Spring Birding Programs
Sorting Out Bird Songs
Thursday’s, April 23 & June 11
7 – 9 p.m.
Discover the basics of birding by ear! Using a variety of sound resources, instructor Frank Gallo will teach you tips, tricks, and even pitfalls to identifying birds by sound. Is that an oriole or a tanager singing? Come find out, as we delve into the secrets to birding by ear. Fee: $35/person. ($29 CAS members; $20 Seniors)
Spring Owl Prowl
Wednesday, April 29
7:30 – 9:15 p.m.
When the sun retreats, owls awaken to go in search of prey. Some say that owls are wise; others say that they have sparked legends of ghosts. Whatever the truth, we’ll uncover the mysteries of these amazing nocturnal hunters, while learning about the species that co-exist in our area. The evening culminates at a local park where we’ll carpool and try to call one in. It’s a hoot! Meet at the Coastal Center. Not recommended for young children.
Fee: $25/person. ($15 Seniors, $7 children (ages 10 and up))
Hidden Gems Series: Bird Walks in Milford Area Parks
7:45 – 8:45 a.m.
Saturday, April 25: Mondo Pond – Early migrants
Saturday, May 2: Mondo Pond – More early migrants
Saturday, May 9: Wilcox Park – Let the fun begin! – warblers, vireos and much more
Saturday, May 16: See Hidden Gems Field Trips
Saturday, May 30: See Hidden Gems Field Trips
Sunday, June 7: Milford Point – Rare shorebirds, terns and gulls
Saturday, June 13: See Hidden Gems Field Trips
Milford is blessed with many wonderful parks. Our expert birder Frank Gallo will guide you through the best sites to explore in spring, from hidden gems, such as Wilcox Park, to more well-known sites, such as Milford Point. Each park provides a different array of species to enjoy. No experience necessary. Binoculars are available upon request. Preregistration recommended. Contact Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502 to register, and to request binoculars. Meet at each park; directions will be provided.
Fee: 10-week series $81 ($64 CAS members; $50 seniors); weekly, $9 per walk ($7 CAS members; $5 seniors)
Hidden Gems Field Trip Series: Extended Walks Farther Afield.
Ewen Farm Preserve, Orange
May 16
7:45-9:45 a.m.
The Orange Conservation Commission and Connecticut Audubon Society are cosponsoring an early morning ramble with Naturalist, Frank Gallo, around the lovely new Ewen Farm Preserve in Orange. Once a working farm, this 44-acre park now preserves lovely stream-side pastures and woodlands, and has the potential to attract some interesting migrant land birds. Our efforts will help generate a park bird list. Come lend a hand and explore with us. Recommended for adults. To register, call Louise at Connecticut Audubon: 203-878-7440. Fee: $20 ($15 CAS members; $10 seniors)
Spring Owl Prowls
Wednesday, May 25,
7:30– 9:15 p.m.
When the sun retreats, owls awaken to go in search of prey. Some say that owls are wise; others say that they have sparked legends of ghosts. Whatever the truth, we’ll uncover the mysteries of these amazing nocturnal hunters, while learning about the species that co-exist in our area. The evening culminates at a local park where we’ll carpool and try to call one in. It’s a hoot! Meet at the Coastal Center. Not recommended for young children.
Fee: $30/person. $20 Seniors, $8 Children (ages 10 and up)
Roosevelt Forest, Stratford
May 30
7:45-9:45 a.m.
Roosevelt Forest is a 401-acre park with a wide variety of habitats, including a pond, wooded swamps, and lowland and upland forests. We’ll explore this wildlife-rich location on a leisurely 1-2 mile walk in search of migrants and local nesting birds. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the main parking lot at the end of Peter’s Lane. Directions available upon request. To register, call Louise at 203-878-7440. Fee: $20 ($15 CAS members; $10 seniors)
Turkey Hill Preserve, Orange
June 13
7:45-9:45 a.m.
The Orange Conservation Commission and Connecticut Audubon Society are cosponsoring a guided walk with Naturalist, Frank Gallo, to explore the lovely 376-acre Turkey Hill Preserve. Turkey Hill offers an incredible variety of habitats and has good potential as an exciting birding destination. Our efforts will help generate a park bird list. Come lend a hand and explore with us. Recommended for adults. To register, call Louise at Connecticut Audubon: 203-878-7440. Fee: $20 ($15 CAS members; $10 seniors)
How to Learn Birds!
Wednesdays, May 27 & June 3 (2 Nights In-classroom)
7 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 6 (Field Trip)
9 a.m. – noon
Discover bird watching with naturalist Frank Gallo. Frank leads bird tours worldwide, is a member of Connecticut’s Avian Rare Records Committee, and a past president of the New Haven Bird Club. His enthusiastic hands-on style quickly teaches you how to identify birds using field guides and observational skills. This in-depth course culminates with a field trip to find birds at a local birding hot spot. Bring the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds. (Field guides also for sale in class.) Meet at the Center. Fee: $75/person. $60 Seniors.
