Fall Birding Programs 2012
Sorting Out Bird Songs
Thursday, November 8, 7 – 9 p.m. has been POSTPONED until Tuesday, November 13.
Birdsong can be an incredible aid to finding and identifying birds. Instructor Frank Gallo, an avid student of birdsong, will introduce the basics of birding by ear, using sound resources, as well as the tips, tricks, and even pitfalls to identifying birds by sound. Is that an oriole or a tanager singing? Could that be a hermit thrush calling or a catbird? Come find out, as we delve into the basics of birding by ear. Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point. Fee: $35.
Big Sit! Fundraiser was a Big Success. The team counted 84 species on a day with strong southwest winds, and little in the way of migrants. We’ll have an update posted soon.
The weekend of Oct 12/13 ( day depends on the weather)
This year our Connecticut “Big Sit!” champion team, the B.W. Surf Scopers, (Jim Dugan, Patrick Dugan, Tina Green, and Frank Mantlik) will again defend, and attempt to break, their own Connecticut “Big Sit!” birding record–107 species seen from within a 17-foot circle. This international event, created by New Haven Bird Club, and sponsored by Bird Watchers Digest, will be held either Saturday, or Sunday, October 12 or 13th, with teams competing worldwide. Our goal is to spot as many different species of birds as possible without leaving our seats! This year, Frank Gallo will be away leading a birding trip toSpain, so we’re calling in our trusted Raven Luna-ticks teammates, Fran Zygmont, and David Tripp to join us. Please help support their efforts.
We need your help to make this event the best yet – support our record-breaking quest and the ConnecticutAudubonCoastalCenterwith a pledge. Every dollar you pledge will go directly to support the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point – truly one of the best birding destinations in the Northeast! Your donation is 100% tax deductible; the money is used to support our conservation and education efforts. Please visit our webpage at ctaudubon.org for a pledge form, or contact us at 203-878-7440 x 502. We appreciate your generous support. Thank you! Frank Gallo, Director
Ps. Stay tuned; we’ll post the results on our blog at ctaudubon.blogspot.com
Autumn Owl Prowl
Friday, October 26, 7:15– 9:15 p.m.
When the sun retreats, owls awaken to go in search of prey. Some say that owls are wise, others that they sparked legends of ghosts. Whatever the truth, a night near All Hallows Eve is a fine time to uncover the mysteries of these amazing nocturnal hunters. We’ll learn about a few of the species that co-exist in our area, and then carpool to a local park to try to call one in. It’s a hoot! Fee: $35/person. Call Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502 to register.
Fall Bird Banding and Molt Workshop
Saturday, Oct 27
9:00 a.m.-11 a.m.
Confused by fall warblers and sparrows? Having trouble distinguishing between adult and young birds, and been wondering if and how you could tell the difference? Understanding molt in birds, although a difficult process to master on your own, can be an incredibly powerful tool for helping to age, sex, and identify birds in the field. Here’s a chance to join experienced Master Bird Banders, Sean Graesser and Frank Gallo, for an up close look at songbird molt, as we catch tag and release migrating birds at the Coastal Center. The banding demonstration will be followed by an indoor multimedia presentation with detailed photos of songbird molt. Understanding molt can be fun. Join us.
Meet at the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center at Milford Point. Fee: $25 members; $35 non-members.
Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding Demonstrations
October 19th, 20th, 23rd, 25th, 27th; November Dates (to be determined)
This year, the Coastal Center at Milford Point will begin a pilot Saw-whet Owl banding project to document the migration of these mysterious little owls along the coast. Starting October 19th, we will be running a banding station from 7:00 PM- 10:00 pm, and invite you to join us. This is our first year, so we’re not sure of our success*; any owls caught will be banded, aged and sexed, photographed then released back on their way. While we wait, there will also be discussion on the biology of Saw-whets and other owls in our area. Bring your cameras and dress appropriately for the weather. Preregistration required; call Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502. Leaders: Sean Graesser and Frank Gallo
Cost: $15 CAS Members/ $20 Non-members*
Limit: 15 people per night.
*If no owls are caught on your first visit, you may return on one other night at no charge
