Sandy Point, West Haven

Sandy Point in West Haven, CT is a recognized by Audubon and BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The park is approximately 66 acres, comprised mostly of beaches, sand bars, tidal marshes and mud flats, and is an excellent place to spot shorebirds of all kinds throughout the year. Spring and fall migrations bring multitudes of shorebirds such as terns, skimmers, plovers, sandpipers and gulls to the park. Other common sightings during migration include raptors, sparrows, warblers and swallows.

In the summer Sandy Point provides nesting habitats for Sharp-tailed Sparrows, Piping Plovers, Least and Common Terns, American Oystercatchers and Kildeer. Black Skimmers, herons, egrets, and numerous species of gulls can also be seen throughout the summer months, often also nesting within the marshes and tidal flats of the park. Winter residents which can be seen on the water include Loons, Scaup, Goldeneye, Scoters, Grebes, Mergansers, and other ducks and water birds.

Sandy Point can be accessed by exit 44 (Kimberly Ave) off I-95: go towards West Haven for .4 mile, then left on 1st Ave for approximately 1.2 miles, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left side of the road between opposite the Captain's Galley. It’s a good idea to check the tides before heading out. 

Have a look at the Calendar for an upcoming walk at Sandy Point. And check back with us after the walk for photos and lists of sightings!

References: http://ct.audubon.org/IBA_SP_MP.html and Noble Proctor