Day Trippers
Milford Point
Sample the Birding Season
Sarah Cody, Reporter
Milford —
One of the best birding spots in the NorthEast is right in our backyard! Each year, from early July to late October, shorebirds use Connecticut as a lay over. The Housatonic River creates a fresh water estuary that joins Long Island Sound at Milford Point which also includes an eight hundred and forty acre salt marsh. Milan Bull of the Connecticut Audubon Society says, "The area is filled with little critters that shorebirds love to eat - so we can have 10 thousand shorebirds here during fall migration which is right now."
The tiny birds make a huge journey that starts in the Arctic Tundra and ends in Argentina. They feed in the Milford mud flats and develop enough energy to finish the next leg of their trip.
If you're an amateur birder, don't worry about it! All you really need is an inexpensive pair of binoculars, a field guide and a pad of paper for notes. Birdwatching is becoming increasingly popular here, as people discover the mystery of migration and the beauty of these amazing creatures.
As well as beach access and a beautiful bird watching tower, the Coastal Center offers indoor educational exhibits and a tide pool demonstration tank.
Admission: Free!
Parking: Free!
Directions:
I-95 to Exit 34, take a left on Route 1. At second light, turn right onto Landsdale Avenue--this ends at a "T". Turn right on Milford Point Road and drive for 2.2 miles. Turn right on Seaview Avenue, which leads to the Coastal Center.
Copyright © 2008, WTIC
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