Great programs and a Birdathon. For all ages and all skill levels, throughout Connecticut!

Birds Are Counting on You!

Connecticut Audubon‘s Migration Magic 2024 is a month-long festival celebrating the wonder of bird migration in Connecticut with a variety of engaging activities for all ages and experience levels.

Join the Connecticut Audubon Society for Migration Magic!

Schedule of Events:

May 1, 2024:

9:30 to 11 a.m: Spring Bird Walk at Stratford Point with Dave Havens

Connecticut Audubon’s Educator/Naturalist Dave Havens will lead this walk to observe and learn about native and migrating species at this premier bird watching site with panoramic coastal views. Located where the mouth of the Housatonic River meets Long Island Sound, more than 290 species have been recorded there according to eBird. Stratford Point is located at 1207 Prospect Drive, Stratford.

Register here

6 – 9 p.m: Trail Wood Troubadours - Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton

Join our casual group to play music that was written during the period that the Teales lived at Trail Wood, 1959-1993. Songs can be viewed in advance. Chords and words will be projected on screen. Register by email to [email protected]. Free - donations appreciated!

May 3, 2024:

6 p.m: Virginia Rail Bird Walk - Center at Pomfret

Our goal is to hear and observe Virginia Rail. We also will keep our eyes open for other species, such as Common Snipe and Vesper Sparrow. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

May 4, 2024:

8 a.m: Beginners Bird Walk - Keney Park, Hartford

Join Catie Resor for a morning walk around the pond at Keney Park to see and hear the birds that call our Urban Greenspaces home. Meet Catie in the parking lot of the Keney Park Pond House (323 Edgewood St, Hartford, CT). Email [email protected] to register.

8 a.m: Beginners Bird Walk - Center at Pomfret

Some of the colorful spring birds are back and the leaves aren’t out yet, so they are easier to spot. Expect to see Yellow, Blue-winged, and Black & White Warblers. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

9 - 11 a.m: Spring Bird Walk - The MillRace, Essex

Spring is one of the most exciting times to go birding in CT, as many species of shorebirds and songbirds make their way back to the state from their wintering grounds further south. Join us as we search for spring migrants at some of the best birding spots in southern CT. $13 members; $18 non-members.

Register Here

9 - 11 a.m: Migration Bird Walk - Deer Pond Farm

Spring migrants are returning, and the air is full of bird song, as males claim territory and try to attract mates for the breeding season. Join Stefan Martin, CT Audubon’s Conservation Manager at Deer Pond Farm for a guided bird walk to explore the trails in search of warblers, vireos, flycatchers and more! $10 for members, $20 for non-members.

Register Here

10 a.m and 2 p.m: Eagle/Osprey Boat Cruises - EcoTravel

Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel will again offer boat cruises to search for Bald Eagle, Osprey, and other bird species migrating and nesting along the Connecticut River. Bald Eagle can be found along the lower river, a habitat that hosts a transient winter population as well as nesting residents. Naturalists are on board the vessel to share information about the Connecticut River, birdlife, and natural history. The vessel has a heated cabin, restrooms, and three decks for optimal viewing. Tours are approximately three hours in length and depart at 10am and 2pm from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam. Appropriate for children eight years old and over. Enjoy the beauty of the Connecticut River in spring! Fee: $55 for members and nonmembers. Call 860-767-0660.

Please note: The Becky Thatcher is undergoing its 5-year Coast Guard inspection. Date and/or departure times may change depending on circumstances out of our control.

May 7, 2024:

7 a.m: Bird Walk - New Pond Farm, Redding

Bird walk with Milan Bull, Connecticut Audubon’s Senior Director of Science and Conservation. Reg.ister through the New Pond Farm website.

May 9, 2024:

7:30 - 8:30 a.m: Bird Walk at Birdcraft with Stefan Martin

Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin at this historic property to look for returning migrant songbirds. What Birdcraft lacks in size, it makes up for in diversity with over 30 species of warblers and nearly 180 species of birds seen at this urban oasis. One of the area’s best locations to photograph warblers in the spring, Birdcraft Sanctuary is located at 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield.

Register Here

10 a.m - 12 noon: Bird Walk at Smith Richardson with Stefan Martin

Conservation Manager Stefan Martin leads this exploration of the diverse habitats of the Smith Richardson Preserve in Westport. Just a stone’s throw away from Long Island Sound we’ll have the chance to see returning songbirds like warblers and orioles, as well as coastal waterbirds such as egrets and osprey. The parking lot for the Sanctuary entrance gate is located at 39 Sasco Creek Road, Westport.

Register Here

6 a.m - 3 p.m: Annual Lyme Loop - EcoTravel

Travel through Lyme and Nehantic State Forest in search of neotropical migrants. The habitats of the state forest includes wetlands, streams, and ponds, all excellent places for the morning chorus of warblers, vireos, and other songbirds. Focus will be on learning bird songs. Leader: Andy Griswold. Fee: $90. Members: $75. Call 860-767-0660.

8 a.m: Trail Wood Bird Walks

Walk the paths of the Teale Sanctuary at Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd in Hampton, with Andy as your guide looking for Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting and more. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

May 10, 2024:

8 a.m: Friedman Forest Bird Walk - Pomfret

We’ll explore this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve, looking for Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $20 Connecticut Audubon members; $30 non-members.

May 11, 2024:

8 a.m: Gellert Preserve Bird Walk

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve features a variety of habitats – open field, shrubland, and woodland. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

8 a.m: Oak Lawn Cemetery Bird Walk - Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield.

Bird walk with Milan Bull, Connecticut Audubon’s Senior Director of Science and Conservation. Meet at the cemetery office located just inside the entrance gate at 1530 Bronson Road in Fairfield.

8 to 10 a.m: Spring Bird Walk in the Larsen Sanctuary with Stefan Martin

Join Conservation Manager Stefan Martin for this special prelude-to-Mother’s-Day walk to look for some of our returning songbirds. The Larsen Sanctuary is not only home to many of these species but is also an important stopover for some of these birds while they continue their journey north. The Larsen Sanctuary is located at 2325 Burr St., Fairfield.

Register Here

8 to 10 a.m: Bird Banding Demonstration at Birdcraft

Judy Richardson and her team offer a fascinating, up-close view of how bird banding works. Watch as birds are gently captured in the Birdcraft Sanctuary, their measurements are recorded, and they are fitted with an identification band before being released back into the wild, unharmed. (Participants may get to release a bird too!) One of the longest-running licensed banding stations in the Northeast, Birdcraft Sanctuary is located at 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield.

Register Here

9- 11 a.m: Migrants and Mushrooms - Connecticut College Arboretum, New London

May is the best month for birds in Connecticut, when spring migration hits its peak and a huge number of birds are moving through the state. Spring is also a great time to head out and look for mushrooms, as the wet and warmer weather makes for ideal conditions for fruiting bodies to show up. Join us as we search for both mushrooms and migrating songbirds in the diverse habitats of the Connecticut College Arboretum. Free for members; $10 non-members.

Register Here

9 – 11 a.m: iPhone Instagram Images - Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton

Bring your smart phone for a workshop and walk with @trailwoodjournal’s Laura Tedeschi. We will discuss image settings and how to get the best image compositions or details. Nellie Teale said it best, “Walk slow, you’ll see more.” Register by email to [email protected]. Fee: $5 Connecticut Audubon members; $10 non-members.

1 – 4 p.m: Nature Sketchbook Journaling - Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton

Roxanne Steed will take you out on the Teale Sanctuary, with an eye for birds, and then you’ll finish your pages with paint and details. Learn how to make your images into larger paintings. Bring a watercolor sketchbook, permanent markers, a portable watercolor kit, a small cup to hold water, and paper towels. Please call 860-928-4948 to register. Fee: $15 Connecticut Audubon members; $25 non-members.

May 12, 2024:

2 – 4 p.m: Mother’s Day Walk - Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd in Hampton

Treat Mom to an enjoyable afternoon outdoors! Register by email to [email protected]. Free to Connecticut Audubon members; $5 non-members; Moms free!

8 a.m: Mother’s Day Bird Walk

Bring your mother or grandmother out to see the colorful birds of spring with Andy. Many species should be found. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non- members; Moms free!

May 15, 2024:

6-7 p.m: Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center Warblers Webinar - via Zoom

Often known as “jewels of the bird world”, warblers are among the most sought-after birds during spring migration, as dozens of species make their way into and through Connecticut on their northbound journeys. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over the incredible migrations these birds undertake, and which ones you can expect to see in Connecticut in spring. Joe will discuss: Warbler Migration, Behaviors, CT Species, Threats & Conservation. Free; registration required.

Register Here

6 a.m - 2 p.m: 20 Warbler Day

Traveling to numerous locations around Pomfret at the peak of warbler migration, we will try to find 20 species of warbler in one day. Join the search. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Rd in Pomfret and we’ll carpool from there. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $25 Connecticut Audubon members; $50 non-members.

May 16, 2024:

8 a.m: Cabbage Hill Bird Walk

This beautiful new preserve has a variety of habitats, including a large hayfield with breeding Bobolink. We’ll visit an old family graveyard. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

6 a.m - 3 p.m: Wood-Warblers of Cockaponset State Forest - EcoTravel

Cockaponset State Forest, named after a Native American chief buried in the Ponset section of Haddam, is the second largest forest in the state forest system, encompassing over 16,000 acres. It offers great habitat for migrating songbirds and provides for a busy morning of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more. Leader: Andy Griswold. Fee: $90. Members: $75. Call 860-767-0660.

6:30 p.m: Frog and Toad Calls - Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton

Frogs and toads can be heard from Feb. thru Oct. Learn to identify them. Take an evening walk around the pond and identify any frogs or toads. With luck, we will hear Spring Peepers and Wood Frogs. Register by email to [email protected] or call 860-928-4948. Fee: $5 Connecticut Audubon members; $10 non-members.

May 17, 2024:

2 - 4 p.m: Shorebird Walk at Bluff Point State Park, Groton

Bluff Point is part of Connecticut’s only National Estuarine Research Reserve and is an important spot for migrating shorebirds and nesting Piping Plovers. It’s coastal forests are home to warblers, vireos, orioles, and more, and wading herons and egrets feed from the salt marshes. Walk will be approximately 3-miles out and back on level dirt trails. Restrooms on site. $13 members; $18 non-members.

Register Here

7:30 p.m: Concert: Cindy Kallet, Grey Larsen & Will Brown - Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Road, Pomfret

Harmony Singing, Original & Contemporary Songs, Traditional Irish Tunes, Old-Time Fiddle, Scandinavian Fiddle Duets. Visit kalletlarsen.com for more! $20 Advance Reservations; $25 at the Door. Call 860-928-4948 to reserve a spot.

May 18, 2024:

9 - 11 a.m: Shorebird Walk at Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford

With sweeping views of Long Island Sounds, the beaches and mudflats of Harkness State Park are the perfect stopover sites for migrating shorebirds. The sound and Goshen cove also hold waterfowl and wading birds. Walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles out and back on level grass, dirt, and paved terrain. Exposure to sun and wind possible depending on weather. Portable toilets on site. $13 members; $18 non-members.

Register Here

2 - 4 p.m: Shorebird Walk at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison

One of the best birding destinations in the state, Hammonasset boasts more bird species recorded than any other in Connecticut. With sandy and rocky beaches, salt marshes, and open fields, it’s a shorebird paradise. Walk will be approximately 1.5-2 miles on level grassy, sandy, and dirt terrain, as well as some paved areas. Restrooms on site. $13 members; $18 non-members.

Register Here

9:30 - 11 a.m: Spring Bird Walk at Sherwood Island State Park with Dave Havens

Connecticut Audubon’s Educator/Naturalist Dave Havens will lead this walk to observe and learn about native and migrating species at this premier bird watching location. Sherwood Island is one of largest undeveloped parcels of coastal land in the state, and its variety of habitats (shorelines, marshes, meadows, woods, and dunes) attract a wide range of bird species – especially during spring migration when birds are on the move. Sherwood Island State Park is located in Westport, CT, just off Exit 18 of I-95. Participants will meet at the Pavilion.

Register Here

9 a.m - 11 a.m: Forest Bird Walk - Deer Pond Farm, Sherman

The forest is filled with various feathered friends this time of year. Many birds are here for the nesting season and others are passing through on their way to more northern breeding grounds in New England and Canada. Join Angela Dimmitt Western CT Bird Club president and local bird expert on this guided forest bird walk. We hope to see warblers, sparrows, hawks, ravens and more. $10 for members, $20 for non-members.

Register here

1 p.m - 3 p.m: Beginner Birding - Deer Pond Farm, Sherman

Why do people love birding? Birds have beautiful plumage, songs, and calls. The science of their migration, flight and nest building is unique for each species. Learning more about birds and where they live connects people to nature. Birding is for everyone! It is multigenerational and can be great exercise. Join Deer Pond Farm’s Director, Cathy Hagadorn, for this beginner birding walk to learn more about how to observe birds in various habitats. We have binoculars to borrow, and we’ll have our spotting scope set up. Bird watching ethics and apps for learning about and tracking your bird & wildlife observations will also be covered. $10 for members, $20 for non-members.

Register here

1 - 3 p.m: Family Shorebird Walk - Coastal Center at Milford Point, Milford.

May 19, 2024:

8 - 10 a.m: Shorebird Walk at Barn Island WMA, Stonington

Barn Island is a globally important bird area, with over 1,000 acres of diverse habitat in management. We’ll search the extensive salt marshes for migrating and nesting shorebirds and wading birds in one of the largest coastal reserves in CT. Walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles out and back on level dirt and gravel paths. Exposure to sun and wind possible depending on weather. No restrooms on site. $13 members; $18 non-members.

Register Here

10:30 - 11:30 a.m: Shorebird/Coastal Bird Family Walk at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme

Rocky Neck State Park’s large saltmarsh is the perfect spot to look for shorebirds, waterfowl, herons, and egrets. Osprey and Bald Eagles fly overhead, and the beaches are home to gulls and terns. Join us on this family friendly walk as we look for the diverse array of birds that rely on this coastal park! Walk will be an approximately 1-mile loop on level dirt, grass, and paved terrains. Exposure to sun and wind possible depending on weather. Restrooms on site. $13 members; $18 non-members.

Register Here

6 a.m - 4 p.m: 90 Bird Day - Center at Pomfret

We have 10 hours to hear or see at least 90 species of birds. We will visit various locations. Bring lunch, drinks, and snacks. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Road, Pomfret, and we’ll carpool from there. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. $25 Connecticut Audubon members; $50 non-members.

1 - 3 p.m: Family Shorebird Walk - Coastal Center at Milford Point, Milford

May 20, 2024:

8 a.m: Trail Wood Bird Walk

Walk the paths of the Teale Sanctuary at Trail Wood, 93 Kenyon Rd in Hampton, with Andy as your guide looking for Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting and more. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

May 23, 2024:

8 a.m: Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk

We’ll explore this fantastic birding location, expecting to find warblers and both Cuckoo species. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

May 26, 2024:

8 a.m: Boston Hollow Bird Watch

Join us at beautiful Boston Hollow in Ashford, with its northern forest feel. We will stay on the road to bird. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $20 Connecticut Audubon members; $30 non-members.

6 a.m - 2 p.m: Connecticut Audubon’s Croft Preserve - EcoTravel

Located in Goshen, Connecticut Audubon Society’s Richard G. Croft Memorial Preserve is within one of the largest continual forest blocks in the state. The fantastic mix of habitats found throughout is home to uncommon and rare breeding species, including Ruffed Grouse and American Goshawk. This property is managed primarily for wildlife, and as such the trails can be steep and challenging to navigate with no infrastructure in place. Leader: Matt Bell. $100. Members: $85. Call 860-767-0660.

May 29, 2024:

10 a.m - Noon: Birds in Your Garden - Deer Pond Farm, Sherman

Join us at Deer Pond Farm for a presentation on Birds in Your Garden. Master gardener and Deer Pond Farm office manager, Barbara Wood, will begin this program in the classroom with an introduction to how you can support birds in your garden. Then we’ll head out for a walk through the pollinator garden to learn how diverse seasonal plantings can support birds and pollinators year-round! $10 for members, $20 for non-members.

Register here

May 30, 2024:

8 a.m: Chaney Preserve Bird Walk - Chaney Preserve, Montville

Nesting Hooded, Prairie, and Worm-eating Warblers are a few of the expected birds at this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Montville. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. $20 Connecticut Audubon members; $30 non-members.

May 31, 2024:

8 a.m: Nightingale Forest Preserve (North)

Walk this Wyndham Land Trust preserve. Expect to see Black-throated Blue and Canada Warblers, and Broad-winged Hawk. Register by emailing [email protected] or calling 860-928-4948. $10 Connecticut Audubon members; $20 non-members.

Dates: May 1 - 31, 2024

Click here for more information.