Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors. Link to all Marjorie’s books.
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We had an errand in the Milford, CT area and since it was a substantial drive for us from south central MA we made time to stop at a local Audubon shoreline sanctuary that we discovered not far from our destination.
Coastal Connecticut has some sandy beaches that are hard less common farther north along the New England coast. The Coastal Center at Milford Point is located on a sand spit of land surrounded by water, a true peninsula. The visitor center has a viewing area (with telescopes!) that offers great views of the marsh next to the building. Bathrooms are available when the center is open.
The Housatonic River flows into the sea at the end of the peninsula. The meeting of this substantial river and Long Island Sound creates really interesting currents. The collision and mixing of incoming tides and fresh water is not only visually eye-catching, it also creates an ideal environment for birds and others to find plentiful food sources.
This area comprises a number of wildlife refuges: the Smith-Hubbell Wildlife Refuge and Bird sanctuary, the Milford Point section of the McKinney National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, and the Charles E. Wheeler Tidal Marsh.
We spotted a small water feature next to the parking area. An interpretive sign describes it as “The magic fountain.” When staff installed this small cascade of fresh water they soon observed a variety of birds that were drawn to it. In effect they had creating a “birding hot spot” right next to the visitor center.
The real draw of this area (for many) is the beach access. A relatively accessible boardwalk brings visitors out to a wide (at low tide) sandy stretch of shoreline. Next to the boardwalk are Prickly Pear cactuses growing in the sand. They are Connecticut’s only native cactus plant.
The beach at lower tide provides firm footing. Sea ducks float just off shore. Geese and ducks shelter in a small cove next to the boardwalk.
We headed to where the river entered Long Island Sound, then circled around along the land side of the spit where we returned, getting some nice views of swans and other birds feeding in the brackish water. More adventurous swans bobbed in the ocean waves just offshore. We most often have seen swans in quiet lakes and ponds. It made me laugh, seeing these large birds surfing the ocean swells.
We visited in early December, officially winter, but in fact an incredibly mild afternoon. Other visitors joined us as we skirted the water’s edge.
Dogs are not allowed at Audubon sanctuaries but being winter, it appears the rules are more relaxed, or else the restrictions were simply ignored. During nesting season (April to August) piping plovers and other birds use this intertidal area to raise their young. Posted signs warn visitors away from known nesting area. Fencing enforces the protective measures, providing a safe space for these endangered birds. Cages over the actual nests fend off predators while allowing the birds to come and go freely while they feed their chicks. These restrictions remain in place from spring into late summer.
If you enjoy birding, this area offers you great options. Marsh areas host a variety of water fowl. Waves just offshore are favored for birds looking to feed in a saltier environment. The “magic fountain” is yet another spot where you are sure to see birds visiting with regularity. If you simply want to stroll a sandy beach and witness one of the many rivers that flow to the sea, this is a great choice.
Enjoy, and happy trails!
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman is a writer who loves the outdoors, and is the author of Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, More Easy Walks in Massachusetts, 2nd edition, Easy Walks and Paddles in the Ten Mile River Watershed, Easy Walks South of Boston and Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are. Her memoir, the backstory of Easy Walks, is My Liturgy of Easy Walks: Reclaiming hope in a world turned upside down.
Marjorie Turner Hollman 