Birding with Brian: Spring Migration—Warblers, Orioles, Tanagers—Oh My!
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Grab your binoculars and join Connecticut naturalist and East Granby local, Brian Kleinman, for an unforgettable spring birding adventure! A passionate birder since the age of 10, Brian brings decades of experience - and a deep love for our feathered friends to every outing.
Whether you’re brand new to birding or already hooked, this six-week series is your chance to explore some of the area’s best local birding spots. You’ll learn how to use binoculars with confidence, identify birds by sight and sound, and discover where to find the most exciting spring migrants as they return from their southern wintering grounds.
We’ll stay close to home - but don’t let that fool you. The variety of birds in our own backyard might just surprise you! How many species can we spot together? Come join the fun and find out!
Ages: 12+ (children must be accompanied by an adult participant)
Dates: Sundays, April 26 - May 31
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 AM
Cost: $150 per participant
Enrollment is limited, register early to guarantee your spot!
Program Itinerary:
4/26 – Massacoe State Forest & Great Pond, Simsbury
Great Pond is a fantastic location for observing birds and wildlife. We’ll be searching for early spring migrants while also expecting to see resident species such as Pine Warbler, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Pileated Woodpecker. The heavily vegetated pond provides excellent habitat for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.
- Directions: Google Maps: “Parking Massacoe State Forest Great Pond”
Apple Maps: “Great Pond Rd & Great Pond State Forest Access Rd”
Drive down the dirt road to the parking area.
- Walking: Easy, flat; can be wet in areas
- Distance: ~2 miles
5/3 – Northwest Park, Windsor
Northwest Park offers phenomenal birding opportunities with a mix of woodlands, open fields, and edge habitat - all accessible via an easy walking trail. Expected species include Orchard Oriole, Indigo Bunting, Field Sparrow, and Eastern Bluebird, along with a wide variety of resident and migrating warblers and vireos.
- Directions: 145 Lang Rd, Windsor
- Walking: Easy, flat
- Distance: ~2.8 miles
5/10 – Tanager Hill, Simsbury
Acquired by the Simsbury Land Trust in 2015, Tanager Hill is a beautiful 75-acre property located near the Farmington River floodplain along the west side of the Metacomet Ridge. Its diverse habitats support a wide range of species. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Blue-winged Warblers, and Indigo Buntings frequent the successional areas, while the pine forest echoes with the melodic song of the Brown Creeper. Along the brook, listen for the sharp, metallic call of the Louisiana Waterthrush. This is also one of the few reliable local sites for Hooded Warbler.
- Directions: 133 E Weatogue St, Simsbury
- Walking: Easy to moderate; can be wet in areas
- Distance: ~2.5 miles
5/17 – Dismal Brook Wildlife Preserve, North Granby
Acquired by the Granby Land Trust in 2020, Dismal Brook encompasses 210 acres of upland habitat with scattered wetlands. We can expect a rich mix of woodland species, including Black-throated Blue and Canada Warblers. There is also the possibility of encountering rarer species such as Alder Flycatcher, along with Winter Wren and Barred Owl. With peak migration underway, anything is possible!
- Directions: 253 Loomis St, North Granby
- Walking: Easy, flat
- Distance: ~2 miles
5/24 – Station 43, South Windsor
Station 43 is a small 9-acre wetland owned by Hartford Audubon, with access to an additional 400 acres of surrounding Connecticut River floodplain. This area hosts an impressive list of rare and uncommon breeding species, including Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, Sora, Common Gallinule, Marsh Wren, Yellow-billed and Black-billed Cuckoo, Willow Flycatcher, and more.
- Directions: Park at the end of Vibert Rd (near the boat launch). Walk along the Connecticut River to Station 43 (Hartford Audubon property).
- Walking: Easy, flat; can be very wet in areas
- Distance: ~2–3 miles
5/31 – Suffield & Southwick Wildlife Management Area (Suffield Entrance)
Undisturbed grassland habitat is critically threatened in Connecticut, making this site especially important. The combined Suffield and Southwick Wildlife Management Areas protect over 600 acres of grasslands. Our primary target species is the state-endangered Grasshopper Sparrow, which is more often heard than seen. Other expected species include Indigo Bunting, Eastern Bluebird, Orchard Oriole, American Kestrel, Eastern Kingbird, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolink, Brown Thrasher - and possibly even Blue Grosbeak.
- Directions: 187–199 Point Grove Rd., West Suffield
- Walking: Easy, flat
- Distance: ~3–4 miles
What to bring
- Binoculars (required)
- Field guide (optional)
- Water and snacks
- Comfortable hiking boots and seasonally appropriate clothing