Join Amanda Kallenbach on an all-day trip to Hammonasset Beach State Park on Long Island Sound. 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 between locations. Expect to walk at least 3 miles on terrain that is uneven (and, of course, sandy!) in parts. We'll break for a quick lunch and make bathroom stops. Bring lunch, water, and a scope if you have one. 

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

See HBC carpooling guidelines >

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.