Cave Swallows
After an enthralling day with the biggest invasion of Franklin’s Gulls across the Northeast and Atlantic coast since at least 1998 (more on that in another entry later this weekend) our collective hopes were high for more sensational rare birds with them. This Friday, one of the most memorable birding days in years, had all available Connecticut birders mobilized along the coast, looking for life and state Franklin’s while trying to remember to watch for many other target species. One of these was the Cave Swallow, a classic November vagrant in the Northeast since the early...
Read MoreVariegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)
Here is our second record late butterfly of the day for Connecticut, this Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia) for which the October 26 date at Stratford Point breaks the previous state record of October 20, 2007. This beauty certainly has the autumn and Halloween look down! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCommon Checkered Skipper
This is the Common Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis), a lovely little butterfly that was a life species for Audubon Connecticut’s Director of Bird Conservation Patrick Comins and me this morning at Stratford Point. The early and late dates on the Connecticut Butterfly Association website indicate it is also the latest one has ever been seen in Connecticut with October 26 breaking an October 10 record from 2012. Stratford Point has been known to harbor late individuals thanks to it being a coastal site surrounded by the warm waters of Long Island Sound. We had another late record...
Read MoreBlue Grosbeak
Here is a lovely fall Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) from a little while ago at Stratford Point. Check out that massive bill! It popped up for me from among a flock of Song, Swamp and White-throated Sparrows, likely helped in making its way here by all those westerly winds. Many uncommon birds like this one and some rarities are probably out there right now waiting to be found… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreStratford Point October 17 Walks
The U.S. Coast Guard is hosting an open house at Stratford Point lighthouse in Stratford, Connecticut on Saturday, October 17th from 9am-3pm. Audubon Connecticut’s Director of Bird Conservation Patrick Comins and RTPI’s Conservation & Outreach Coordinator Scott Kruitbosch will be co-leading bird walks at Stratford Point at 9:00, 12:00 and 3:00. This date corresponds with the peak of birding at this spectacular birding spot. Come out and enjoy the wide diversity of birding possibilities “The Point” has to offer with two birders who know every nook and cranny of the property. Stratford...
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