Connecticut’s Birding Organization
The Connecticut Ornithological Association is the only statewide organization devoted to birds and birding in Connecticut. Since its founding in 1981, its membership has grown to well over 500 people who range from beginning birders to professional ornithologists.
COA’s MISSION:
COA is an all volunteer organization with the mission of promoting interest in Connecticut birds, and collecting, preparing, and disseminating the best available scientific information on the status of Connecticut birds and their habitat. While COA is not primarily an advocacy organization, we work actively to provide scientific information and to support other conservation organizations in the state.
- COA publishes quarterly the highly regarded journal, The Connecticut Warbler, and the newsletter, COA Bulletin (see recent publications)
- Each year the COA Annual Membership Meeting is held to conduct Association business and to present educational and entertaining programs by regional and national speakers.
- Additionally, various workshops and lectures are held throughout the year. Each year at the meeting COA presents awards for outstanding service and funds mini-grants that specifically benefit the avian wildlife in our state.
- An organ of COA, the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut (ARCC), maintains the official state list of bird species and adjudicates submitted records of species new or rare in Connecticut.
- Four officers — a president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer — as well as a board of directors with 18 members oversee the day-to-day functions of the association and its many committees.
The many talented people who make COA work are dedicated to promoting ornithology in our state and to making Connecticut birding the best it can be. These individuals make COA the leader in the world of birding in Connecticut.
The only requirements for membership in COA is an interest in birds and an ability to enjoy yourself! Do you qualify? Then JOIN US!
Officers of the Connecticut Ornithological Association
| President Tom Robben Glastonbury, CT |
Vice-President Chris S. Wood Woodbury, CT |
Secretary Denise Jernigan South Glastonbury, CT |
| Treasurer Paul Wolter Beacon Falls, CT |
Chairman, ARCC Jay Kaplan Canton, CT |
Board of Directors (terms ending)
| 2022 Nick Bonomo Steve Broker Sharon Dellinger Angela Dimmitt Cynthia Ehlinger Maureen Wolter |
2023 Allison Black Andrew Dasinger Frank Gallo Larry Reiter Craig Repasz Kathy Van Der Aue |
2024 Melissa Baston Milan Bull Ryan MacLean Dave Provencher Laurie Reynolds Abby Sesselberg |