Thursday, September 20, 2012

Exciting new birding programs at CAS Coastal Center at Milford Point

Hi all,

Here's a partial list of upcoming birding programs at the Connecticut Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point that I thought might be of interest. Others can be found on our webpage at www.ctaudubon.org, including our popular fall canoeing trips through the Wheeler Marsh, a new adult Yoga Series, and a slew of new family programs. This fall, we've added exciting new Saw-whet Owl banding demonstrations. It's a pilot project and we're looking forward to learning more about their migration habits in our area. We'll have a few more new programs to add to the  mix as well. Stay tuned, and we hope you can join us. Call Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502 to register. See you soon.


Frank Gallo, Director

Sorting Out Bird Songs
Thursdays, September 27 or November 8, 7 – 9 p.m.

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
The weekend of Oct 13/14 (day depends on the weather)

This year our Connecticut “Big Sit!” champion team, the B.W. Surf Scopers, (Jim Dugan, Patrick Dugan, Frank Gallo, 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 13 or 14, 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 to Spain, 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 Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center with 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 www.ctaudubon.org for a pledge form, or contact us at 203-878-7440 x 502.  We appreciate your generous support. Thank you! And stay tuned; we’ll post the results here on our blog.

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.

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


Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation Technician

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