Frederick White Farm is a 110-acre recreation area nestled behind the Durham Fairgrounds on Maple Avenue in Durham, Connecticut. This small jewel was Durham’s first open space purchase, acquired from a local farming family in 1966 with federal and state assistance. Known locally as White’s Farm, its main perimeter loop and cross paths provide an intimate stroll skirting open meadow, deciduous woods, riparian shrub, drowned snags, and river wetlands that can be covered in just over an hour. Of course, a slower meander through this diverse habitat affords a wider variety of wildlife observations than one might expect for such a small area. The open meadows are bedazzled with orbweaver webs in fall, attract many butterflies when in bloom, and are important summer breeding areas for Bobolinks and other grassland birds. Raptors commonly seen include resident American Kestrels, Red-tailed and Red-shouldered hawks, and in winter, a Northern Harrier or two patrol the fields in shallow sweeps.

Early spring flooding along the western riverine border brings surprise visits from waders, ducks, snipe, and other waterfowl. When conditions permit, I follow every short foray to Allyn Brook’s banks from the mown perimeter path. Through summer and fall, I crisscross the meadow to observe pollinators and their spidery predators while keeping an eye to the ground for frogs, turtles, salamanders, and others. I enjoy my leisurely wander, always hoping to add to my own list—currently 115—of the more than 160 species of birds recorded at “Frederick White Farm—Durham Meadows” on eBird.