Since 1909, the mission of the Hartford Audubon Society (HAS) has always been to foster and increase knowledge and understanding of birds and their place in nature, and awaken a wider public interest in the preservation and protection of all wildlife. Many South Windsor residents were instrumental in the founding of the Hartford Bird Study Club at 809 Main Street (the Vibert House). One of the most productive inland bird watching sites in Connecticut, the Station 43 Wildlife Sanctuary, is located on Main Street and owned by HAS.
Upcoming 2025-2026 Programs with the Hartford Audubon Society
Please check the Hartford Audubon Society website for the latest information regarding these events. For Bird Walks held at Station 43, go to 953 Main St, corner of Newberry Rd and Main St. Park in front of stucco house.
Big Sit at Station 43
Sunday, October 12, 2025 All Day
Event listing Event Leader – Annette Pasek
Annette will be there early by 7am. We are hoping others will join and we can have folks there all day, so drop by any time. Visit the Big Sit website to learn more about this national project. It is a day of fun at Station 43 where we count all species we see and hear from a 17–foot circle located at the HAS platform on the southwest end of the marsh. Bring a stool/chair and a scope if you have one. If it’s been wet, wear boots.
Beginner’s Bird Walk #2
Station 43
Saturday, January 3, 2026 9am – 12pm
Event listing Trip Leader – Jon Ward
This will be a cold one, but don’t let that discourage you from coming. The second of four morning walks designed for beginners at Hartford Audubon’s oldest sanctuary. Station 43 is an excellent birding area year ‘round and on each walk we will look for seasonal birds. The walk is roughly 2.5 miles (3 hours) long over flat terrain but we may encounter areas with water/ice covering parts of the path. Waterproof boots suggested.
Beginner’s Bird Walk #3
Station 43
Saturday, February 28, 2026 8am – 11am
Event Listing Trip Leader – Jon Ward
The ice should be mostly gone as birds begin to return. The water level may be high on this morning walk. Wear boots.
Beginner’s Bird Walk #4
Station 43
TBD 8am – 11am
Event Listing Trip Leader – Jon Ward
This is a walk you don’t want to miss but wear boots. After we get our 50 or more birds on this walk, we adjourn to Dunkin Donuts to tally the four walks.
Wetland Birds
Station 43
Sunday, June 6, 2026 7am – 10am
Event Listing Trip Leader – Paul Cianfaglione
The trip focuses on finding wetland birds such as Virginia Rail, Sora, Marsh Wren, Least Bittern, Swamp Sparrow and Wood Duck. Boots and insect repellent are advised.