Birdcraft Museum
The Summer Camp Brochure Is Here!
Take a look at the Summer Camp brochure hot off the presses. Be sure to check out our new Junior Science Lab for ages 10 to 14. Registration begins February 13th. For the brochure and registration instructions click here. For the Authorization for Administration of Medication click here. For the Medical Form click here. The link for online registration will be posted here on February 13th. For questions regarding camp call 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
Birdcraft Musuem to begin Renovations
The Birdcraft Museum will begin interior renovations this winter. “This project has been in the planning stage for several years and we are now in a position to proceed with a phased approach to not only restoring the museum from a historical standpoint, but more importantly, bringing it into the 21st century of citizen science.” said Nelson North, Director, Fairfield Operations. “The completion of this project, over the next several years, will serve as a focal point for Connecticut Audubon Society’s mission of conserving Connecticut’s bird populations and habitat through science based education programs and advocacy.” The project will include new state of the art interactive exhibits focused on birds and their habitats. Restoration will also include the refurbishing of the museum’s dioramas which depict wildlife at the turn of the century. The exterior façade and footprint will remain unchanged. The Sanctuary, Visitor Center and the Nature Store will remain open during the renovation period. The Sanctuary is open from dawn to dusk and the Visitor Center will be open Monday- Friday 9:00 – 1:00pm.
General Information
Birdcraft Museum
Founded in 1914, Birdcraft is the first private bird sanctuary in the United States. This six-acre site was originally planted as a refuge to attract, harbor, and feed migratory and resident birds. To date, more than 120 bird species have been recorded on its grounds. Birdcraft’s focus today is offering premier natural history education programs and events for children and adults. It is also a federally-licensed Bird-Banding Station.
The Grounds at Birdcraft
The grounds at Birdcraft include the Birdcraft Sanctuary and the Museum and Caretakers Cottage. The Sanctuary consists of a pond and gardens that have been planted to attract birds and butterflies. A teaching bridge and pavilion have been built over the pond to allow visitors to view the full natural beauty of the sanctuary.
The Museum and Cottage were the original headquarters of the Connecticut Audubon Society. The Museum contains dioramas of Connecticut’s wildlife and habitats as they existed at the beginning of the 20th Century; the Four Seasons Room, which shows bird diversity over the years; the Frederick T. Bedford Collection of African Animals, and changing exhibits. In 2001, the Cottage was redesigned as a Visitor’s Center with a classroom, library and gift shop.
Bird Banding at Birdcraft
Since 1979, Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers, licensed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, have operated a Bird-Banding Station at Birdcraft. More than 18,000 birds have been mist-netted, documented, banded, and released unharmed. The Station operates weekdays in the spring and the fall. Demonstrations are available, by arrangement. Call 203-259-0416 ext. 403 for more information. Click here for more information about Bird Banding
Events at the Birdcraft Museum
Afternoon Adventure: Valentine Delight
Wednesday, February 14 from 4-4:30 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Birdcraft. This “Afternoon Adventures” drop-in program starts with a love bird story. After our story we’ll check the birdfeeders for cardinals and other birds and make heart-shaped treats to feed our winter animal friends. All ages are welcome; children must be accompanied by an actively participating adult. Admission is free but donations are welcome. (Live animals are NOT part of this presentation.)
Nature Nursery: Winter Edition
Nature Nursery: Winter Edition
Children ages 2-4 years accompanied by an actively participating adult.
Wednesdays, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
January 4, 11, 18, 25 February 1, 8, 15
Curious Mind’s Wanted! Willing to sing songs and dance like a snow flake? Ready to tromp in the snow looking for animal tracks? Able to wield a crayon and paintbrush with reckless abandon? If this sounds like your child …..Nature Nursery is waiting!!!
Class size limited. Advance registration required. Program fee includes on child and one adult. Single program fee: $12 CAS Members; $16 Nonmembers. 7-program series fee: $77 CAS Members; $105 Nonmembers. For more information or to register call 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
News and Announcements
Chimney Swift Tower
Renovations on the Chimney Swift Tower are now complete!
Repairs on the Chimney Swift Tower began in the early part of the summer and have now been completed! Be sure to stop by and visit the Chimney Swift Tower which sits at the head of the trail entrance.
The Chimney Tower is a memorial which was built in 1934 to honor Mabel Wright, founder and first president of the Connecticut Audubon Society in 1898. A pioneer conservationist, Mrs. Wright demonstrated a profound influence in the field of nature study and bird protection. After her death and in accordance with her will, the chimney was erected, on the Connecticut Audubon Society’s first bird sanctuary to provide nesting habitat for her favorite bird, the Chimney Swift. (…) >>read more>>
Judy Richardson Receives Certificate of Appreciation From US Department of Agriculture
Judy Richardson, master bird bander and Chairman of the Connecticut Audubon Society Fairfield Regional Board received an International Cooperation Award from the US Department of Agriculture for her significant contribution to the establishment of a Network of Bird Monitoring in Costa Rica. (…) <<read more>>
Calling All Scouts!
We have programs designed just for you. Our experienced naturalists will provide your group with a hands-on learning experience that will fulfill badge requirements for Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Call 203-259-0416 ext. 403 for more information or click here for our Scouts Program brochure.
Bird-Banding Demonstrations
Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers, licensed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, have operated a Bird Banding Station at Birdcraft since 1979. Over 18,000 birds have been mist-netted, documented, banded and released unharmed. The station operates weekdays in spring and fall. Demonstrations are available to any group by appointment.
Call 203-259-0416 ext. 403 for more information.
Education Programs
Environmental Education Programs for Pre-K through Grade 6.
Connecticut Audubon Society offers 10 different educational programs which comply with the Connecticut Science Framework standards. All programs are coordinated with local curriculum objectives and are available for school visits at the Birdcraft Museum. Nearly all of our programs can be brought to your school. All programs include an outdoor component which can be adapted to your schoolyard.
Complete details are available in our School Program Guide.
For questions or to register for a visit please contact our scheduler at 203-259-6305 ext. 109.
CANE Program for Grades K-2.
The Connecticut Audubon Nature Explorers (CANE) Program is offered to students at the Fairfield Public Schools and St. Thomas Parochial School. We train Parent-Volunteers to present three science enrichment programs to their child’s class. Two units are presented in the classroom, leading up to one end-of-year field study activity. We provide some of the materials that will be needed in the classroom.
The Kindergarten fall and winter programs are puppet shows; the spring program is held on school grounds.
The Grade 1 fall program is a puppet show; the winter program is a hands-on activity about bird beak adaptations; the spring program is a trip to the Birdcraft Museum.
The Grade 2 programs include setting up a salt water tank in the classroom; a ‘Mystery in the Marsh’ activity to test students’ detective skills; and a trip to Southport Beach to investigate the variety of wildlife habitats found there.
For more information, contact the CANE Coordinator at each school; or Colleen Noyes, Teacher Naturalist, 203-259-6305, ext., 112 or cnoyes@ctaudubon.org .
Directions
From I-95: Take Exit 21. Go north on Mill Plain Road for about ½ mile. Turn right onto Unquowa Road. After you go under the I-95 overpass, immediately turn left into our driveway and parking lot.
From I-84: Take Routes 25, 8, or 91 south to Merritt Parkway and follow directions below.
From Merritt Parkway (Route 15): Take Exit 44.
Northbound: Turn right onto Congress Street.
Southbound: Turn left at the light; go about 200 yards and turn left onto Black Rock Turnpike; take first right turn onto Congress Street.
From Congress Street: Turn left at first stop sign (Burr Street) and go straight (Burr Street turns into Mill Plain Road) to the 4th stop sign. Turn left onto Unquowa Road. After you go under the I-95 overpass, immediately turn left into our driveway and parking lot.
