Bird Walks & Events — 2024
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
September & October, 2024
Date, Location, & Time TBA
Event: Birding with LHAS on Weekday Mornings
Join us for weekly jaunts to birding hotspots during September and October. Depending on birder schedules and the weather, you will be notified of the day, meeting place, and time.
If you would like to participate, contact Pam Hicks with your email or texting number at smilesmyles@yahoo.com or 203-922-2684.
September 14, 2024
Saturday, 9:30 a.m. (note time change)
Event: Hawk Watch at Topsmead State Forest
Learn about raptor migration and then get your binoculars ready to scan the skies for any soaring hawks, eagles, or other raptors. LHAS birders Ann Orsillo and Donna Rose Smith will be on hand to help you identify any birds you see. We are collaborating with Friends of Topsmead State Forest to present this event. Meet at the tent behind the Welcome Center at Topsmead. Refreshments will be available.
September 28, 2024
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Event: Visit LHAS’ Information and Activity Table at White Memorial’s Family Nature Day
Bring the kids or grandkids to visit our table at this fun annual event. Besides activities for the kids, we will also have displays and information about our sanctuaries and activities for nature lovers of all ages.
October 5, 2024
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
Event: Bird Walk Through Forester Jim Gillespie’s Acreage in Sharon
Jim has a 123-acre tree farm in Sharon. About 90 acres is in early successional forest (14 to 30 years old), an age class that is sorely lacking in Connecticut. His forest was the first in the “Foresters for the Birds” program being implemented by the Sharon Audubon Center. There are several miles of walkable trails, and Stony Brook, a class 1 trout stream, runs through it.
Directions: From the Goshen rotary at the intersection of Routes 63 and 4, go west on Route 4 toward Cornwall (about 9 miles). At the Route 7 intersection continue west on Route 4 toward Sharon (about 2 miles), then go left on Northrup Road (large boulder) and go about 1 mile (bear left at Kings Hill Road/construction business) to South Ellsworth Road and take a left. In half a mile take the right fork onto Herb Road. Continue on Herb Road to #54, about 3/4 mile from the beginning of Herb Road. The entrance is well marked and a double cedar gate frames the entrance. Jim will in the area to show people where to park.
If you would like to participate in the walk please let Jim know by sending him an email at: james2495@sbcglobal.net
October 6, 2024
Sunday, Anytime after 8:00 a.m.
Event: Hawk Watch at Lighthouse Point
Hawk watchers at Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven typically tally more birds than those at any other reporting site northeast of Cape May, NJ, says National Audubon. Thousands of other migrating birds — plus Monarch Butterflies — pass the point too, many of them stopping to rest and feed in the nearby woods and marsh. Join Angela Dimmitt for a day of watching this annual migration spectacle. If interested, please contact Angela at 860-355-3429 or angeladimmitt@aol.com.
Directions: Take I-95 north through New Haven to Exit 50 and turn right on Woodward Avenue. At the end, past Nathan Hale Park, turn right on Townsend Ave. Watch for signs to Lighthouse Point Park and turn right on Lighthouse Road. Continue into the park; park in the parking lot or drive up to the hawk watch on the hill in front of the lighthouse. Note: There might be a non-resident parking fee, but it used to be waived if one said one was going to the hawk watch.
October 18-20, 2024
Friday-Sunday
Event: Fall Birding in and around Cape May, NJ
Cape May is one of the most well known East Coast birding destinations. We will go to some well-known and not-so-well-known birding sites throughout the county and stop at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on the way home to net around 130 species. On past trips, we have seen some great birds and had some great experiences. Ten rooms have been reserved for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the Hyland Motor Inn in Cape May Courthouse; cost: TBD (last year for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights was $304). We will begin birding early Friday morning. This year’s trip coincides with the Cape May Bird Observatory Fall Bird Festival, so we will make an attempt to visit the birding expo. Deadline to RSVP and register: September 27th.
To reserve a room, share a room, line up a ride, get a basic itinerary and/or payment instructions, contact Dave Tripp at dtrippjr@gmail.com.
October 27, 2024
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Event: Experience the Spooky Side of Nature
If you dare, join the LHAS Nature Explorers for a guided walk on a trail and encounter spooky spots with spiders, crows, owls, and more. Do an activity at each spot.Wear your costume, if you like. If you make it back to where you started, you can enjoy cider and donuts. Free for kids of all ages! Meet at the Boyd Woods Audubon Sanctuary parking lot on Route 254 in Litchfield. Rain cancels. Pre-registration appreciated at lhasjunior@gmail.com.
For questions, call Vickie Dauphinais at 860-805-9167.