While the Stratford Point Light remains the property of the United States Coast Guard, and has very limited access save a day or two during the year, the green space to its immediate north is maintained by Audubon Connecticut.
The Common Loon above (image 1) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
This land offers a stunning coastal grassland area near the mouth of the Housatonic River which has of this writing 282 species of bird observed according to eBird data. It was my hope to visit Stratford Point and observe the LeConte's and Clay-colored Sparrows seen a day earlier at the venue.
The Herring Gull above (image 2) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Mallard above (image 3) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Brant above (image 4) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Brant above (image 5) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Song Sparrow above (image 6) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
It was unfortunate to miss such rare species even with the added eyes of many experienced birders, but I was able to nonetheless add Red-throated Loon, Field Sparrow, and Brant as life bird species observed.
The Savannah Sparrow above (image 7) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Song Sparrow above (image 8) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Double-crested Cormorant above (image 9) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The House Sparrow above (image 10) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The House Sparrow above (image 11) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Vesper Sparrow above (image 12) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
Stratford Point is unquestionably a wildlife venue that would not disappoint a visitor at any time of year. It was with good fortune that I was also able to see abundant butterfly activity. The unsuccessful attempt by a Merlin to capture a migrating Monarch Butterfly will not easily be forgotten.
The Field Sparrow above (image 13) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Merlin above (image 14) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Merlin above (image 15) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Common Yellowthroat above (image 16) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The White-tailed Deer above (image 17) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The House Sparrow above (image 18) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
There was the neat coincidence to meet up with a fellow birding enthusiast named Paul whom I had met at Donald W. Barnes Boat Launch earlier in the year. Another birder told me of the nearby Mondo Ponds which I investigated enjoyably before making the trek back along the highway.
The Monarch Butterfly above (image 19) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The American Crow above (image 20) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Orange Sulpher Butterfly above (image 21) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Great Black-backed Gull above (image 22) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Great Black-backed Gull above (image 23) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Ring-billed Gull above (image 24) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
Stratford Point is unquestionably a must visit venue when in the area. Have all of your accoutrements with you including bins, scope and camera if available. A scope would have been especially helpful to me if I had it to assist in identifying a large flock of gulls.
The Red-throated Loon above (image 25) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Field Sparrow above (image 26) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Painted Lady Butterfly above (image 27) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Song Sparrow above (image 28) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
The Milkweed bug nymphs above (image 29) were photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
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The Common Buckeye Butterfly above (image 30) was photographed at Stratford Point in October 2017.
