H. Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve

Just around the corner from where we were staying there was a CT Audubon sanctuary called the H. Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve.

It doubled as a Christmas tree farm and it was in these trees that we came across our only Savannah Sparrows. They were also popular with Song Sparrows which were common everywhere and Brown-headed Cowbirds.

Savannah Sparrow

Brown-headed Cowbird

The pine trees were surrounded by wooded gardens. Wandering around the edges we came across some new species including, Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Warbling Vireo, Blue Jay, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Tree Swallow, Carolina Wren and Orchard Oriole.

Red-tailed Hawk

Downy Woodpecker

Warbling Vireo

Orchard Oriole

It was also the best place away from Central Park in New York for nearctic warblers on our trip with; Prairie Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Northern Parula, Pine Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat all seen there.

Praiarie Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Northern Parula

Pine Warbler

Black-and-white Warbler

American Redstart

Common Yellowthroat

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