Celebrate the Pileated Woodpecker, Connecticut Audubon’s 2026 Bird of the Year
Pileated Woodpecker is Connecticut Audubon’s Bird of the Year for 2026.
January 19, 2026—We’re excited to announce that Connecticut Audubon’s first-ever Bird of the Year is the Pileated Woodpecker, and that we’re holding a special webinar on Tuesday, January 20, to introduce you to this loud and large bird.
The Bird of the Year program is all about celebrating birds, the places they live, and the community of people who care about them. Our members from across the state voted, and they chose the strikingly beautiful and unmistakable (not to mention noisy) pileated woodpecker to represent the importance of education and conservation.
Throughout the year, Connecticut Audubon’s centers and sanctuaries will be putting the spotlight on the Pileated Woodpecker. We’re planning monthly programs and experiences to show how these birds live and behave, and why they are so important to our local history and landscape. To start:
Tuesday, January 20, 6-7 p.m.
Bird of the Year; Pileated Woodpecker
Free introductory webinar
Joe Attwater and Heather Kordula, Connecticut Audubon’s Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Register HERE
Wednesday, February 25, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Pileated Woodpeckers Near and Far with EcoTravel’s Matt Bell.
A free presentation at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, Old Lyme
Register HERE
Pileated Woodpeckers are year-round residents, so celebrating them is also a perfect way to get to know the beautiful local trails and forests where they can be found.
There are many ways to get involved, and we are making sure there is something for everyone.
- Guided woodland walks to see their habitat firsthand.
- In-person talks and hands-on programs for all ages and skill levels.
- Virtual webinars you can tune into from home.
Whether you join us for a hike or watching a presentation online, you’ll have a much deeper appreciation for the Pileated Woodpecker and the forests they call home.
Our hope is that this program encourages everyone to take a closer look at the birds in their own backyards and join us in protecting the habitats that keep them flying.
