Indian River Marshes, Clinton, CT And More

A nice pit stop for quick or significantly longer predominantly marsh and shorebird observations can be readily made in and around Indian River Marshes on the north shore of the Long Island Sound in the town of Clinton.

The Northern Harrier above (image 1) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in February 2018.

What you may experience as you might imagine at this venue is greatly going to be influenced by the tidal action. I have found ideally timed observations are close to low tide withn the Indian River marsh.

The Great Black-backed Gull above (image 2) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in February 2018.

The Great Black-backed Gull above (image 3) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in February 2018.

This has been a fun venue to investigate without plans. While merely driving by, be sure to stop in and see what the conditions of the waters are and determine whether more than a few minutes of your time are warranted including time in the adjacent properties while respecting the private ones.

The Hooded Merganser above (image 4) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in February 2018.

The Song Sparrow above (image 5) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in February 2018.

It has been a challenge to endure harsh cold conditions this winter. I mean harsh as the body shivers all over for the mere observation of something that is certainly more tolerable of the frigid conditions on a 24/7 basis than me.

The Mourning Dove above (image 6) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The Hooded Merganser above (image 7) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

Birds in this post are documented from image #1 through #18 at Indian River Marshes. I consider it unfortunate that much of what I've seen at Indian River Marshes was not photographed due to unplanned stops without the camera with otherwise exciting observations.

The Northern Mockingbird above (image 8) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The Canada Goose above (image 9) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

Within a mere handful of visits to IRM it has been fortuitous to see more than a third of the species that have been documented at the venue at eBird. This is not meant to be overstated as under a hundred species have been observed by others at this locale that I'm aware of at the time of this writing.

The Red-tailed Hawk above (image 10) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The Canada Goose above (image 11) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

It's a beautiful place to visit nonetheless and should not be missed if travel opportunities allow. Try for that lower tide again if you are able.

The Common Grackle above (image 12) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The European Starling above (image 13) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

Included in this post beyond its intended scope is a new yard species seen before mid-March. A pair of apparent breeding Wood Duck were seen in appropriate habitat for their plans with the male cropped from an image captured of the waterfowl.

The scene above (image 14) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The Canada Goose above (image 15) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

Before the month of March was over there were reports of another excitedly rare Varied Thrush in New England this year at Great Pond State Forest in Simsbury, Connecticut. I failed to see the thrush, but made an enjoyable walk around the pond with the decades old rhododendrons towering over the trail a highlight.

The Mute Swan above (image 16) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The Mute Swan above (image 17) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

A pair of Brown Creepers, a Golden-crowned Kinglet, and not to mention some interesting birders I spoke with were additional highlights during the chase for the thrush. At least one other birder had commented on seeing the expected variety (Hermit).

The Green-winged Teal above (image 18) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The scene above (image 19) was photographed at Indian River Marshes in March 2018.

The yard birds continue to provide interest for daily observations foremost with a local stop an additional reward, and that occasional long distance road trip a reminder of the greater enjoyment of being a very diligent birder.

The Wood Duck above (image 20) was photographed at Casa Almeida in March 2018.

The Brown Creeper above (image 21) was photographed at Great Pond State Forest in March 2018.

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The Canada Goose above (image 22) was photographed at Great Pond State Forest in March 2018.

Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail

Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve is located in Milford, Connecticut only minutes from I-95 and dozens of other highly valued birding venues.

The American Wigeon above (image 1) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

The Pied-billed Grebe above (image 2) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

The Mallard above (image 3) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

Images presented in this blog article were capture on a pair of visits made to the trail, one in late October and one in late November. While the preserve constitutes nearly 36 acres, I would make my observations from one primary point overlooking the main pond behind the elementary school.

The Mallard above (image 4) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

The American Wigeon above (image 5) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

The American Wigeon above (image 6) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

Once taking a gander at the waterfowl that seems omnipresent on the water's surface, it pays to be looking skyward for bird activity flying overhead. eBird data indicates 181 species at this serene venue as of this writing.

The Turkey Vulture above (image 7) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

The American Wigeon above (image 8) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

The Red-tailed Hawk above (image 9) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in October 2017.

A future visit will certainly allow for a more thorough exploration of the property. The trail appears to primarily offer views of the main pond, although the four other primary ponds appear to be accessible.

The Hooded Merganser above (image 10) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in November 2017.

The Gadwall with American Wigeon above (image 11) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in November 2017.

Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve should definitely be on your itinerary when traveling through the area.

The Mallard with American Coot above (image 12) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in November 2017.

The American Wigeon above (image 13) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in November 2017.

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The Hooded Merganser above (image 14) was photographed at Mondo Ponds Nature Preserve Trail in November 2017.

Feature: Domestic Avenue Ponds Part II

The Domestic Avenue Ponds have thus far offered many hours of rewarding wildlife observation with a diverse variety of birds seen in three different habitat types.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

While the land and water surrounding Domestic Avenue is available for sale as undeveloped parcels which will likely become commercial/ industrial in its use, the habitat is currently a magnet for a great diversity of wildlife that crowds into a relatively small area. On one particular morning waiting for the light to improve I picked up over a hundred rusty nails and screws in the cul-de-sac. Be forewarned of this hazard if you make a visit to this venue. Upon parking look to the west over the ponds for the waterfowl. To the east is the prairie habitat with predators often seen flying overhead looking for their next meal.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Mottled Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The unidentified Florida cooter above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Double-crested Cormorant above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup with alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

At the north end of the road is a woodland habitat with decent sized Cypress tree growth among Southern Longleaf pines which attracts songbirds and often seen Bald Eagles perched at sunrise. Certainly the most interesting observations made have been a cat and mouse behavior between the ducks and a resident alligator. The birds were on occasion seemingly aggressive or teasing in their approach to the gator when either in larger numbers or by what appeared to be an experienced and especially bold individual.

The American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Redhead above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Redhead above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The waterfowl with alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The American Kestrel above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Hooded Merganser above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Hooded Merganser above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator seemed quite routine in its lying in wait for sustenance while on on occasion observed to leap out of the water as a few birds flew a few feet above it. The alligator is very mobile in the northernmost pond which it seems to favor. It often will disappear for extended periods and reappear several hundred feet from where it had been having stealthily swam underwater to avoid the bird's detection. When visiting this mecca for wildlife observation be at the ready for action which can occur at any time, and don't forget to look skyward for overflights.

The Hooded Merganser above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Hooded Merganser above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Lesser Scaup above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Anhinga above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Redhead above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Redhead above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Ring-necked Duck with American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The alligator above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The American Coot above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

The Downy Woodpecker above was photographed at Domestic Avenue Ponds in December 2012.

Please see Domestic Avenue Ponds: Part I.
Please see Domestic Avenue Ponds: Part III.