RTP Estuary Center Migration Magic 2025 Program List
Bird Walks/Webinars
Bird Walk at Clark Community Park, Old Saybrook
Saturday, May 3; 9-11 a.m.
Adjacent to large, contiguous tracks of coastal forest along Long Island Sound, Clark Park is the perfect spot for migrating songbirds. We’ll search for warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more in the forests and wetlands of this diverse property. The walk will be an approximately 1-1.5 mile walk on mostly level, dirt trails. Bathroom at trailhead. $13 members; $18 non-members
Register Here
Bird Walk in Old Saybrook
Saturday, May 10; 9-11 a.m.
The Connecticut River is a major migratory flyway for birds heading north in the spring. Situated at the mouth of the river on Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is one of the first spots these birds hit after their long journeys. The walk will be approximately 1.5-2 miles on level paved, dirt, and sandy terrain. Exposure to sun and wind is possible depending on weather. No restrooms on site. $13 members; $18 non-members
Register Here
Bird Walk at the Conn College Arboretum, New London
Saturday, May 10; 1-3 p.m.
Situated along the Thames River, the Arboretum provides an urban oasis for migrating songbirds with its diverse habitats. We’ll look for the songbirds that sing from the forests, swallows foraging over the pond and wetlands, and more. The walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site. Free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members; $10 non-members
Register Here
Rails Webinar
Wednesday, May 14; 6-7 p.m.
If you’re walking near a marsh in CT, chances are there is a rail somewhere nearby. These secretive birds are among the most elusive birds in the state, often heard more than seen as they skulk among reeds and grasses. In this webinar, Conservation & Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over the fascinating lives of these furtive fowls. Joe will discuss; breeding & nesting behaviors, CT species, threats & conservation issues. Free; registration required. Suggested donation $10
Register Here
Shorebird Walk at Barn Island, Stonington
Friday, May 16; 2-4 p.m.
Barn Island is the largest coastal wildlife management area in the state, and its extensive saltmarshes provide key habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. The coastal forests also provide important resources for migrating songbirds. The 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 Walk at Griswold Point, Old Lyme
Saturday, May 17; 9-11 a.m.
As shorebirds head north to their breeding grounds in the arctic, they often use the Connecticut River as a flyway. We’ll look for the many shorebird species that stop at Griswold Point before continuing their journey north, as well as some of the ones that stay and breed here. The walk is approximately 1-1.5 miles on level sandy and grassy terrain. Exposure to sun and wind possible depending on weather. No restrooms on site. $13 members; $18 non-members
Register Here
Shorebird Walk at Harkness State Park, Waterford
Saturday, May 17; 1-3 p.m.
With sweeping views of Long Island Sound and extensive mud flats, Harkness is a fantastic spot for migrating shorebirds in the spring. We’ll search for sandpipers and plovers, as well as songbirds and lingering sea ducks in one of the best birding spots in southeastern CT. The 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. $13 members; $18 non-members
Register Here
Family Bird Walk at Rocky Neck, East Lyme
Sunday, May 18; 9:30-11 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! The 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
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Bird Walk at Banningwood Preserve, Lyme
Saturday, May 24; 9-11 a.m.
Roaring Brook winds through Banningwood Preserve, providing excellent habitat and a key resource for numerous bird species. We’ll look for warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more in the diverse forests and wetlands of this preserve. The walk will be an approximately 1.5 mile loop on mostly level dirt terrain, with one slighter steeper section. No restrooms in site. $13 members; $18 non-members
Register Here
Bird Walk at Windswept Ridge, Essex
Saturday, May 31; 9-11 a.m.
With its abundant forest and wetlands, Windswept Ridge is the perfect spot for migrating songbirds. Located just north of The multi-town Preserve, it helps provide contiguous habitat for warblers, thrushes, tanagers, and more. The walk will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on mostly level dirt terrain. No restrooms in site. $13 members; $18 non-members
Register Here
