News Release: Connecticut Audubon Society Welcomes Bird Enthusiasts to Migration Magic 2025

April 17, 2025—Connecticut Audubon invites people from across the state to participate in Migration Magic 2025, a month-long celebration of bird migration taking place throughout May.

May is the peak month for spring bird migration. On some days, more than half a million birds migrate into and over Connecticut, many of them staying to rest, feed and look for places to nest.

It is an ideal time to experience this amazing annual phenomenon, and Migration Magic is designed to help you enjoy it in dozens of ways.

Featuring a full schedule from May 1 through the end of the month, Migration Magic offers a series of 60 guided bird walks and other programs, and a fundraising Birdathon.

The bird walks and programs take place across 16 Connecticut communities and are led by some of New England’s most knowledgeable birders — including Andy Rzeznikiewicz in Pomfret, Lori Lichtenauer in Sherman, EcoTravel’s Andy Griswold and Matt Bell, Joe Attwater in southeastern Connecticut, Stefan Martin in the Fairfield County area, and Ken Elkins in Milford.

These outings are perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about birds in their local area.

They are also ideal for Birdathon participants who would like help identifying birds. Every species you see on one of the bird walks counts for the Birdathon.

Click HERE for everything you need to know about Migration Magic!!

The Migration Magic Birdathon is a friendly competition to see or hear as many species of birds as possible during May 2025. Participants can look for birds for as many days as they want—there’s no minimum or maximum—as long as they’re birding in May.

Yellow Warblers are among the most common warblers in Connecticut in May—a sure addition to almost all Birdathon lists. Photo by Gilles Carter.

Join the fun & support bird conservation
All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate in this fundraising event. Last year’s Migration Magic Birdathon raised $31,000 for bird conservation; this year’s goal is $35,000.

All proceeds support Connecticut Audubon’s bird conservation and environmental education initiatives throughout Connecticut.

Anyone who sees at least 50 species and raises at least $50 will be entered in a grand prize drawing. There will also be prizes for most species seen and for most money raised for conservation.

The Migration Magic 2025 web pages include frequently asked questions, a schedule of events, rules and more.

To register for the Birdathon itself, click here.

A Birdathon highlight is the annual photo contest, with prizes for adults and young birders.

And 2025 will be the second year of the Big Day challenge. Five of Connecticut Audubon’s best young birders will spend all day on Monday, May 19, traveling through Connecticut to see or hear as many species as possible. Last year, the Big Day crew saw 160 species.

Many Migratrion Magic programs are free; others require a small donation. The Birdathon entry fee of $10 is separate from the bird walks and other programs.

Founded in 1898, the Connecticut Audubon Society operates nature facilities in Fairfield, Milford, Pomfret, Hampton, Sherman, and Old Lyme, a program that focuses largely on education in the greater Hartford area, and an EcoTravel office in Essex.

Connecticut Audubon manages 22 wildlife sanctuaries encompassing more than 3,400 acres of open space in Connecticut, and educates over 100,000 children and adults annually. Connecticut Audubon is an independent organization..

Thank you to the sponsors of Migration Magic 2025!