As part of the New Haven Harbor Urban Refuge Partnership, habitat improvements are taking place at New Haven parks, schools and other urban green spaces.  Native trees, shrubs, and flowers have been planted to provide cover, food, and habitat for wildlife and a place to learn, relax, and connect with nature for people. Audubon Connecticut is looking for help monitoring birds at these Urban Oases to determine whether habitat restoration is working.

How you can help:

Visit an Urban Oases and keep a record of all the birds of each species you see. Then submit your observations for  the urban oases to eBird.org. Directions to the Urban Oases are here.

• What to bring: binoculars, a field guide or bird identification app, appropriate clothing based on the weather, and your phone.

• When you arrive at the site, record the date and time.

• Mornings, particularly in April – May and August – October when migrating songbirds are passing through Connecticut, are recommended.

• Plan on spending at least five minutes at the site, giving birds’ time to adjust to your presence.

• Records the number of birds of each species that you see. Make a note if a bird is flying over (f/o) the site versus foraging in the vegetation.

• You can count birds at just one or several Urban Oases and make as many visits as time permits.