Durham Meadows

Durham Meadows Wildlife Management Area is located north and west of Route 17 in Durham. Its 556 acres consist of red maple swamp and wet meadow habitat with grass-dominated areas where water seasonally pools or floods and where the water table is close to the surface. The Coginchaug River flows north though the area.

Part of Durham Meadows is adjacent to the Fredrick White Farm conservation area and the Durham Fairgrounds with meadows where farmland birds like Eastern Meadowlark and Bobolink may be seen during the breeding season. In early spring, Woodcock may be seen and heard doing their courtship display. Access to the southern part of Durham Meadows (north of Route 17) requires walking through dense vegetation over uneven ground and channels. Nesting American Bittern, Least Bittern, Virginia Rail, and Sora can be heard and with a bit of luck, seen. Wood Duck, Black Duck and flycatchers, vireos, orioles, and warblers as well as other wetland species also breed in Durham Meadows

Remember that just about all of Durham Meadows is wet and muddy. Waterproof boots are a must. Also note that as a Wildlife Management Area, Durham Meadows has hunting in season. Visit accordingly.

Have a look at the field trips section of the newsletter for an upcoming walk at Durham Meadows. And check back with us after the walk at www.menunkatuck.org for photos and a list of sightings!