RTP Estuary Center Migration Magic 2024 Programs List
Bird Walks/Webinars
Spring Bird Walk
Saturday, May 4, 9-11 a.m.
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
Migrants and Mushrooms
Saturday, May 11, 9- 11 a.m.
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
Warblers Webinar
May 15; 6-7 p.m.
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
Shorebird Walk at Bluff Point State Park, Groton
Friday, May 17; 2-4 p.m.
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
Shorebird Walk at Harkness Memorial Stare Park, Waterford
Saturday, May 18; 9-11 a.m.
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
Shorebird Walk at Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison
Saturday, May 18; 2-4 p.m.
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
PROGRAM AT CAPACITY
Shorebird Walk at Barn Island WMA, Stonington
Sunday, May 19; 8 – 10 a.m.
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
Shorebird/Coastal Bird Family Walk at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
Sunday, May 19; 10:30-11:30 a.m.
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. $5 child; $10 members; $15 non-members
Register Here
