With miles of beaches and wooded trails surrounded by salt marsh, this 936-acre park boasts a recorded 326 bird species, making it Connecticut's top eBird hotspot. Late April birds in the park include many shorebird species, waders, osprey, swallows, wrens, sparrows and a few early warblers. One day isn't enough to fully cover it, but we'll explore as much as possible, alternately walking and driving. Expect to walk at least three miles on terrain that is uneven (and, of course, sandy!) in parts. Bring lunch. A scope is also helpful. Bathroom facilities available. 

Meet at Sheldon Field (26 Old Ferry Road) in Northampton at 7:00 am. We’ll carpool down to Madison in two cars. To defray mileage and park fees, $15/pp is requested ($10/pp if park doesn’t charge admission that day), payable to your driver. Rain cancels. Questions? Email Amanda at amanda.kallenbach@gmail.com. Limited to 6 participants. (M/S)

Field Trip designations:
(E) – Easy conditions, fairly accessible for most, usually flat terrain on improved trails or roads. 
(M) – Moderately difficult, more challenging trail conditions, short steep sections, longer hikes.
(S) – Strenuous conditions, muddy or rocky trails, steep sections, difficult footing in part.