A birder I met on my last trip to Massachusetts recommended Hammonasset Beach for a great birding spot . Since I was going to visit my Dad in October anyway, I added an extra day to check out Connecticut shore spots. After a frustrating start with a rental car that had push button start I made it to Guilford and checked into the Comfort Inn. Mid afternoon I found my way to Hammonasset Beach State Park. To my delight, the rather steep entrance fees were suspended. I headed south to Meigs Point first. The weather was heavy overcast and drizzle. The beach has some elevation and rocks to add to the interest. I expected more shore birds but only found seagulls. Opposite the beach is a salt marsh and some hiking trails. The most birds I found were in the grass parking lot where the Canada Geese and a few kildeer were congregating. The park closed at 6:30 pm so I spent most of my time at the beach side.
The following morning I was not hopeful for good weather but decided to drive towards the the State Park again and looking for a spot for sunrise. The State Park didn't open until 8 am but I found a small park off of Route 1 named East Wharf Beach Park. There was a small beach area and a rock pier. The sunrise was not spectacular but the clouds were interesting not as overcast as the day before.
Back at Hammonasset Beach State Park I waited for the gates to open and then headed back down to Meigs Point. There was lots to explore but I concentrated on the beach with the rocks and then the marsh areas. I took a short hike to look for birds and was lead to a barred owl sitting in the open by a friendly birder. Saw a few warblers, downey woodpeckers, cat birds and hundreds of barn swallows.
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| The red plant is glasswort that turns bright red in the fall. |
