News

On March 23rd, nature enthusiasts gathered at Great Meadows Conservation Trust‘s Wood Parcel in Wethersfield for a special “Bird and Hike” event. Co-hosted by CLCC and Great Meadows Conservation Trust, the event drew more than 40 hikers eager to explore the area’s natural beauty and observe its avian inhabitants.

Also joining us was Dudley Edmondson, keynote speaker at CLCC’s Connecticut Land Conservation Conference, and members of Men of Color Hike CT group, Outdoor Afro, and the Keney Park Sustainability Project.

The Wood Parcel offered a diverse landscape for exploration, featuring wooded trails and valuable wetland habitats. Great Meadows itself boasts a rich history, with farmland cultivated for thousands of years. The area’s abundant water supply has contributed to the development of highly productive farmland. Additionally, Great Meadows encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of floodplain forest, a “key habitat of greatest conservation need” identified in Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan. The unique ecosystem, positioned along the Connecticut River, creates temporary pools and puddles that attract a wide array of waterfowl and shorebirds, especially during the spring, as well as songbirds that stop by during migration.

The bird and hike, CLCC’s first of the year, proved to be a fantastic opportunity for both seasoned nature lovers and newcomers to the world of birding. Many participants were experienced hikers who were trying birdwatching for the first time. They particularly enjoyed demonstrations on using the eBird and Merlin apps, as well as getting hands-on experience with binoculars.  

CLCC’s own Director of Grants and Programs, Yaw O. Darko, offered valuable tips and tricks for spotting birds, emphasizing the importance of utilizing not just sight, but also sound. Participants learned to listen for bird calls, observe flight patterns, and identify silhouettes, such as the distinctive “M” shape of an osprey in flight. The group witnessed 19 bird species, including a Great Blue Heron soaring through the marsh, two juvenile eagles causing a bit of excitement, an Osprey involved in what was described as an “altercation” with the eagles, and numerous Canada Geese.

According to Audubon Connecticut, the Great Meadows are important to several species of global concern (Buff-breasted Sandpiper) and continental or regional concern (American Black Ducks and Bobolink). In addition, several endangered or threatened species in Connecticut can be found in Great Meadows, including Horned Lark, Savannah Sparrow, Peregrine Falcon, and Northern Harrier.

For those interested in future birding adventures, Yaw shared a valuable insights:

• Early morning is best: Birds tend to be most active during the early hours.  
• Habitat diversity matters: You’ll find different species at home in different layers of the forest canopy (high vs low, for example).  
• Quiet is key: A quieter environment increases the chances of observing birds.  
• Migration seasons are prime time: Spring and fall migration periods offer excellent opportunities for birding (March-June, September-October).  

We encourage everyone to explore birding opportunities in their local areas. Land trusts are often eager to connect with community groups and share the wildlife and natural wonders of the lands they protect. If you’re part of a group seeking a new outdoor activity, reaching out to your local land trust or to Yaw O. Darko at CLCC is a great way to get started.

Looking ahead, bird enthusiasts can mark their calendars for Black Birders Week, May 25-31, 2025. Stay tuned for updates from CLCC on events near you.