Thank you, Chuck, for your efforts as a birding ambassador.   I think it would be good for the folks at Lyman Orchards to realize that birders are good for their business.  In the past, I've stopped in their store while birding in the area -- and I wouldn't have been there otherwise. So, if anyone does go see the shrike and you're inclined to drop in to the Apple Barrel Store -- wear your binoculars and tell the  manager how much you appreciated seeing the bird ... Paul

All of the phragmites that were along the southeast side of Miller Road last weekend, across the street from the golf course, have now been cut down. That might be the reason for the “No Parking” signs. Adam Fasciolo Norwalk > On Feb 6, 2024, at 4:58 PM, Paul Smith via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: > > Thank you, Chuck, for your efforts as a birding ambassador. > I think it would be good for the folks at Lyman Orchards to realize that birders are good for their business. In the past, I've stopped in their store while birding in the area -- and I wouldn't have been there otherwise. > So, if anyone does go see the shrike and you're inclined to drop in to the Apple Barrel Store -- wear your binoculars and tell the manager how much you appreciated seeing the bird ... > Paul > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/

Everyone – It took me a while to make contact with someone at Lyman Orchards and I just received an answer from them last evening. The reason for the no parking signs is that they are concerned about allowing cars to park in the area since last year there was a fatal accident there. They kindly offered to allow birders to park at the Apple Barrel store or at the driving range. Or you can park as I did further down Miller Road near the bridge. In that area there is a fairly good size pull off which will allow you to stay well off the road, and it is a walk along the straightaway to bring you to the best area to observe the bird. 41.49988° N, 72.70829° W As Paul noted, visiting the Apple Barrel is a good thing to do; I highly recommend their cider donuts! Chuck Imbergamo CT Birds Moderator Madison > On Feb 10, 2024, at 8:16 AM, Adam Fasciolo via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: > > All of the phragmites that were along the southeast side of Miller Road last weekend, across the street from the golf course, have now been cut down. > > That might be the reason for the “No Parking” signs. > > Adam Fasciolo > Norwalk > >> On Feb 6, 2024, at 4:58 PM, Paul Smith via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >> >> Thank you, Chuck, for your efforts as a birding ambassador. >> I think it would be good for the folks at Lyman Orchards to realize that birders are good for their business. In the past, I've stopped in their store while birding in the area -- and I wouldn't have been there otherwise. >> So, if anyone does go see the shrike and you're inclined to drop in to the Apple Barrel Store -- wear your binoculars and tell the manager how much you appreciated seeing the bird ... >> Paul >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >> >> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >> >> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/

In addition to Chuck’s comments, it would be helpful if birders tried to remain on the shoulder and not stand in the road.  When I was there, we were creating a bit of a traffic problem. Also, as a frequent birder in the area, after buying a donut and coffee at the Apple Barrel, a quick drive through Durham Meadows or stop at Greenbacker Farm Pond might be fruitful. John GrahamMiddletown On Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 09:11:09 AM EST, Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: Everyone – It took me a while to make contact with someone at Lyman Orchards and I just received an answer from them last evening.  The reason for the no parking signs is that they are concerned about allowing cars to park in the area since last year there was a fatal accident there.  They kindly offered to allow birders to park at the Apple Barrel store or at the driving range.  Or you can park as I did further down Miller Road near the bridge.  In that area there is a fairly good size pull off which will allow you to stay well off the road, and it is a walk along the straightaway to bring you to the best area to observe the bird.  41.49988° N, 72.70829° W As Paul noted, visiting the Apple Barrel is a good thing to do; I highly recommend their cider donuts! Chuck Imbergamo CT Birds Moderator Madison > On Feb 10, 2024, at 8:16 AM, Adam Fasciolo via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: > > All of the phragmites that were along the southeast side of Miller Road last weekend, across the street from the golf course, have now  been cut down. > > That might be the reason for the “No Parking” signs. > > Adam Fasciolo > Norwalk > >> On Feb 6, 2024, at 4:58 PM, Paul Smith via CTBirds <ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org> wrote: >> >> Thank you, Chuck, for your efforts as a birding ambassador. >> I think it would be good for the folks at Lyman Orchards to realize that birders are good for their business.  In the past, I've stopped in their store while birding in the area -- and I wouldn't have been there otherwise. >> So, if anyone does go see the shrike and you're inclined to drop in to the Apple Barrel Store -- wear your binoculars and tell the  manager how much you appreciated seeing the bird ... >> Paul >> >> To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org >> >> CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ >> >> CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org > > CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ > > CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/ To subscribe or unsubscribe via email, send an email with just "join" or "leave" in the subject or body to: ctbirds-request@lists.ctbirding.org CTBirds, a service of Connecticut Ornithological Association - Bringing birders together statewide. Please support COA: https://www.ctbirding.org/join-us/ CTBirds is for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For list rules and subscription information visit: https://www.ctbirding.org/birds-birding/ct-birds-email-list/