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For the third smallest state in the US, Connecticut has a wide variety of habitat, and subsequently, birds. A really dedicated and lucky birder could find up to 290 species in one year in a state that lists 406 as the total number of species. Coastal lowlands border the Long Island Sound, a large salt water estuary that is fed fresh water from large rivers such as the Connecticut, Housatonic and Thames. These coastal areas are rest stops for a great number of shorebirds as they wend their way up to their breeding grounds and down their winter homes. There are well over 250 species of regularly occurring birds that can be seen along the coast. Nesters in this group include the endangered Piping Plover, Least Tern, and, on Falkner's Island right off the coast, Roseate Terns. In the spring, around mid May, migration is in full swing and birds ascend upon this state with great fervour. Thirty-six species of warbler have been recorded, and 33 drop in typically, twenty-five of them staying to breed. The Northwest Hills of the state are home to a number of rarities at this time and are included in every birder's big day. River Road in Kent, is one of the best places to catch the land birds, representing a good variety of flycatchers, thrushes, and warblers. The Northeast corner is also home to some of the more northern-driven birds. Connecticut was largely an agricultural state up to the late 1880s. But as farming waned, many of the fields reverted to woodland. Evidence of this history is found in the countless stone walls running throughout the state's wooded lands. Hardwood trees such as the black, red and white oaks dominate. The drumming of any one of 6 of the 7 woodpeckers that make these woods their home can be heard, occasionally joined by the pee-a-weee of the Eastern Wood Pewee, the nasal anking of White-breasted Nuthatches, and the scolding of Tufted Titmice. Winter is the ideal time for seeing waterfowl off the coast. As the inland waters in the surrounding areas freeze, scores of ducks, loons, grebes, and geese make their way to the open sound. One of the big winter shows occurs along the southern end of the Connecticut River, where Bald Eagles, also driven Southeast by frozen water, can be found all along the shores of the waterway. Birding is a very popular pastime in Connecticut, with at least four local bird clubs (including New Haven Bird Club, Western Connecticut Bird Club, Nachaug Ornithological Society & Hartford Audubon Society - not a branch of National Society - which is one of themost active clubs in the state, having the most field trips); and the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA). The COA maintains the rare bird alert (203-254-3665) and publishes the quarterly The Connecticut Warbler, a journal of Connecticut ornithology. The New Haven Bird Club created and sponsors the BIG SIT!, a world-wide sedentary birding competition. There are also 14 local branches of the National Audubon society, a number of nature centres, and the Connecticut Audubon Society. |
John Himmelman
(Killingworth, CT USA)
jhimmel@comcast.net
Number of bird species: 423
Birds of Connecticut Field Guide
by Stan Tekiela - Adventure Publications (January 1, 2000)ISBN: 1885061935
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Connecticut Birds
by Joseph D Zeranski & Thomas R Baptist University Press of New England 1990ISBN: 0874515130
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Connecticut Birds : An Introduction to Familiar Species
(Pocket Naturalist) Waterford Press Paperback (March 1999) Waterford PressISBN: 1889903795
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Finding Birds in Connecticut
- A Habitat based Guide to 450 sites by Dave Rosgen & Gene Billings (Publisher) 1996 - Arranged by countiesISBN: 0965270807
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The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Connecticut
Edited by LR Bevier 461 pages, illus, maps. Connecticut Dept of Environmental Protection 1994ISBN: 0942081056
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State Bird
American Robin Turdus migratorius
Audubon Society in Connecticut
WebsiteBasically just a series of links to chapters.
Audubon Greenwich
WebsiteThe Greenwich Audubon Society is a leading environmental organization in Greenwich and Stamford, Connecticut, and in the adjacent towns of Rye, Rye Brook, and Port Chester, New York. It sponsors educational projects, lectures and field trips, operates bird counts, an extensive bluebird trail and an annual hawk watch, monitors over 160 acres of its own local sanctuaries, and is actively involved in local, state and national environmental issues.
Avian Records Committee of Connecticut
WebsiteThe committee maintains the official Connecticut State list of bird species acceptably documented as occurring, or having occurred, in Connecticut. It also maintains and publishes a Review List of species of rare annual occurrence, rare historical occurrence, or no previously documented occurrence in Connecticut. Most species on the list average fewer than five occurrences annually, but some difficult to identify species are included even if they occur more frequently. The committee reviews submitted reports and votes to either accept or not accept them.
Connecticut Audubon Society
WebsiteIt was through the vision and energies of pioneering conservationist Mabel Osgood Wright that the Connecticut Audubon Society was founded in 1898. What began as a small group of concerned citizens organized to protect birds has evolved into a statewide Society that expands and enhances appreciation of all things that interact to form the great web of life.
Connecticut Ornithological Association
WebsiteThe Connecticut Ornithological Association is the only statewide organization devoted to birds and birding in Connecticut. Since its founding in 1981, its membership has grown to well over 500 people who range from beginning birders to professional ornithologists. COA is an all-volunteer not-for-profit organization which strives to promote interest in Connecticut birds and to publish scientifically accurate information about them. COA looks to the future and works closely with other conservation organizations to protect the state`s birds.
Darien Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Darien Audubon Society is committed to protecting the environment and preserving all wildlife with particular interest in birds as well as promoting enjoyment of nature and offering education and informational programs to the community. The Society's meetings feature knowledgeable speakers and are open to the public.
Hartford Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Hartford Audubon Society was founded in 1909 as a non profit organization. The purpose of the Society is to foster and promote public interest in conservation of our wildlife and other natural resources, and the study and protection of birds. It may hold title to land for use as wildlife sanctuaries.
Housatonic Audubon Society
InformationA Connecticut Chapter of the National Audubon Society Serving Communities in Litchfield County, CT and Dutchess County, NY...
Litchfield Hills Audubon Society
WebsiteThe home of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society. Here you will find information about the chapter, its newsletter, upcoming events, and highlights from past events. Also included is information on their two beautiful refuges, Kalmia and Boyd.
Mattabeseck Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Mattabeseck Audubon Society, a chapter of the National Audubon Society, is committed to environmental leadership and education for the benefit of the community and the earth`s biodiversity.
Menunkatuck Audubon Society, Inc.
WebsiteMenunkatuck Audubon Society is a chapter of National Audubon Society. The newsletter is published bi-monthly by Menunkatuck Audubon Society.
Natchaug Ornithological Society
WebsiteThe idea for a local bird club originated with a subgroup of the Storrs Women`s Club. After a few years there was so much interest that a separate group, open to all, was formed. The first meeting was held June 26, 1956. Subsequent meetings resulted in the formation of the Natchaug Ornithological Society. Since its beginning, the Society has remained active in the local birding community, providing a venue for both novice and expert birders.
Nature Conservancy in Connecticut
WebsiteWelcome to the The Nature Conservancy's Connecticut Chapter home page! Here you'll find information on the many ways we're working with the people of the state and the nation to help preserve the diversity of living things by protecting the habitats - land, water, and air - in which they live...
Naugatuck Valley Audubon Society
WebsiteCalendar, trips, programmes etc...
New Canaan Audubon Society
InformationNew Haven Bird Club
WebsiteThe New Haven Bird Club was organized on April 3, 1907, the seventieth anniversary of the birth of John Burroughs (1837-1921); naturalist and author. The NHBC is one of the oldest birding groups in the US and is affiliated with the National Audubon Society and the Audubon Council of Connecticut. The stated aim of the NHBC is to make available to members and the general public more opportunities for recreation and education in bird watching. The NHBC is dedicated to the conservation of natural resources in New Haven and surrounding areas. It works with other regional groups on conservation issues including the preservation of Long Wharf and Milford Point, areas noted for shorebirds...
Potapaug Audubon
WebsiteEssex, lower Conn. River valley, and nearby shoreline. Sponsors trips. P.O. Box 591, Old Lyme, CT 06371. Potapaug Audubon was founded in March of 1978. The founding members were, and still are, people who have a great love for nature and the preservation of mother earth...
Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society
InformationSharon Audubon Centre
WebsiteThe Sharon Audubon Center is a nature center and wildlife sanctuary owned and operated by the National Audubon Society. The nature center is located in the northwest corner of Connecticut, in the town of Sharon. The Sharon Audubon Center has over eleven miles of scenic hiking trails, and includes 758 acres of mixed forest, meadows, wetlands, ponds and streams...
Birds of Connecticut Exhibition
InformationOf the approximately 10,000 species of birds in the world, 957 have been recorded in North America north of Mexico, and 421 in Connecticut...
Museum - Peabody Museum - Yale
http://www.peabody.yale.edu/The Ornithology collection at the Peabody Museum is among the most comprehensive in North America, and has international significance in several areas including skeletal and pickled (wet preserves) specimens. Overall, the collection contains material for more than 6,500 species, over 70 percent of the birds of the world. The old Yale University collection of some 6,000 to 8,000 skins has grown to over 100,000 since 1950. There is excellent taxonomic coverage and good geographic coverage. The skeleton collection contains just over 9,000 specimens representing about 1,900 species. The collection of wet preserves contains approximately 13,000 specimens. Ornithology Library: the ornithology collection also has an extensive affiliated library containing books and journals...
University of Connecticut Bird Collection
http://www.biodiversity.uconn.edu/Collections/birds/birds.htmlThe collection began with the donation of study skins, (dated between 1875 to 1925) from the private collections of J.H. Sage and W.E. Treat, and emphasizes the fauna of Connecticut and the northeastern U.S. There are also specimens from the Aleutian islands, Paraguay, and other areas. The study skin collection holds more Connecticut specimens than any other in the world...
Blueberry Hill Trust
WebsiteSatellite View
Threatened and Endangered Birds and Wildlife Sanctuary…
Helen Carlson Wildlife Sanctuary
WebsiteSatellite View
The bog is owned and maintained by the Mattabeseck Audubon Society. Observe the natural diversity of this unique site and sign the register in the booth at the head of the trail.
National Parks - Connecticut
WebsiteAppalachian National Scenic Trail. This 2,158-mile footpath runs from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia, traversing 14 states...
This section sponsored by: 
1997 [June] - Billie W. Taylor
ReportYou may recall that last March I sent out a plea for help to finish up the Basham Class 1 birds on my list. Many of you responded with suggestions for sure fire locations and I was successful in rounding up the last of them except for the Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow. We left on June 14 to spend a couple of weeks in New England to look for it.
This section sponsored by:
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Lonesome Dove B&B
AccommodationLonesome Dove is just ten years old and includes three guest rooms, all with private baths. Lonesome Dove was named for the lone Mourning Dove that walks the property and enjoys the bird feeder.
C T Birding
Mailing ListThe CTDailyReport Archives
CTDailyReport
Mailing ListDaily Connecticut Rare Bird Report - This CTDailyReport list is used to distribute summaries of rare and uncommon bird sightings reported in Connecticut. Reports are generally sent daily, though a more timely report is sometimes sent for particularly good birds... Managed by Roy Harvey
Bird Life
BlogObservations on birding and life, from a novice at both...
Larry - The Brownstone Birding BLOG
BlogA Connecticut native with an interest in birding shares his adventures of the outdoors...
Long-tails
BlogI'm still in love with nature and the Norwalk Islands, CT in particular, from it's nor'easters; to it's most picturesque sunrises; sunsets, and full moon glowing over it's water. It's Birds; migrating through this area and sometimes even a few thousand nesting in the island chain…
Shorebirder
BlogNick Bonomo - Orange, CT, United States - I am currently attending the Yale School of Medicine's Physician Associate (PA) Program. When I'm not roaming the halls of a Connecticut hospital (unlikely as of late!), I can be found birding the coast of New Haven County…
Birds of New England
WebsiteSome excellent photographs... Over 200 species of birds either breed, are resident, or winter in New England. This includes both inland birds and coastal birds. Some of these birds have a small New England range (for example, the Acadian Flycatcher) and other birds are found throughout the region...
Birds of the Connecticut River
WebsiteProfiles of some typical birds...
Checklist of the Birds of Connecticut
WebsiteConnecticut bird watching
WebsiteDiscover the top birding locations in Connecticut. Find out more about Connecticut Bird Clubs and Birding Organizations in Connecticut. Print out a checklist of Connecticut birds. Find the Rare Bird Alert Phone Numbers for Connecticut...
Connecticut Birding
WebsiteConnecticutBirding.com has been established to provide those interested in birding in Connecticut with information to assist them in making their birding time more fun and productive.
Connecticut Birds
WebsiteConnecticutbirds.com serves the backyard bird enthusiast of Connecticut. If you enjoy feeding and watching birds in your yard or local park then we hope to provide you with information to enhance the enjoyment of your hobby...
Connecticut RARE and FYI
WebsiteRARE Sightings: Updates of rare to good sightings - sent daily or as we are called or e-mailed about true rarities. Rare sightings from surrounding state email hotlines are also passed on. FYI (For Your Information): The FYI List functions as a forum to post actions, events and issues important to the Connecticut birding community at large. We will soon be posting outdoor and indoor programs for CT based organizations. Examples of other kinds of items that will be posted are: the encephalitis break out, volunteer and job opportunities, political action alerts pertinent to birds and habitat protection, COA field trips, COA workshops, etc. General postings will be issued once a week. Alerts such as the encephalitis/crow survey or timely political action alerts will be issued as needed
The Audubon Shop
WebsiteEntering our 24th year of business in 2010, The Audubon Shop is the original birding store in Connecticut. Owned and operated by Janet and Jerry Connolly, we are located in a historic home on the Post Road in Madison, a town situated on Long Island Sound...
The Fat Robin - Wild Bird & Nature Shop
WebsiteThe Fat Robin is a family owned and operated business now in its 15th year! We specialize in providing quality products for bird feeding and birding as well as unique gifts for those who love nature...
This list of Connecticut birds
WebsiteThis list of Connecticut birds is a comprehensive listing of all the bird species recorded from the U.S. state of Connecticut. This list is based on a checklist used by the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut, the list used by most birders to objectively evaluate species recorded in the state. This list is based on the committee's revision from 2007...
Vincent Mistretta's Blog
WebsiteA Photographic Journal about Wildlife, Nature, Travel and People…
Wild Bird Center
WebsiteThe Wild Bird Center is your resource for backyard bird watching and feeding. The Wild Bird Center is a specialty retail shop that offers a complete line of products to help you enjoy wild birds, have a thriving lawn and garden, and foster a healthy backyard habitat...
Wing Watchers
WebsiteHello Fellow Birders, Welcome to Wing Watchers in Connecticut. This site is dedicated to birding, photography, insects, amphibians, plants and animals. If you`re a birder or a lover of Mother Nature, and you like new things to do and see, this is the place! We have, for the reader,nature stories about our birding adventures and the different species of birds, flowers, and animals that we encounter along our journeys in Connecticut...
Photographer - David Goodnow - How Birds Fly
GalleryDavid Goodnow is a naturalist, licensed bird-bander and wildlife photographer whose photos have appeared in National Geographic, Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Sports Illustrated, Time-Life Books and other leading publications. The author raised many of the birds he photographed for this book at his home in Connecticut. These images are from his book... How Birds Fly.
Photographer - Jim Zipp
GalleryJim's award winning photography is published regularly and has been featured in hundreds of publications from National Geographic, Time Magazine, GEO and Audubon to Birder's World, Wildbird, Discovery, Nature Conservancy and ABA's Birding Magazine to name a few...
Photographer - T D Rodda
GallerySome very fine bird pictures from Connecticut and beyond...
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