The Binocular Site
Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut
Hammonasset Beach State Park, located in Madison, Connecticut, is the state's largest shoreline park, with more than two miles of beach. The park opened on July 18, 1920, and more than 75,000 people visited Hammonasset in its first season. The park was closed during World War II, and was used as a reservation for the U.S. Army, which conducted flight and firing training there.
Now the park is once again open to the public, and sees more than one million visitors each year. It is the most visited park in the state. Hammonasset boasts over 550 campsites, picnic tables and shelters, concessions, a boat launch, a boardwalk, and restrooms with showers. In addition, the Meigs Point Nature Center offers visitors programs and activities year round, though on a limited basis.
Hammonasset Park is home to many species of wildlife, including many birds, both land and water based. Because of its location, the park is a stop for many migrating birds, so spring and fall are ideal times to see many species of birds. Birdwatchers will find herons for most of the year, except in winter, and osprey from late March to November.
Also making their homes in the park are northern harriers, mockingbirds, eastern kingbirds, clapper rails, yellow warblers, brown thrashers, a few types of owls, and many others.
The state bird of Connecticut is the American Robin and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Connecticut here.
The photo above was taken at Hammonasset Beach State Park. You can learn more about this state park by visting the official website here.
If you've visited Hammonasset Beach State Park, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Connecticut birding location below.
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