Join Peggy MacLeod at one of the most productive inland birding sites in Connecticut and enjoy a search for nesting rails, herons, ducks, sora, and bitterns, as well as songbirds and flycatchers. Station 43 boasts 239 species and is comprised of a shallow pond, a flat trail with extensive marshland on both sides, and a platform overseeing the marsh. The site, bordered by both farmland and wooded areas, is managed by Hartford Audubon, which asks visitors not to use recording devices to call any birds that have chosen Station 43 for their nesting.  

Important: The trail is usually muddy and can often have 6-10" of puddling. You MUST wear high, fully waterproof boots to bird at this location in spring. Walking slowly, we expect to cover about 3/4 of a mile to the platform and back. Bring binoculars, a scope if possible, insect repellent, water, and snacks.

We will meet at 6:30 am in Northampton to carpool from Sheldon Field at 26 Old Ferry Road. The trail head to Station 43 is located at 953 Main St., across from the intersection of Newberry Rd. and Main St, South Windsor, CT. We will park on the east side of Main Street to not block any driveways or mailboxes. We will walk west from the intersection on what starts as a rutted driveway on the right side of a private yard. Please note there are no restrooms at this location. Questions? Contact Peggy at sunraven99@gmail.com. Limited to 10 participants. Rain date is Sunday, May 31. (S)

See HBC guidelines on carpooling >

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.