Birds & Binoculars: A Birding Expedition — Exploring nature and spotting wildlife

Drizzle or Shine, Rain Date — Saturday, May 25

The birding expedition is led by expert birder, environmentalist, gardener, and Wilton resident Joe Bear. The spring migration bird walk will explore Wilton Land Trust’s Schenck’s Island river walk. Together, attendees will explore this birding hot spot that offers diverse habitats, including open fields, woodlands, edges, and swamps.

Drizzle or shine, Bear will lead a leisurely 2-hour walk, pointing out various bird species, defining calls, explaining behaviors, and answering questions. Whether participants are seasoned birders or new to birdwatching, all are welcome for an exciting adventure. Witness first and foremost the beauty of migrating birds in Wilton.

Grab binoculars, water bottles, supportive shoes, tick and bug repellant, and cameras, and join in a morning of adventure, exercise, fresh air, and learning. Additionally, leave furry friends at home so they don’t scare off any wildlife we hope to see.

Participants have the chance to see and hear a diverse assortment of Neotropic migrants (returning from their southern wintering grounds). This includes Indigo Bunting, Baltimore Oriole, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Eastern Kingbird, Flycatchers, and Vireos. See many Warbler species as well, including Yellow, Blue-winged, Northern Parula, Black and White, and American Redstart to name a few. And with eyes kept to the sky, attendees should hopefully see Wilton’s returning nesting pair of Osprey. These friends indeed nested for the first time in the Wilton Town Center in 2023!

Bear has been birding for over 30 years, leading domestic and international trips for CT Audubon and other nature-based organizations. Bear really enjoys sharing his passion and enthusiasm for birds, believing that, experienced or novice, there’s always something new to learn. He also currently resides in Wilton with his wife and two kids.

The Wilton Land Trust is a community-focused nonprofit organization that conserves land, protects biodiversity, enhances ecosystems, and builds community.