Fall Birding Programs

Hidden Gems Series: Bird Walks in Milford & Stratford Parks

7:45 – 8:45 a.m.

Saturday, September 12: Wilcox Park, Milford – migrants
Saturday, September 19: Boothe Park, Stratford – hawks and other migrants
Sunday, September 27: Mondo Ponds – Warblers and other migrants

Milford and Stratford are blessed with many wonderful parks. Expert birder Frank Gallo, Director of Connecticut Audubon’s Coastal Center (CAS), has handpicked the best sites to explore in autumn, from hidden gems, such as Booth Park, to more well-known sites, such as Silver Sands State Park. Frank will guide walkers to a variety of species of seasonal birds at each location. 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: weekly $9 per walk ($5 seniors, $7 CAS members)

Basic Hawk Identification

Saturday, September 19
9 a.m. – Noon

Learn the basics of hawk identification in the field, at the peak of hawk migration, with expert birder Frank Gallo. We’ll spend three hours at Stratford’s Boothe Park’s hawk station sorting through the different groups of hawks, from accipiters to eagles. Frank will address the finer points of distinguishing similar species such as, sharp-shinned from Cooper’s Hawks, Kestrel’s from Merlin’s, and Red-shouldered from Red-tailed Hawks. Please meet at the Boothe Park parking lot, 5800 Main St, Stratford. To register, call Louise Crocco at 203-878-7440 x 502

Fee: $35 (CAS members $30)

Birding Basics

Wednesday, September 23, 7–9 p.m. (classroom)
Sunday, September 27, 1:15-4:00 p.m. (field trip)

Learn the basics for identifying birds on your own! During this fun and comprehensive hands-on course, longtime instructor and expert birder Frank Gallo will teach you ID skills as well as how to choose and use field guides and binoculars, and where to find birds locally. The course culminates with a field trip to a local park. No experience is necessary. Bring the “Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Birds.” (Field guides are available for sale at the Coastal Center.) To register, call Louise Crocco at 203-878-7440 x 502

Fee: $75/person. (CAS Members $65)