What’s New

Avian Influenza in Connecticut: What we know, what you should do

February 23, 2025—People throughout Connecticut are becoming more concerned with avian flu. The information here is what we’ve learned from government agencies and other organizations. It’s subject to change as the situation changes. 

Practical solutions for preventing bird-window collisions at home and in your community: a webinar with Kaitlyn Parkins of American Bird Conservancy

Join us for a February 5 matinee presentation of Young, Gifted and Wild About Birds. Well over 1 billion birds die each year in the U.S. because of building collisions. That estimate comes from a study published in 2024 and it was eye-opening because it was much higher than previous estimates. One of the study’s authors, Kaitlyn Parkins of American Bird Conservancy, will show us which techniques actually work to reduce window crashes and which don’t. This is news you can use for those trying to make a difference for bird conservation.

Young, Gifted and Wild About Birds 2025 to start with UCLA Professor Morgan Tingley, formerly of UConn, discussing the Los Angeles wildfires

January 16, 2025 — Connecticut Audubon’s Young, Gifted, and Wild About Birds series starts its 2025 season with a January 23 Zoom presentation by UCLA professor Morgan Tingley, Ph.D., about the Los Angeles fires and the effects of climate change-induced wildfire on bird populations. Tingley, a former University of Connecticut professor, lives and works in the heart of the area being devastated by wildfires. He’s been studying the effects of fire and smoke on birds and will also have an up-to-date report on the situation in the Los Angeles area.

News Release: Osprey Nation 2024—A Good Year for Ospreys In Connecticut but Trouble Looms to the South

November 18, 2024—Ospreys in Connecticut flourished in 2024. The successful nesting season shows that the local revival of these previously imperiled hawks continues, although with concerns about a more difficult season to the south.

The 2024 Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award Winner: Christina Clayton

October 27, 2024—The Connecticut Audubon Society recognized the long and effective work of Board member Christina Clayton by presenting her with the 2024 Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award, at the organization’s annual meeting on Saturday, October 26, at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme.

Purple Martins, thriving at 5 Connecticut Audubon locations, continue to make a comeback from the threatened list

July 11, 2024 — Purple Martins are thriving this summer at 5 Connecticut Audubon locations — approximately 140 pairs are raising as many as 500 hatchlings. Most of the young birds are still in their nests, so it’s too soon to declare the season a total success. But as of now, it looks like these large swallows are continuing to make a comeback several years after their removal from the state’s threatened species list.

Going birding this weekend? Help protect the shorebirds by giving them plenty of room.

May 23, 2024—There’s plenty of good birding left in Connecticut during spring migration, and of course the Migration Magic Birdathon runs through May 31. If you’re planning to look for birds at the Milford Point Coastal Center over Memorial Day weekend, please time your visit to avoid the sandbar at high tide.

Lights Out Alerts 2024

April 26, 2024—Billions of birds die each year from collisions with buildings. In a country where 30% of the bird population has been lost in recent decades, it’s a serious problem. Migrating birds – confused by city lights at night – are especially vulnerable. But there are a few simple and effective things you can do to help.

Simple changes to the state’s outdoor lighting regulations will make Connecticut safer for birds

April 17, 2024—With spring migration peaking soon, efforts to reduce the number of birds that die when they crash into windows and buildings are at the forefront. Connecticut Audubon and its members are part of the solution. This week we collaborated with the Lights Out Coalition of Connecticut to propose simple changes to the state’s outdoor lighting regulations. Those changes are designed to help birds make it safely into and through the state, without crashing into buildings.

Conference: “Neonics, The New DDT — What You Need to Know About the Pesticides Harming Connecticut’s Birds, Bees, Wildlife & People”

The Connecticut Coalition for Pesticide Reform is organizing a conference for advocates, residents, and government officials interested in reducing the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in the state.

Date and time: March 11, 2024. Noon to 5 p.m.
Place: McCook Auditorium
Trinity College, Hartford

These key issues in 2024 will protect Connecticut’s birds and other wildlife. They need your involvement.

The 2024 session at the Capitol in Hartford is an important opportunity for Connecticut Audubon members and supporters to get involved by being part of a team of conservation advocates. The session starts Wednesday, February 7.

Between now and the end of the session in May, we’re hoping to work with you to contact your elected representatives and others on behalf of Connecticut’s birds and other wildlife. The issues that we think are most important, and where together you and we can have the most impact, are: pesticides, rodenticides, light pollution, and climate.

Summer Camp 2024 Registration Starts Thursday, February 1

Connecticut Audubon summer camps are an excellent balance of fun and discovery. Your kids will explore and thrive in the natural environment. They’ll have up-close encounters with animals, and learn conservation skills to care for local natural resources at home, school, and Connecticut Audubon’s centers and sanctuaries.