Connecticut Ornithological Association

05/20/2026

Connecticut’s night sky is disappearing. Experts say wildlife is paying the price. We explore how artificial light impacts insects, birds and even our own health.

04/22/2026

Spring Migration is here. Please turn off any unnecessary lights at night to help migrants have a safe passage.

03/14/2026

The COA ANNUAL MEETING at UCONN Avery Point last week was a great event. Thank you to Steve Broker for these delightful
photos of our awardees and speakers.

02/22/2026

You are invited to the COA Event of the Year! https://www.ctbirding.org/annual-meeting/

02/13/2026

A Big Congratulations and thanks to all birders who participated in our 2026 Big January! There were a lot of amazing sightings and great data collected in what can be a slow period! A very respectable 176 total species, which is more than 50% of reported species for the entirety of 2025, were reported in January, which is even more impressive with the tough weather in the second half of the month.

*49 birders observed and reported more than 100 species and will receive 2026 100 Club stickers
*Winners are as follows:
*State winner: Shori Velles with 167 (out of 176) species (95% of total!)
*Patch winner: Joe Attwater with 69 species for Waterford
*County winners:
Fairfield-- Adam Fasciolo with 137 (out of 151) species (91% of total)
Hartford- Connor Hogan with 103 (out of 116) species (88% of total)
Litchfield- Curtis Breuer with 73 (out of 94) species (78% of total)
Middlesex- Anthony Albrecht with 106 (out ot 113) species (94% of total)
New Haven- Paul Smith with 115 (out of 147) species (78% total)
New London-David Provencher with 128 (out of 137) species (93% of total)
Tolland- David Mathieu with 68 (out of 84) species (81% of total)
Windham-Tom Millerd with 64 (out of 81) species (79% of total)

Prizes and stickers will be available at our 2026 Annual Meeting on March 7 at UCONN Avery Point. If you haven't received your emailed certificate or if you'd like to pick up a printed copy of your cert at the Annual meeting, please email Lisa at [email protected]. Congratulations again to all!

01/24/2026

Stay safe and warm during the storm!

Consistent with travel advisories, all State Parks and Forests will be closed Sunday as emergency services will not be able to access these properties in a safe and timely manner. State Parks and Forests will reopen Monday as soon as snow is cleared at individual locations.

01/24/2026

Zepko Audubon Camp Scholarship for Young Birders is a Great Opportunity for Teen Birders!
Applications accepted through Jan 31, 2026 for birding camp experience June 21-26, 2026.
Details at https://www.ctbirding.org/zepko-audubon-camp-scholarship-for-young-birders/

The Connecticut Ornithological Association will again offer two Zepko Audubon Camp Scholarships to nurture interest in bird study and conservation among young birders. The 2026 Scholarship will cover the full cost for TWO TEENS to attend the Coastal Maine Bird Studies for Teens. The cost includes housing, boat travel and all meals. Scholarship recipients will be responsible for transportation costs to and from camp.

This intensive 6-day, 5-night program on Hog Island allows enthusiastic young birders to work with some of the country’s best known birders and ornithologists on field identification, bird ecology and conservation. Occurring concurrently with the adult Field Ornithology and Hands-on Bird Science sessions, and sharing many of the same instructors, this program includes the unique opportunity to see Audubon’s seabird restoration work in action.

Applicants must be a resident of Connecticut or active in a CT birding organization, ages 14-17, and must submit a written application along with two letters of reference. Preferences will be given to applicants with individual or family COA memberships. Completed applications and references must be received by the COA by Jan. 31, 2026.

If you know a young birder who is available for Session 2 (6/21/2026 –6/26/2026) and may be interested please pass this information along.

01/22/2026

We're super excited for our speaker line-up at the COA's 42nd Annual Meeting.

Grab your tickets today - $55 per person includes access to our full day event, a light breakfast, and lunch.

For more info about this year's event, our speaker's bios, and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/annual-meeting/

01/19/2026

📣Early Access Tickets on Sale📣

Current COA Members should check their emails for early access information.

Not a member? Consider joining us! Your support allows us to directly affect Connecticut birds and their habitats through our mini-grants, assist future birders experience the Hog Island Audubon Camp through our Zepko Scholarships (still accepting applications for Summer 2026!), and more.

Don't want to be a member, but still want to join us for the Annual Meeting? Tickets open to the general public on January 22nd. Grab some friends and join us...hope to see you there!

01/19/2026

An impressive 172 species have been reported to eBird for January in CT! Great job by our sharp-eyed birders. The 35 dedicated observers listed below have seen over 100 species so far in the state this month.