Finding “hot-spots” spots for birding in Connecticut is not such a cut and dry process. Birds can be seen in many places around Connecticut, so pinpointing an area that has numerous types of habitats for birds to live can be a difficult task. If you’re just starting out, looking in your backyard or installing a birdfeeder is a good place to begin. You’d be surprised at how many birds you can identify just by looking.
The next place to stop is your local park. In the Manchester area, Northwest Park is a very good birding spot. Its trail that runs through the forest can be home to many birds, including the Warbling Vireo, the Common Grackle, and the Song Sparrow. It also has a balcony that extends over Union Pond, where various species of water birds can be seen. Another good birding spot in Manchester is Case Mountain, which is home to the Prairie Warbler, Barred owl and the Belted Kingfisher. Besides birds, the summit gives a beautiful view of Manchester and Hartford. The best time to go birding here is in late spring, while the best time to go to Northwest Park is as soon as the ice on Union Pond melts.
Station 43
If you’re willing to venture out of Manchester, there are some wonderful birding areas in the surrounding towns. One of these is Station 43, located in South Windsor. It has large freshwater marshes and many nesting birds. Some of the birds that have been seen here are the Great Blue Heron, the American Pipit and the Northern Pipit. It is best for biding during late spring and early fall. Because of its many marshes, it tends to also be home to many mosquitoes, so be sure to wear or bring bug spray. Another good spot is Rose’s Farm in Bolton. This spot is relatively new to the bird scene as up until recently it had been privately owned. It is not widely known yet, so it is rarely crowded. A great bird to see there if you go in the late spring at dusk is the American Woodcock, where you can see its aerial display. As well as this find, the American Kestrel, the Bobolink and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird also take up residence here. Another spot that is very popular, but for another reason, is behind Cabela’s in East Hartford. Many people overlook this place as a birding hotspot, but many birds can be found in the pond about 50 feet from the parking lot, and in the airfields where Pratt and Whitney used to be. The American Wigeon has been seen there, as well as a Double-crested Cormorant and a Killdeer. Make sure you don’t spend too much time with your binocular pointed toward the old Pratt and Whitney building however, as it is still private property.
Many hotspots exist all around Connecticut. One of these is Hammonasset Beach State Park. It sprawls over 900 acres, and many different types of birds can be seen all year round. However, it is a beach so if you go in the summer, its best to go in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Another point worth visiting all year round is Milford Point, which contains a bird sanctuary. The numerous habitats (upland thicket, sandy beach, and a tidal marsh) are home for to hundreds of different species. Boston Hollow, located in Ashford, is also home to many bird species and is a favorite among hardcore birders in Connecticut. The more birds you want to see, the farther you have to travel. However, the point of birding is not just to see birds, another one is to get outside and enjoy nature, which you can do in your own backyard!