Hammonasset Beach State Park
Connecticut · Northeast
Easy
April-May, August-October
$15-22 per vehicle (seasonal)
8 AM to sunset
About This Location
Connecticut's largest shoreline park stretches over two miles along Long Island Sound, offering a diverse mix of beach, salt marsh, and wooded habitats that make it the state's premier birding destination. The Willard's Island nature trail and Meigs Point area are migration magnets.
Over 300 species have been recorded here, with peak activity during spring and fall migration. Shorebirds work the tidal flats, warblers fill the thickets, and seabirds pass offshore. Winter brings ducks, loons, and occasional Snowy Owls.
Location
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Notable Species
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Worm-eating Warbler
Helmitheros vermivorum
Boat-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus major
Purple Finch
Haemorhous purpureus
Eastern Whip-poor-will
Antrostomus vociferus
Common Tern
Sterna hirundo
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid)
Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Mourning Dove
American Herring Gull
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Blue Jay
American Crow
Fish Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Tree Swallow
White-breasted Nuthatch
Carolina Wren
European Starling
Northern Mockingbird
Eastern Bluebird
American Robin
House Sparrow
Birding Tips
- 1
Walk the Willard's Island trail at dawn during May migration for peak warbler activity
- 2
Check the tidal flats at low tide for shorebirds from July through September
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors
- 5
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Meigs Point Nature Center
- Henry Whitfield State Museum
More in Connecticut
Connecticut Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Connecticut →