A Day At The Beach: Something For Everyone (With Photos And Video)

There is so much to do here.

I was trying to decide what to focus on and couldn't choose just one thing.  We enjoy Hammonasset Beach State Park in so many ways - that's part of what it makes it such a great destination for everyone.

I start most of my camping days with a walk along the beach and boardwalk.  As I approach the beach, the killdeer are calling loudly, there are gulls dropping hermit crabs and mussels on the asphalt, and   heron,egrets, and ibis stalking in the marsh.  Once to the beach, the terns are flocking and diving, the osprey pants are teaching their young to fish, and the gulls are crabbing and fishing.  From the boardwalk, even the casual observer can spot thrushes, cardinals, mockingbirds, warblers, and bunnies.

With serious observation, there are literally hundreds of species to be spotted.   My family  keeps a life list for Hammonasset, birds seen in the park.  

We use use the Birds of Hammonasset Checklist published by Menunkatuck Audubon for keeping our record.   You can pick a copy up in the Nature Center. want to learn more about birding? Come along on a guided walk some morning from the Nature Center.

On the way up to Meigs Point the other day,  I was taken by the variety of activities going on.  

There was a photographer with a very serious lens focused on an osprey platform, dog walkers, beach goers unloading their gear, fishermen heading out to the jetty, cyclists, runners and walkers on the trail, a dad and sons with binoculars and bird guides, kite fliers and even a roller skier.  All these in a matter of minutes.  There was a summer camp group, trekking from the beach to the Nature Center for live animal show by Ranger Russ and staff.  

Later in the day, from the westernmost beach,  the observations continue.  There are those huddled under an umbrella and wrapped in a towel next to oiled sun worshippers. Kids digging in the sand, burying each other, playing in the surf, shell collecting, and passing frisbees.  There's the fellow in his waders searching in the water with his metal detector for lost treasure.  Theres the fishermen - surf casting and fishing from the jetty.  In the water there are swimmers, waders, rafters and ball catchers.  What do I like to do on the beach?  Sit under an umbrella with a good book and take breaks for a dip in the water.  

As the day comes to a close, there is the spectacular view of the night sky to marvel at.  

With so little light pollution in the campground, the stars are breathtaking.   It's a sight no planetarium could replicate. We've learned some basic constellations over the years and have  contests to count shooting stars later in the summer when the meteor showers arrive. Keep an eye out for announcements of special stargazing nights at the Nature Center.

I said it the first time I wrote, and I'll say it again: Hammonasset is a Connecticut treasure.   We are all so lucky.

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