is nestled across 100 acres of early successional forest (less than 30 years old). There is also a stand of older trees (130+ years) on the property, making it a thriving haven for birds and other wildlife. Over 43 bird species call this forest home.Jim will lead a walk on woodland trails pointing out a variety of native trees and plants. We will listen and look for migrant birds along the way. The Ruffed Grouse, a threatened species, is present and we may get to hear its drumming! Meet at 54 Herb Road, Sharon. Driveway to the left with cedar gate entrance. GPS takes you before the driveway, so keep driving. It’s about a mile down Herb Road.
Please let Jim know if you plan to attend by calling 860-689-5455.
May 10, 2025
Saturday, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Event: Celebration of Life for John Baker
Join John’s family and friends to celebrate his life at the Litchfield Community Center. There will be light refreshments. To honor John, everyone is invited to wear shorts!
Please let Janet Baker know if you will attend by contacting her at berryledges@gmail.com or 860-567-8427.
May 11, 2025
Sunday, 7:30 p.m.
Event: Swift Swirl
Come see newly arrived Chimney Swifts gather to roost at Mitchell School in Woodbury on their return from winter sojourn in Brazil. We’ll enjoy this spectacle to an evening chorus of robins and other birds, accompanied perhaps by nearby singing Gray Tree Frogs and Spring Peepers. Meet at the Canfield Corner Pharmacy, at the junction of Route 6 (Main Street North) and Route 47 in Woodbury.
For more information, call Russ Naylor at 203-841-7779; leave a message for a return call.
May 17, 2025
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
Event: Hike Around Grannis Pond in Bantam
Join Marie Kennedy for a walk on the loop trail around Grannis Pond off Prospect Mountain Road to search for warblers and other spring migrants. During the walk, you will be able to listen and look for birds as they sing to establish their territory and search for a mate. We might continue the walk along Prospect Mountain Road. Please wear sturdy shoes.Meet at the Dallas Hoops Trailhead at 248 Prospect Mountain Road, Bantam.
For more information, contact Marie at 914-393-6270 or mariekennedy226@gmail.com.
May 24, 2025
Saturday, 7:30 a.m.
Event: Bird Walk at Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield
We should see many Bobolinks since the Topsmead fields are managed for their benefit. We may also encounter American Kestrels since they have nested in boxes provided for them. Meet in the parking lot.The entrance to the lot is off of Buell Road.
Please sign up by contacting Ann Orsillo at spoonbill@optonline.net or 910-880-1518.