News:
Aug. 31: White-tailed Kite still digs Stratford Point Update
White-tailed Kite mania continues for 31st straight day at Stratford Point. First spotted by Dennis Varza on Aug. 1, "hundreds if not thousands of visitors" have traveled to see it and many more are following the story on our Blog. What’s all the excitement about? “This is the first sighting in Connecticut and one of only two that we know of from New England,” said CAS's Frank Gallo. “We’re checking into other records. We’ve heard of one from New York, one from Cape May in New Jersey, and a possible sighting in Pennsylvania. There is supposed to be a documented record for Massachusetts, which would be the only other one for New England.”

An added benefit of all the extra eyeballs, binoculars and scopes trained on Stratford Point is that at least 88 other bird species have been spotted including some real finds -- like an "exceptionally rare" Brown Pelican (seen Aug. 10 and not since) and a Cattle Egret.

Check out the list and if you've visited SP and seen something not listed (or had a "good" sighting at any of our Centers or Sanctuaries) please send us an e-mail.

Above: White-tailed Kite © 2010 Scott A. Vincent. Left: Brown Pelican soars past Stratford Point © 2010 Scott Kruitbosch.

Visit our Blog where CAS's Scott Kruitbosch has done a fantastic job recording the kite's movements. Scott just posted a new 2-minute video (the 4th) on Aug. 29, and there's an amazing assortment of photos (and even a field sketch!) contributed by many people, including of the kite's run-ins with Common Terns and Peregrine Falcons.

Left: White-tailed Kite scratching its head in mid-air © 2010 Scott A. Vincent.

As Scott also blogs: "The word on Stratford Point as a wonderful place to come visit is getting out. So please keep it in mind as a birding destination even after the kite leaves. I am hopeful that the only thing to trigger the kite's departure will be cooler weather."

News:

See video of 13-year old CAS volunteer Alex Burdo,
youngest ever winner of L.L. Bean's "Outdoor Heroes" Award

Visit L.L. Bean's website to read a terrific write-up about Alex and watch a videotaped interview with him.

Alex Burdo, a 13-year-old resident of Fairfield, avid birder (starting at age 6) and active CAS volunteer, is now also the youngest L.L. Bean “Outdoor Hero.” Alex received the award on June 21 at our Birdcraft Sanctuary, surrounded by family and CAS staff and volunteers. Alex also received a $500 gift card and in his honor, L.L. Bean presented Connecticut Audubon Society with a $5,000 donation. “This year L.L. Bean received well over 100 nominations,” said L.L. Bean's Barbara Noe. “And one name rose to the top of the list: Alexander Burdo.” Read more. Alex Burdo and his lantern award, with CAS's Joan Winter, Nelson North, president Bob Martinez and Fairfield Regional Board chair Judy Richardson. Photo by Frazier Bell.

Featured Fall Programs at our Centers

>>at our Birdcraft Museum in Fairfield
(See all our programs and special events. 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, 203-259-0416.)

Nature Nursery -- Ready, Set, Sleep! Who's staying up all winter, who's getting ready to sleep and who's going somewhere else? Discover how nature prepares for winter. For 2-3 year olds accompanied by an actively participating adult. Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. on Oct. 13, 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17. Advance registration required. Program fee (1 child & 1 adult): $12 CAS Members, $16 Non-members. 6-program fee: $66 CAS Members, $90 Non-members.

Bird Banding Demonstrations, Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22, 7:30-8:30 a.m. Our bird banding station's research shows that on average 120+ different species visit our 6-acre Birdcraft Sanctuary as a resting and refueling stop along their migratory route. Discover which birds are stopping over this fall. Advance registration required. Single program fee: $7/person (family max. $21) CAS members, $12/person (family max. $36) Non-members. In case of inclement weather, program is postponed to Thursday.

>>at our Coastal Center at Milford Point
(See all our programs and special events. 1 Milford Point Road, Milford, 203-878-7440.)

Take one of our Guided Family Canoe Tours and explore the 840-acre Wheeler Salt Marsh, on Sat., Sept. 11, 12:30-3 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12, 1:30-4 p.m.; or Sat., Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. CAS naturalists will describe the area's long history and point out the Marsh's many bird species and other wildlife, while you enjoy the beautiful vistas and paddle and relax. Advance registration required. Fees using our canoes for CAS Members: $25/person, $65/canoe (up to 3 people). For Non-members: $35/person, $95/canoe. Fees using your own canoe or kayak: $19 CAS Members, $29 Non-members.

Our "Sea Squirts" programs on Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., are for 3-5 years olds accompanied by an adult. They begin Sept. 9 with "Hoot for Owls!"; Sept. 23, "Going Batty at the Beach!"; Oct. 7, "Falling Leaves"; Oct. 21, "Migrating Monarchs"; Nov. 4, "Wonderful Webs"; Nov. 18, "Traveling Seeds"; and Dec. 2, "Animals in Winter." Each features an outdoor discovery walk or live-animal presentation, stories, songs and crafts. Advance registration required. Single program fee (1 child & 1 adult): $10 CAS Members, $15 Non-members; add $5 for each additional child.

Charles Island Explorations on Wed., Sept. 8, 5 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 12, 8 a.m.; Thurs., Sept. 23, 5 p.m.; and Tues., Oct. 12, 8:30 a.m. Discover the natural history and folklore that make this special place the "treasure" of Milford. Advance registration only. Daily fee: $10/adult, $6/child CAS Members; $15/adult; $10/child Non-Members; $5/seniors.

>>at our Center at Fairfield
(See all our programs and special events. 2325 Burr Street, Fairfield, 203-259-6305, ext. 109.)

Our "Nature Nursery -- Fall in the Forest" series is for 2-4 year olds accompanied by an adult, Mondays, 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22. We'll explore the changes in our Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary during the fall. Each program includes an outdoor exploration, stories and craft. Advance registration required. Program fee (1 adult & 1 child): $12 CAS Members; $16 Non-members. 6-program series: $66 CAS Members; $90 Non-members.

Children in Grades 3-5 can join us for "Science Sleuths & Nature Nuts" on Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon on Oct. 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, 13, 20. Ornithology. Entomology. Ecology. Zoology. Join our teacher-naturalists for this great introduction to the different areas of scientific study. We'll explore Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary from the point of view of a different "-ologist" each week. Advance registration required. Program fee: $12 CAS Members, $16 Non-members. 6-program series: $66 CAS Members, $90 Non-members.

Family Campfire and Goodnight Walk on Fri., Sept. 24, 6:30--8 p.m. Join us for an evening around a campfire with stories and s'mores. We'll take a short walk to experience the sights and sounds of our Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary. Suitable for all ages. Advance registration required. Fee: $7/person (family max. $21) CAS members, $12/person (family max. $36) Non-members.

>>at our Center at Glastonbury
(See all our programs and special events. 1361 Main Street, Glastonbury, 860-633-8402.)

"Pee Wees" programs on Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m. are for 1-3 year olds with an adult, beginning with "Bugs, Slugs, Worms and Life Under a Log!" on Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12; "Native American Customs" on Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23; and "Winter Gift" on Dec. 7. Please pre-register. Fee: $10 CAS members (or a series discount), $13 Non-Members.

"Wees" programs on Mondays, 1-2 p.m. are for 3-5 year olds, beginning with "Bugs, Slugs, Worms and Life Under a Log!" on Sept. 20, 27, Oct. 4, 18; "Things That Go Bump in the Night!" Oct. 25; "Native American Customs" Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22; and "Winter Gift" on Dec. 6. Please pre-register. Fee: $10 CAS members (or a series discount), $13 Non-Members.

Our "Fall Discoverer Series" is for 5-9 year olds. If YOU were an animal, how would you prepare for fall and winter? And how do we mammals handle seasonal change? Each week we'll decide whether to migrate, hibernate or stick around. Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m. on Sept. 14, "Frogs, Toads, Turtles"; Sept. 21, "Backyard Birds & Bugs,"; Sept. 28, "Squirrels & Chipmunks,"; Oct. 5, "Coyotes & Foxes"; and Oct. 12, "Bats!." Please pre-register. Fee: $10 CAS Members (or a series discount), $13 non-members.

Landscaping for Wildlife on Sat., Sept. 18, 3-4 p.m. Find out which native plants and trees can be used in your yards, gardens and business landscaping to attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. Our presenter is Robert Wirtanen, B.S. Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University, AA.S Natural Resource Technician, Central Lakes College, Level IVE Rocky Mountain Raptor Program. Fee: $20 pre-paid, light refreshments.

>>at our Center at Pomfret

(See all our programs/special events. 189 Pomfret St., Rte 169, Pomfret Center, 860-928-4948.)

Saw-whet Owl Banding at 7 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 23, Sat., Oct. 30 and Fri., Nov. 5. It's our fourth year banding Northern Saw-whet Owls as they migrate south: don't miss it! (Our record year was 2007 when we banded 25 different Saw-whet Owls.) Pre-registration required; limit of 20 people per program. Bring your cameras! Program fee: $15 CAS Members, $25 Non-members.

Banders and spectators admire a Northern Saw-whet Owl. Photo by Mara Neville.

Trails For Toddlers, Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2. For children 6 months to 3 years old accompanied by an actively participating adult. We begin with a "Circle Time" of songs, poems and books followed by a short walk on one of Bafflin Sanctuary's trails. Program fee (1 child & 1 adult): $5 CAS Members, $7 Non-members. 6-program series: $25 CAS Members, $35 Non-members.

Bird's-Eye View: Tethered Balloon Rides! Mon., Oct. 11, 4-6 p.m. Have you ever wanted to ride in a a hot air balloon? This is your chance. Head up over the corn maze at Fort Hill Farms in Thompson (Exit 99 off Route 395). Proceeds benefit our Center at Pomfret. Call 860-923-3439 for information and conditions. Fee: $10 per person per ride.

>>at our Trail Wood Sanctuary
(See all our programs and special events. 93 Kenyon Road, Hampton, 860-928-4948.)

After School Nature Club for Grades 2-5 on Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct 6, 13, 20, 3:30-5:15 p.m. If you child needs to blow off steam after school, send them to Trail Wood. We'll fill their afternoons with fresh air and hikes on our 168-acre sanctuary and some lessons on wildlife. 6-program series: $50 CAS Members, $60 Non-members.

Guided Tours of Edwin Way Teale's Trail Wood on Sat., Oct. 9, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. and Sun., Oct. 10, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. Bring family and friends and join us for a leisurely, two-hour walk along the trails that Edwin Way Teale and his wife Nellie named at their former home. Learn how Monument Hill got its name, why the Old Colonial Road is a part of Connecticut's history, what the writing cabin was for and how and why the Teales named the places they traversed almost daily on their 168-acre homestead. Meet in the Visitor's Parking Lot at 93 Kenyon Road in Hampton. Recommended for those 8 years & older (children must be with an adult) who are accustomed to hiking two or more miles. Free although donations are always appreciated.

Special Events

• Sept. 16 at 7 PM, join us for Connecticut Audubon Society's 112th Annual Meeting, at The Pequot Library ( 720 Pequot Ave., Southport). Free admission; light refreshments.  
Our keynote speakers are CAS Conservation Biologist Dr. Twan Leenders and Coastal Center Director Frank Gallo, who will highlight our organization's efforts to instill a life-long appreciation of nature in children of all ages (adults included) through education programs, camps, citizen science initiatives and EcoTravel. Their presentation will be accompanied by some of their stunning photography! A Bay-headed Tanager in Costa Rica is held by a trained (high school student) bird bander; photo © 2009 Dr. Twan Leenders.

• Sept. 17 "Harvest Dinner Under The Stars” Celebrates CT-Grown Foods and Benefits our Center at Glastonbury, starting at 5 PM with a wagon tour of 100-acre Rose’s Berry Farm. More information.

• Sept. 20, our 2010 "Let the Birdies Fly" Golf Tournament and Fundraiser at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, CT. Get player and sponsor information.

• Oct. 1-3, Inaugural "Birds In Their Habitat" Juried Artists’ Preview Party, Exhibit & Sale at our Center at Fairfield, featuring 2010 Artist of the Year James Prosek and Works by 22 Select Artists. Get more information.

• Oct. 14, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group presents “Challenges and Successes: Working Cooperatively to Manage Invasive Plants,” at UConn in Storrs, co-sponsored by Connecticut Audubon Society, to address the importance of native habitats, how invasive species harm them, and why cooperative efforts are vital to understanding and managing our natural landscapes. Keynote speaker Dr. Bernd Blossey of Cornell University will present “The Power of Choice: New Frontiers in Invasive Plant Management and Conservation”; concurrent afternoon sessions will focus on the industry perspective, what’s working, early detection/rapid response, invasives management research, invaded forests, Cooperative Weed Management Areas, and local successes. Get registration & other info.

CAS Conservation Biologist Twan Leenders captures an injured Osprey
that was likely hurt during the tornado that hit Bridgeport on June 24.
Photo © 2010 Scott Kruitbosch. 

If you are interested in seeing what has kept us busy lately and what we will be undertaking during the rest of the summer, check out our blog here. You'll find updates on the breeding bird surveys we are conducting on our wildlife sanctuaries, nature essays by CAS's Frank Gallo, photos and videos of Horseshoe Crab breeding activity at Stratford Point, an account of an Osprey rescue from Pleasure Beach in Bridgeport and, of course, updates on the White-tailed Kite and Brown Pelican spotted at Stratford Point that have cause such a stir. A lot is happening at Connecticut Audubon Society!

Your bird photos and stories

Donald Bodell took this "Strange Bird" photo;

he wrote:

"I found this bird in my yard in Trumbull, CT
and I was hoping you could identify it for me."

It's a Black Vulture, says Miley Bull,
CAS Senior Director of Science and Conservation.

Click here to send us your bird photo(s) (jpegs, please) and stories. We may publish them

on our web site, our blog or on Facebook.

See Western Willett photo by 13-year-old birder and photographer Joey Lounsbury

See American Robin chicks photographed by Kevin M. Doyle

See Piping Plover "Hot Chick" photo by The Zawislinskis

It's Chick Time!

And there's no better time  

To Become a Member or

Renew Your Membership

Support Connecticut Audubon Society's
year-round education, conservation

and advocacy programs that

help protect  bird species** 

and wildlife habitats in Connecticut.

Learn about the Benefits of Membership

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For more information call 203-259-6305 ext. 105

or e-mail our Membership Staff.

**Photo © 2009 James Cutler: An American Kestrel chick, one of 18 born in 2009 in four nesting boxes on our 700-acre Bafflin Sanctuary in Pomfret, is held by a trained CAS bird bander. American Kestrel are listed by CT DEP as a "Threatened" species.

CLEAN ENERGY. It's Real. It's Here. It's Working -- in Connecticut!
Connecticut Audubon Society Members, Supporters and Friends can demonstrate their commitment to a healthy environment by signing up to support clean energy. This campaign is part of a pilot program, developed by the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). Five environmental non-profit organizations are asking constituents to enroll in the "CTCleanEnergyOptions™" program. For every 250 people who sign up from any of the 5 participating organizations, CCEF will donate a 1-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to our Coastal Center at Milford Point, helping to create a system that will generate electricity and provide an educational exhibit for visitors with real-time monitoring available. Sign up for clean energy now! It's good for the birds, it's good for us, it's good for the environment. Get more information.                                                    

Send us your comments and questions.

See a MAP of our 5 Centers and 19 Wildlife Sanctuaries statewide.