Hammonasset Beach State Park

Connecticut · Northeast

EasyOfficial Site

Habitat

CoastalWetlandForest

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, August-October

Entrance Fee

$15-22 per vehicle (seasonal)

Hours

8 AM to sunset

About This Location

Connecticut's largest shoreline park stretches over two miles along Long Island Sound, offering a diverse mix of beach, salt marsh, and wooded habitats that make it the state's premier birding destination. The Willard's Island nature trail and Meigs Point area are migration magnets.

Over 300 species have been recorded here, with peak activity during spring and fall migration. Shorebirds work the tidal flats, warblers fill the thickets, and seabirds pass offshore. Winter brings ducks, loons, and occasional Snowy Owls.

Location

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Notable Species

Piping Plover Saltmarsh Sparrow American Oystercatcher Snowy Egret Semipalmated Sandpiper

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

3/4/2026Windsor Locks Canal State Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

3/4/2026213 Salt Island Rd, Westbrook US-CT 41.27884, -72.442771 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026152–180 Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington US-CT 41.87584, -72.475542 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026100 Lower Butcher Road2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/202676 Lower Butcher Road, Ellington, Connecticut, US (41.876, -72.474)2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/202655 Lower Butcher Road, Ellington, Connecticut, US (41.875, -72.472)2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Oak Lawn Cemetery1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

3/4/2026Oak Lawn Cemetery1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/4/2026Lower Butcher Road1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

3/4/2026Westbrook shoreline1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026152–180 Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington US-CT 41.87589, -72.475872 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/202671–151 Lower Butcher Rd, Ellington US-CT 41.87577, -72.475392 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

3/3/2026100 Windermere Ave, Ellington US-CT 41.87567, -72.475372 observed

Recent Observations

White-breasted Nuthatch

Yale University

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Kestrel

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Long-tailed Duck

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Herring Gull

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

15 birds

Brant

Short Beach Park

3/4/2026

90 birds

Common Loon

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

1 birds

Mallard

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

12 birds

Fish Crow

Short Beach Park

3/4/2026

10 birds

Canada Goose

Short Beach Park

3/4/2026

2 birds

Snow Bunting

Short Beach Park

3/4/2026

32 birds

Ring-billed Gull

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

6 birds

Great Black-backed Gull

Oyster Shell Park

3/4/2026

5 birds

Northern Mockingbird

Indian Hill Ave

3/4/2026

1 birds

Red-tailed Hawk

Indian Hill Ave

3/4/2026

1 birds

Northern Cardinal

PMM

3/4/2026

2 birds

Turkey Vulture

PMM

3/4/2026

1 birds

American Goldfinch

PMM

3/4/2026

52 birds

Red-bellied Woodpecker

PMM

3/4/2026

1 birds

Eastern Bluebird

PMM

3/4/2026

5 birds

Hairy Woodpecker

PMM

3/4/2026

1 birds

Birding Tips

1
Walk the Willard's Island trail at dawn during May migration for peak warbler activity
2
Check the tidal flats at low tide for shorebirds from July through September

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

Nearby Attractions

Meigs Point Nature Center
Henry Whitfield State Museum

Birding Guides

Fall Migration Guide: Hawks, Sparrows, and More

10 min read

Bird Identification Tips: How to ID Birds Like a Pro

11 min read

The Beginner's Guide to Birding

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Hammonasset Beach State Park for birding are April-May, August-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Hammonasset Beach State Park?▼

Notable species at Hammonasset Beach State Park include Piping Plover, Saltmarsh Sparrow, American Oystercatcher, Snowy Egret, Semipalmated Sandpiper. The area supports coastal, wetland, forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Hammonasset Beach State Park?▼

Birding at Hammonasset Beach State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

Is there an entrance fee at Hammonasset Beach State Park?▼

The entrance fee at Hammonasset Beach State Park is $15-22 per vehicle (seasonal). Hours: 8 AM to sunset.

What amenities are available at Hammonasset Beach State Park?▼

Hammonasset Beach State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.