Connecticut Ornithological Association | COA

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Owl Prowls
2026-02-04 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-05 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | CT
RTP ESTUARY CENTER:

Owl Prowls

January 7, 8, 15, 22, 28, & 29
February 4 & 5

All walks are 5:30 – 7:30 pm

When the sun goes down and we’re settling in for the evening, owls are just starting their day. Winter is one of the best times of year to look for these fascinating birds, as many are already nesting, looking for mates, and establishing territory. We’ll look and listen to these incredible birds and learn what makes them unique in the bird world. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and binoculars, and bundle up! Walks will be after sunset, exposure to cold and wind is possible depending on the weather. Appropriate for ages 10 and up

$15 for members/$20 for non-members.

Connecticut College Arboretum Walks are free for CT Audubon & Arboretum members/$10 for non-members.

– Walk at Fenwick will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt terrain. No restrooms on site.
– Walk at High Hopes will be approximately .5 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

Walk at Clark Park will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

– Walk at the Connecticut College Arboretum will be approximately 0.5-1 miles on level dirt and grassy terrain. No restrooms on site.

Wednesday, January 7 at Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook – Register Here

Thursday, January 8 at High Hopes, Old Lyme – Register Here

Thursday, January 15 at Clark Park, Old Saybrook – Register Here

Wednesday, February 4 at Fenwick Grove, Old Saybrook – Register Here

Thursday, February 5 at the Connecticut College Arboretum, New London – Register Here

Audubon CT Greenwich: Feeder Watch Fridays
2026-02-06 15:00 - 15:45, 2026-02-13 15:00 - 15:45, 2026-02-20 15:00 - 15:45 | Greenwich Audubon, 613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT, 06831, United States
The winter months are the perfect time to become acquainted with our resident songbirds. Come join us for this recurring program on Friday afternoons where Audubon Naturalist Ryan MacLean will point out the species of birds coming to our Learning Center’s bird feeder station and provide tips on both identifying and feeding them.
We’ll also share how to participate in Project FeederWatch—a winter-long community science survey of the birds that visit feeders in your backyards, parks, offices, and other areas. You and your family can participate by counting the birds you see in your backyard and submitting them to the Project FeederWatch website. We will provide identification guides to backyard birds and information on how you can take part in Project FeederWatch and even submit a checklist of our own at the end of the program!
All ages are welcome including children after school and senior citizens. Our building is ADA accessible so wheelchairs and mobility devices can be used.
This IN-PERSON program has a limited capacity and will be held indoors.
Registration is FREE but tickets MUST be purchased in advance through this online ticket sales page.
Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
Upon arrival please check in at the front desk and proceed to our Learning Center bird feeder window.
For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353

Audubon CT Greenwich: Greenwich Audubon at Teatown Eagle Fest
2026-02-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-On-Hudson, NY, United States
Join us—along with many local environmental organizations—at Croton Point Park for Teatown’s Annual EagleFest, a beloved winter tradition celebrating Bald Eagles and the incredible wildlife of the Hudson River Valley.
The 22nd Annual Teatown Hudson River EagleFest is an all-day celebration at Croton Point Park!
Event Highlights

Live bird shows featuring birds of prey
Guided bird walks with opportunities to view eagles through spotting scopes
Heated tents with educational displays and exhibits
Hands-on crafts and games for children
Food trucks and more throughout the day

Bald Eagles return to the Hudson River each winter, offering an incredible opportunity to observe these majestic birds during their seasonal migration. We look forward to celebrating together in this special setting.
Snow Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026

Menunkatuck Audubon: 2026 Legislative Policy Priorities
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:15 | Online, CT, United States
This year the Connecticut State Legislature is meeting in a “long session”. Audubon has several areas in which legislation is sought to protect birds and the places they need. Among these are legislation regarding:

Regulating neonicotinoids for non-agricultural use
Expanding nature based solutions
Protecting vulnerable communities from climate change by supporting urban forestry and community interest in tree planting and maintenance, parks, and/or community gardens in densely populated areas

Join us as we host Robert LaFrance, Director of Policy for Audubon Connecticut, for a discussion of these and other legislative initiatives and learn what you can do to help getting them passed. Before joining Audubon, Rob had a long career with DEEP as its legislative liaison and brings long relationships with legislators to Audubon.
Register to get Zoom link.

Menunkatuck Audubon: 2026 Legislative Policy Priorities
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:15 | Online, CT, United States
This year, the Connecticut State Legislature is meeting in a “short session.” Audubon is advocating for several pieces of legislation to protect birds and their habitats. These include efforts regarding:

Regulating neonicotinoids for non-agricultural use

Classify second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides as restricted-use pesticides

Expanding nature-based solutions

Protecting vulnerable communities from climate change by supporting urban forestry and community interest in tree planting and maintenance, parks, and/or community gardens in densely populated areas

Join us as we host Robert LaFrance, Director of Policy for Audubon Connecticut, for a discussion on these and other legislative initiatives and learn what you can do to help get them passed. Before joining Audubon, Rob had a long career with DEEP as its legislative liaison and brings extensive relationships with legislators to Audubon.

Hartford Audubon Society: Monthly Meeting
2026-02-10 19:00 - 21:00 | St James Episcopal Church, 1018 Farmington Ave,, West Haven, United States
Feb 10, 2026 – Tue 7:30 pm – Social Time at 7:00pm
St James’s Episcopal Church,1018 Farmington Ave, WH
Speaker: Connor Hogan: Director, McLean Game Refuge
McLean Game Refuge: Managing For Biodiversity
Discover the McLean Game Refuge of today with Director Connor Hogan! Join us for a better understanding of what goes into managing for biodiversity on this special property, which encompasses ~4,410 acres.
Alison Wilcox Speakers@HartfordAudubon.org 860-707-5907 T

CT Audubon EcoTravel: Birding the Rhode Island Coast
2026-02-11 09:00 - 17:00 | Rhode Island Coast, Napatree Point, Westerley, RI, United States
CT AUDUBON ECO TRAVEL:

February 2026

Birding the Rhode Island Coast
Wednesday, February 11 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Spend the day cruising the Rhode Island coast, visiting Charlestown Breachway and Napatree Point. Take the opportunity to see this summertime destination without the tourists, when wintering birds are abundant. These two locations are always full of birdlife, including Snowy Owl.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.

CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm: Love Birds - Avian Courtship
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:00 | CT Audubon Deer Pond Farm, 57 Wakeman Hill Road, Sherman, CT, 06784, United States
Love Birds: Avian Courtship (via Zoom)

February 12, 7-8 PM, Free,

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, learn some of the fascinating courtship behaviors of birds. Avian scientist and Sanctuary Manager of Deer Pond Farm Lori Lichtenauer will share an overview of how male birds engage in dangerous and extreme acts all to attract a mate. She will discuss the evolutionary history behind water dancing grebes, food bearing waxwings, and sky-diving eagles. We will also discuss how birds promote pair bonding with their mates, which birds mate for life, and which ones mate for a season. Suggested donation $5.

Click here to register for the Love Birds: Avian Courtship Zoom program.

Audubon CT Greenwich: Great Backyard Bird Count at Grass Island Park
2026-02-13 12:00 - 13:30 | Grass Island, Greenwich, Grass Island Road, Greenwich, CT, United States
Join Audubon Naturalists as we count waterbirds and land birds in Greenwich Harbor as part of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Ducks, geese, loons, and gulls are some of the birds that we expect to see as they spend the winter on Long Island Sound. You will also get to help submit our findings to the bird count website and learn how you can submit your backyard counts too!
This IN-PERSON program has a limited capacity of 30 participants and will be held entirely outdoors.
Restrooms will not be available so please plan accordingly.
Tickets MUST be purchased in advance through our online ticket sales page. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day of the program. Please be prepared to show proof of your ticket registration, either as a printed copy of your registration receipt or your registration confirmation email on your phone.
– Program is free of charge but suggested donations are encouraged to support Audubon’s bird conservation efforts. We greatly thank you for your generosity and support of birds!
– RSVP is required.
– All ages welcome.
– Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
– We will meet you in the first parking lot on your RIGHT after turning onto Grass Island Rd.
– For questions, please contact Ryan MacLean at Ryan.MacLean@audubon.org or 203-930-1353.

Audubon Shop: Eagle Watch on the CT River
2026-02-14 08:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-21 08:00 - 13:00 | Eagle Landing State Park, 14 Little Meadow Rd, Haddam, CT, United States
Audubon Shop:
Eagle Watch on the Ct River:

Join us for an Winter Eagle Watch on the CT River, and get outside to see the wonders right here in our own backyard! –

February 14 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
February 21 @ 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Winter’s cold brings dozens of Bald Eagles down the Connecticut River from Canada in search of ice – free fishing. In recent years, over 50 eagles have wintered on the lower Connecticut River. Their 6 – 8 foot wing span make the Bald Eagle the largest predator in North America.

Leader Jerry Connolly of The Audubon Shop will help participants spot eagles from a variety of locations on the river, and will discuss the bird’s natural history on this land – based trip. We’ll also spot ducks, birds of prey, songbirds and whatever else comes into view.

The Bald Eagle’s recovery in our state (since there were none occurring in CT in the 1950’s) is considered a major environmental victory. It is now estimated that up to 100 eagles winter in Connecticut, from December to early March, along major rivers and at large reservoirs. The number of wintering eagles has been increasing slowly, and depends on the severity of each winter.

The natural year-round habitat of bald eagles is near lakes, marshes, rivers, or seacoasts, where there are tall trees nearby for nesting and roosting and fish for eating. Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish, but they also are opportunistic predators and scavengers that will eat anything that can be caught easily or scavenged, such as waterfowl, small and large mammals, and livestock carrion. In addition, they have a reputation of being thieves, and can be seen robbing other raptors or gulls of their catch.

A ticket makes a great gift!

There is little to no hiking on this tour. We simply drive from spot to spot, park, and walk down to the river. Each car will get paper directions to follow along, it’s EASY!

**Bring your binoculars and camera!

Binoculars may be rented for $4.00 each, please call the shop to reserve.

Questions about our Eagle Watch on the CT River, give us a ring! 203-245-9056

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please follow instructions.

Choose a lunch
Call us with a credit card to reserve your spot

Participants MUST pre-register, and may call us with a credit card to reserve a spot. 203-245-9056

Your $33 ticket includes a delicious soup-of-the-day and sandwich luncheon at Otter Cove Restaurant in Old Saybrook, CT.
Please pick one of the following for each person in your group, before you give us a ring:

1. Pulled Pork Sandwich

2. Cheeseburger

3. Chicken Caesar Salad

4. Veggie Melt Sandwich (with cheese)

Included: coffee or tea, soup of the day and sandwich.

Not included: other beverages and gratuity.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carpool with Jerry to 5 unique and excellent viewing spots along the river. (This is not a boat trip).

*Where and when to meet?

It depends on where you’re coming from.

*The Audubon Shop, 907 Boston Post Rd in Madison CT at 7:45am

-OR-

*At the first location on the river in Haddam, Eagle Landing State Park, at 8:30am

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Directions to Eagle Landing State Park for those who live farther away from Madison:

– RT9 to Exit 7

– (Long 2 mile exit ramp)

– Left at stop onto RTS 82 & 154

– Right at first light onto RT 82

– Follow towards Haddam Bridge

– Take the last driveway on the right BEFORE the bridge into Eagle Landing State Park

Menunkatuck Audubon: Eagle Watch at Shepaug Dam
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Shepaug Dam, River Rd., Southbury, CT, United States
The Shepaug Dam Bald Eagle Observation Area has provided visitors with views of wintering Bald Eagles for 30 years. The Shepaug Hydroelectric Station keeps the water below the dam to be ice-free in winter and the churning water brings fish close to the surface making it a place that Bald Eagles are able to find food in the coldest of winter.
We will be at the observation area for about an hour. There are no facilities besides porta-potties. Dress warmly in layers. Bring lunch, binoculars, and cameras.
The drive time between Shepaug Dam and the Menunkatuck chapter towns is between 45 and 75 minutes.
Space is limited to 20 participants so reservations are required. For more information email Carl Harvey at carl@menunkatuck.org.

Audubon CT Bent of the River: Great Backyard Bird Count Hike
2026-02-14 09:30 - 11:00 | 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT. 06488, 185 East Flat Hill Road, Southbury, CT, 06488, United States
Join Allison Middlemass, Coordinator of Community Conservation Programs, for the Great Back Yard Bird Count Hike. During the GBBC, people from around the world count wild birds on the same weekend and then submit their data online for scientists to use in their research. Here at Bent of the River we will count the birds as we hike the property. Binoculars will be provided for participants to borrow during the hike. We will meet at 9:30 AM in our visitor parking lot.

Program Fee: Free
Pre-registration is required by Noon on Friday, February 13, 2026 (space is limited)
Handicapped parking by the barn
Accessible bathroom on site
Please wear appropriate footwear
For questions, please contact Allison Middlemass at allison.middlemass@audubon.org or 203-405-9115 x115

Audubon CT Sharon: Great Backyard Bird Count with The Sharon Land Trust
2026-02-14 10:00 - 11:15 | Hamlin Preserve, 19 Stonehouse Road, Sharon, 06069, United States
Join Sharon Audubon Naturalist, Bethany Sheffer, and Sharon Land Trust Stewardship Assistant, Sophie Lake-Ginouves, for a scenic winter hike and bird count on the Sharon Land Trust’s striking Hamlin Preserve. Each year, the Great Backyard Bird Count invites everyday people to watch, count, and submit their data during mid-February on the birds they see and hear in their backyards. This data helps scientists better understand bird populations across the globe and inform conservation efforts. If you enjoy winter hiking and watching birds, then don’t miss this opportunity to join us!

Fee: FREE
Suitable for ages 10+
Online pre-registration required.

Audubon CT Greenwich: For The Love of Birds
2026-02-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Road, Greenwich, 06807, United States
Do you love birds? Join Ryan MacLean, Senior Education Coordinator at Greenwich Audubon Center, at the Cos Cob Library to celebrate these amazing creatures and discover how easy it is to bird watch right in your own neighborhood.
You and your family are invited to take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count, one of the largest community science projects in the world. This global event empowers people everywhere to observe, count, and share information about birds—all from backyards, parks, and neighborhoods.
During this program, Ryan will introduce you to some of the most common winter birds in our area and explain how you can participate in this year’s count over the weekend.
What to Expect

Learn how to identify common backyard birds
Discover how easy it is to bird watch locally
Receive a color chart of common backyard birds
Get help setting up a free eBird account to track bird sightings locally and around the world

To wrap up the program, Ryan will lead a brief outdoor bird walk at Mill Pond, located just across the street from the library, where participants can practice their new skills.
What to Bring:
Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars and dress warmly for cold weather.
The Great Backyard Bird Count for 2026 will take place from February 13–16.

CT Audubon Milford Point: Bird Walks at the Coastal Center
2026-02-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-26 09:00 - 12:00 | Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, 1 Milford Point Rd, Milford, CT, 06460, United States
MILFORD POINT

Bird Walks at the Coastal Center

Join local birding expert Frank Mantlik for winter and spring bird walks! The Coastal Center is a hub for wildlife all times of the year, so we’ll take you to some of our favorite sites around the sanctuary’s salt marsh, woodlands, and sandbar to look for a variety of birds. Beginner birders are welcome. The Coastal Center has a limited supply of binoculars to loan out if needed.

Be sure to check the coastal forecast: we recommend bringing an extra layer, as it tends to get windy at the coast. This walk will last 2-3 hours, so you’ll want to bring good walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and binoculars.

Pricing:
Members, $15
Non-members, $20
Spaces are limited, and pre-registration is required.

February 14, 10:00 a.m.: Register Here!

February 26, 9:00 a.m.: Register Here!

This walk is subject to cancellation in the event of bad weather. If a walk is cancelled, you will be offered to transfer your registration to a rescheduled date or receive a refund.

Audubon CT Sharon: Valentine's Day is for the Birds
2026-02-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Sharon Audubon Center, 99 West Cornwall Road, West Cornwall, CT, United States
We love our resident birds and know you do, too. If you would like to show your love for them during Valentine’s Day, join us in making them a special valentine! During this fun afternoon program, you’ll learn what enrichment is and why it’s so important for the health of our resident birds. Afterward, you’ll get to make your favorite bird(s) a special treat. All participants will receive a photo of their enrichment item being presented to their bird of choice after the program. Valentine’s day treats for humans will be served during this fun afternoon!

Fee: $15/adult, $5/child
Suitable for ages 6+
Online pre-registration required.

Audubon CT Greenwich: Owl Prowl at Montgomery Pinetum
2026-02-14 17:00 - 18:30 | Montgomery Pinetum, Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St, Cos Cob, 06807, United States
The winter months are a magical time to possibly hear or see the resident owl species of Connecticut. Join Greenwich Audubon naturalist Ryan MacLean in partnership with the Greenwich Botanical Center in the Montgomery Pinetum for a special evening program to learn about and search for our nocturnal avian predators. The program will start with an indoor slide show in the Greenwich Botanical Center Main Building where you will learn about owl life history, the species that call our region home both year-round and during the winter as well as how you can help protect owls in your neighborhood habitats.
Following this indoor portion, we will quietly venture outside to listen and look for owls on the grounds of Montgomery Pinetum. While hearing or seeing owls is far from guaranteed, Ryan will guide the group on how to safely look and listen for these birds in areas of appropriate habitat.
This program also coincides with Cornell’s Great Backyard Bird Count and you will learn how to submit checklists of birds you see, including owls to this weekend-long global bird survey!
Program Fees: $20 Suggested Donation for GBC/Audubon Non-Members | Free for GBC/Audubon Members
There is a strict capacity limit of 20 people so please register in advance.
Greenwich Botanical Center is located in the Montgomery Pinetum at 130 Bible St, Cos Cob CT approximately 20 minutes from the Greenwich Audubon Center.

CVH Animal Sanctuary: Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
2026-02-15 09:00 - 11:00 | Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Rd., Newtown, CT, 06470, United States
Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
Date: February 15, 2026
Time: 9am-11:00am
Location: CVH Animal Sanctuary, 8 Commerce Road, Newtown (Catherine’s Learning Barn)
Expert: Ken Elkins, Director of Education & Partnerships
All ages (children must be accompanied by a registered adult)
FREE
Registration limited to 25 participants
*For the safety and comfort for all, no pets are allowed.
Join us for a special naturalist-led bird walk to participate in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count! Learn basic bird identification and how to be part of this global citizen science project. An exciting way to observe and count the birds spending the winter at the sanctuary while making a difference. All skill levels are welcome to contribute valuable data. Binoculars will be provided.
https://www.cvhfoundation.org/event/great-backyard-bird-count/

CT Audubon, Deer Pond Farm: Shepaug Eagle Viewing
2026-02-15 09:00 - 2026-03-15 13:00 | Shepaug Dam, River Rd., Southbury, CT, United States
DEER POND FARM:

Shepaug Eagle View in Southbury, CT. Now in its 40th season, this renowned winter birding destination is open from December 24, 2025 through March 15, 2026, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This is an ideal destination for birders, families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Live Birds of Prey programs offered on most days operating.

Admission is free, Reservations required; please register for directions and more information.
See https://ctaudubon.org/deer-pond-farm-programs-classes/

CT Audubon Pomfret: Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
2026-02-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Plainfield Fish Hatchery, 145 Trout Hatchery Road,, Plainfield, CT, 06374, United States
Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walk
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Enjoy a late winter bird walk at the Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery, located in Plainfield.

Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Registration is required for the following programs. Please register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz at arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948.

RESCHEDULED: Western CT Bird Club: February Monthly Meeting - Bird Migration Program
2026-02-19 18:45 - 20:30 | Online, CT, United States
The WCBC meeting Feb. 19 failed due to technical glitches and now Chris Wood has agreed to reschedule his talk for Tuesday, March 3 at 7:00 pm on Zoom.
Rescheduled Meeting – via Zoom

Title: Bird Migration and Connecticut

Who: Christopher Wood, Past President of the COA

Chris Wood has been a birder and photographer for over 50 years. He has a Master’s Degree in biology and studied under famed ornithologist Dr. Noble Proctor. Chris is retired after a career as a state government executive, a land conservation and management planner with The Nature Conservancy, a municipal planner, and a private land use consultant. He is a past president of the Connecticut Ornithological Association, a founding member of the Western Connecticut Bird Club, and he served as chair of the first Connecticut Breeding Bird Atlas steering committee. Chris now spends much of his time photographing birds and nature, traveling to the neotropics and southwest US to see and photograph as many different hummingbirds as possible, and helping maintain their yard and gardens in Woodbury Connecticut. Chris’s photography can be sampled here: CSWood PhotoSampler

Description: The natural phenomenon of bird migration is easily observed and studied in Connecticut due to the state’s location, geography, and habitat diversity. Wood will present an overview of bird migration, with particular consideration of where Connecticut fits into the big picture of bird conservation and the enjoyment of the hobby of birding. With a state list of over 450 birds, many of which are migrants through the state, Connecticut birders have the opportunity to see well over one quarter of all the bird species found in the United States. Sustaining necessary habitats for breeding birds and migrants in our highly developed state is an important goal for land conservation efforts and this presentation discusses efforts and strategies to attain that goal.

Free and open to the public.

To request the link, please contact Chris Wood at cwood022@gmail.com.

Cancelled: New Haven Bird Club: White Memorial Foundation - Field Trip
2026-02-21 08:00 - 11:00 | White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd,, Litchfield, CT, 06759, United States
Cancelled due to potential inclement weather and slippery walking and driving conditions
Field Trip – White Memorial Foundation: Birding and Tracking – Craig Repasz
February 21, 2026 @ 8:00 am – 11:00 am at White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield
White Memorial Foundation is a 4,000-acre nature preserve. The diverse mixture of habitats includes mature deciduous and evergreen forests, as well as fields of tall grass, weeds, and shrubs that are managed for various stages of succession. One of the best birding sites in the state.

Woodcock Nature Center: Winter Birding and Waterfowl Walk
2026-02-21 08:30 - 10:00 | Shadow Lake Preserve, Ridgefield, United States
Saturday, February 21 from 8:30 – 10am​

Shadow Lake, Ridgefield

Come along for a Winter Birding Walk at Ridgefield’s Shadow Lake Preserve! The winter months are a great time to look for and learn about bird species that may not live here year-round. If you tend to assume every duck you see is a Mallard, this walk will change that! Binoculars are recommended as well as supportive shoes – the trail passes through some rocky areas alongside the pond.

This program is in partnership with the Ridgefield Conservation Commission

This event is for adults and families. Registration is free but required.

Register here.

CT Audubon RTP Estuary Center: Winter Bird Walk
2026-02-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road, Madison, CT, United States
Saturday, February 21; 9-11 a.m.

Winter may not seem like the best time to look for birds. However, as the temperature drops, many species can still be found in the state, especially along the coast. Waterfowl seek open water, larks and buntings search for food in open areas, and sparrows seek shelter in brushy areas. We’ll look for the hardy winter birds in some of the best spots in Connecticut. $13 for members; and $18 for non-members.
– The walk at Hammonasset will be approximately 1-1.5 miles on level dirt and paved trails. Exposure to wind, sun, and cold temperatures is possible depending on the weather. Portable toilets on site.

Saturday, February 21; 9-11 a.m. at Hammonasset State Park, Madison – Register Here

Menunkatuck Audubon: Under South African Skies
2026-02-25 20:00 - 21:00 | Online, CT, United States
The southern tip of Africa is one of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world and attracts birders, botanists and mammal enthusiasts from around the globe. Harboring a multitude of endemic birds, the classic African mammals, and a rich and unique botanical heritage, the multi-ethnic nation of South Africa stands out as a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts.
The Cape Peninsula, often called the “Jewel of South Africa”, offers spectacular, wild, rugged scenery that is home to penguins, ostriches, several types of antelope, and the unique “fynbos” vegetation. Further into the interior of the country, the world renowned Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and is home to lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes and more than 500 species of birds.
This program chronicles a journey from the Cape Peninsula up to Kruger National Park with vivid photos of birds, animals and stunning landscapes and describes what it is like to travel in this varied and sometimes distinctly un-African country.
A naturalist and birder for more than thirty years, Gina Nichol first became fascinated with the natural world in rural upstate New York where she spent most of her childhood out of doors. In 2005, Gina founded Sunrise Birding, LLC to offer personalized, authentic, affordable private and small group bird watching and wildlife tours around the world.
Register to get Zoom link.
