Schedule:

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

7:00 p.m: Zoom
The Connecticut Senator Who Helped Save America’s Birds
An hour-long presentation by Will McLean Greeley, author of A Connecticut Yankee Goes to Washington, a new biography of U.S. Senator George P. McLean, a key figure in the effort to pass the first Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918.

Friday, May 19, 2023

10:30 a.m - 11:30 a.m: Backyard Birding for Adults at the Center at Fairfield
Learn the basics of backyard birding, including how to identify birds by sight and sound, who is at the feeder during each season and what their feeding habits are.? Also covered will be bird characteristics, ways to entice birds to your feeder, what feeders and seed to use, and where to place feeders for bird safety and best viewing. This indoor program includes a PowerPoint presentation, and the chance to view samples of bird feeders and seed that can be used to attract birds to your backyard. Members $10, Non-members $15. re-registration required. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.

5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Bird Walk at Oswegatchie Hills Preserve, Niantic
Kick off our Migration Madness Weekend early! Located along the Niantic River, the upland forests of the Oswegatchie Hills Preserve are the perfect spot for migrating songbirds to stop to refuel and rest. We’ll search for warblers, vireos, tanagers, and more among the trees and along the edges of Clark Pond during one of the best weekends of birding in CT!

6:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: 90 Bird Day (17th Annual)
Our goal is to hear or see at least 90 species of birds in ten hours or less. We’ll be visiting many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center at Pomfret. Interesting past sightings include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and a snack. Fee: $25 CAS members; $50 non-members. Participants meet at the Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Street, Pomfret. Please register for this event by emailing [email protected] or by calling 860-928-4948.

10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m: Re-dedication of the Hartford Urban Bird Treaty
Join us at Keney Park in Hartford on Friday, May 19, for the official 2023 rededication of Hartford’s Urban Bird Treaty — a multi-organization plan to improve bird habitat in the city and offer more opportunities for city residents to learn about and enjoy birds. The rededicated plan updates the original 2011 Hartford Urban Bird Treaty with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It will help neighborhoods learn from, collaborate with, and care for the benefits of nature in city parks and along stream corridors.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

8:00 a.m: Birds and Bagels at the Center at Fairfield
Spring migration will be in full swing in the shrubs, wetland and forest habitats of the Center’s Wildlife Sanctuary. Connecticut Audubon’s Educator/Naturalist Dave Havens will lead this walk for ages 12 and up, seeking out a wide range of bird species such as Chestnut-sided Warblers, Indigo Buntings and more. Afterwards, enjoy a light breakfast of bagels, muffins and coffee. Members $15, Non-members $20. Pre-registration required. Minors need to be accompanied by a participating adult. Once registered, participants will need to complete a waiver. This program will be held at Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield.

8:00 a.m: Early Morning Migration Madness at Milford Point
Join Ken Elkins on this 2 hour tour of the marsh, grounds, and sandbars at the Coastal Center.  We’ll be in search of a diversity of shorebirds, terns, raptors, and songbirds. The terrain is flat and sandy, and might be wet. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen/insect repellent.

8:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m: Spring Migration Walk
Connecticut College Arboretum, New London
Native birds need native plants, and they find plenty of them at the Connecticut College Arboretum! In the forests, we will search for Scarlet Tanagers, Veerys, and numerous warblers. We’ll watch swallows feed on insects over the pond, and hummingbirds feeding on the many native flower species. Best for ages 13 and up. Free program however registration is required. Limited to 10 participants. Free for members of CT Audubon and the CT College Arboretum; $10 non-members.

8:00 a.m - 10:00 a.m: Migration Madness Bird Walk at Deer Pond Farm
Angela Dimmitt, local birding expert and president of the Western CT Bird Club, will be leading a bird walk at Deer Pond Farm in support of CT Audubon Society’s Migration Madness – Birdathon. This is peak migration time for many beautiful warblers and a great opportunity to add to your bird list. This two hour (+) guided bird walk will take participants to various habitats to see as many birds as possible here. Come join in the fun in support of a great environmental conservation cause! This program will be held at Deer Pond Farm at 57 Wakeman Hill Rd, Sherman. $10 members, $20 non-members.

1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m: Family Fun event at the RTP Estuary Center
Join us for an afternoon of family fun along the banks of the Lieutenant River! Enjoy bird themed games, activities, and art. At 3pm we will welcome local band Sunny Train! Suggested donation of $20 per family. Registration recommended.  All ages welcome!

9:00 a.m: Bird Banding Demonstration
Watch Andy and fellow banders up close. They’ll catch various songbirds, record data, and safely release them. Participants may have a chance to release a bird. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Participants meet at the Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Street, Pomfret. Please register for this program by emailing [email protected] or by calling 860-928-4948.

Sunday, May 21, 2023

8:00 a.m: Early Morning Migration Madness at Milford Point
Join Ken Elkins on this 2 hour tour of the marsh, grounds, and sandbars at the Coastal Center.  We’ll be in search of a diversity of shorebirds, terns, raptors, and songbirds. The terrain is flat and sandy, and might be wet. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen/insect repellent.

8:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m: Bird Walk at the RTP Estuary Center
Though only 5 acres, the diverse habitats of the RTPEC have hosted a wide array of bird species, and provides an important stopover site for migrating songbirds. Join us as we search for the spring migrants in one of CT Audubon’s newest sanctuaries.

8:00 a.m: Bird Walk at the Smith Richardson Preserve, Westport
Stefan Martin will lead a walk at this preserve, the location of a major habitat restoration project. It’s a magnet for migrating birds.

8:00 a.m: Bird Banding Demonstration
Birdcraft, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield
Free. No registration required. Stay as long as you want. Watch banders up close. They’ll catch various songbirds, record data, and safely release them. Participants may have a chance to release a bird.  Participants meet at the Birdcraft Museum  314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield. The demonstration will not happen if it is raining.

10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m: Family Bird Walk at Rocky Neck State Park, East Lyme
Walk the sandy beaches and explore the various habitats on our Family Bird Walk! Shorebirds can be seen on the beach and marsh, and songbirds flit about the brush and in the woods. The trails are kid friendly, and there’s always lots to see! Suitable for ages 6 and up!  Children 10 and under free.

7:00 a.m - 9:00 a.m: Beginners Bird Walk
If you’re new to bird watching, this walk, led by our volunteer Aaron, is for you! Many of the colorful spring birds will be back. Expect to see Yellow, Blue-winged, and Black-and-White Warblers. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members. Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Street, Pomfret. Please register for this walk by emailing [email protected] or by calling 860-928-4948.

8:00 a.m: Nightingale Forest Preserve (North) Bird Walk
Explore this new Wyndham Land Trust preserve. We can expect to see Black-throated Blue Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Broad-winged Hawk. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Meet at the Center at Pomfret, 218 Day Street, Pomfret. Please register for this walk by emailing [email protected] or by calling 860-928-4948.

3:00 p.m: Stratford Point
Here’s a rare opportunity for a guided bird walk of our newest preserve, Stratford Point. Stefan Martin, Connecticut Audubon’s conservation manager, will lead the group. Reservations are a must.

3:00 p.m: Late afternoon Migration Madness at Milford Point
Join Frank Mantlik on this 2 hour tour of the marsh, grounds, and sandbars at the Coastal Center.  We’ll focus our search of a diversity of shorebirds, terns, raptors, and will notice a surge in the activity of songbirds near the water feature as they feed before their next night of migration. The terrain is flat and sandy, and might be wet. Bring binoculars, water, sunscreen/insect repellent.

Date: May 16 - 21, 2023

Location:

Various Venue
Fairfield, CT 06824

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