Bird watching in Connecticut
A little known Connecticut location for bird watching is at Bluff Pond where you will find the Bluff Point Coastal Reserve. There is a 1 ˝ mile long trail through woodland to a bluff. At the bluff’s base there is a mile long sand spit and a tidal marsh with nearby Mumford Cove, the Pequannock River and the Sound. Be sure to bring along your own drinking water, first aid, and food items as the area is designed for the animals comfort not humans. It is wise to wear proper clothing and use insect repellent as the ticks are prevalent. Birds seen here include herons, egrets and cormorants as well as indigenous and migrating birds.
Birdcraft Museum & Sanctuary (Fairfield) - This is a 6 acre sanctuary founded in 1914 and is the first song bird sanctuary in America. Here you will find over 120 species of bird sighting recorded. There are flower lined paths, a gazebo and boardwalk trails where you can watch for birds like the night herons. You can take a guided tour or plan your own path.
Roy & Margot Larsen Bird Sanctuary & Connecticut Audubon Center (Fairfield) - For birding, hiking, and learning spend a day (or 2) here at the Sanctuary and Center. There are trails, naturalist guided walks, workshops, and other programs and activities designed to delight birdwatchers of all ages.
The Long Island Sound’s Coastal Center at Milford Point is home to over 50 species of shore birds, wading birds and waterfowl. There is an observation tower where you can see the salt marshes, mud flats, barrier beach and ocean shores.
Connecticut River Museum (Essex) - The Nature Conservatory here has been called the “last great places”. You can see eagles, great blue herons, egrets, double crested cormorants, red tailed hawks and many other meadow, grassland, and forest birds.
Breadloaf Mountain Lodge & Cottages (Cornwall) - For convenient overnight bird watching adventure; The lodge offers guided trips (walking or rafting) where you can see cedar waxwings, kingfishers, humming birds and many others species of birds.
Photo Credits: Blue Jay Picture by Bob MacInnes; Titmouse and Cardinal photos by J Mita Studios |
