Author Archive

Today we wanted to point you to another article, this time detailing a wonderful event that was hosted at our own Birdcraft Museum and sanctuary this past Tuesday. I mentioned it here in the blog on March 16. I am glad that so many people could attend and enjoy it as the issue of native […]

First, here is a message from Frank Gallo, Director of the Coastal Center at Milford Point: I wanted to let everyone know that I’m running a Spain tour 26 September to 10 October, with a great Spanish guide. This will be our third tour together. This year, we’ll be in Gibraltar to experience the incredible […]

Connecticut Audubon Society staff members Frank Gallo and Twan Leenders recently returned from a two-week research stint in Costa Rica with students and staff from three Litchfield high schools. Stay tuned for more information and photographs on our findings! Royal Flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus) — Photo (c) Twan Leenders

We wanted to share the following New York Times article with you: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/science/21birds.html It is titled, “Tweety Was Right: Cats Are a Bird’s No. 1 Enemy”. The article discusses a study that took place in Washington D.C. suburbs on cats and fledgling Gray Catbirds. It states that “Nearly 80 percent of the birds were killed […]

The snowstorm of 1/11-1/12 was truly historic across all of Connecticut and much of New England…the birds? Not so much. First of all, here are snowfall totals for various towns and cities in Connecticut courtesy of the National Weather Service: …LITCHFIELD COUNTY… CORNWALL 28.0 450 PM 1/12 MOHAWK MTN SKI AREA WOODBURY 28.0 500 PM […]

I bet just as many people as birds were surprised to see white everywhere this morning as a minor spring snow fell in Connecticut. While it was not a big deal, especially after what we had from Boxing Day through early February, it was a psychological hit for those of us who revelled in the […]

There have been at least three or four Eurasian Wigeons at Stratford Point this winter. They have been seen on so many days I am starting to think they’re a typical species and not a rare duck. I took a few photos of one that was hanging around late last week. None of the species […]

It is the time of year for American Woodcock display flights, and many have been reported across Connecticut. I spotted the bird in the photos below after it walked across a path in front of me in the Stratford Great Meadows IBA. Wandering around but still watching me Frozen in place It continued away from […]

Where: Birdcraft Museum, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824 When: Tuesday, March 22 at 6:30 Who and what: Michael Corcoran discusses birdscaping, ways in which our landscape choices can provide sanctuary to native songbirds and help restore our native plants. Michael will share some of the steps he took in creating a bird-friendly habitat, utilizing […]

First and foremost, all of our thoughts and prayers are with Japan and its people. The human cost and continuing disaster in the nation is a priority beyond any birds or other environmental damage. As a poli sci guy I have been paying nonstop attention to these horrifying human elements. However, since we are a […]

I found these remains in an area where few people venture in the Stratford Great Meadows IBA last week. The photo is quite graphic, and I definitely advise anyone who cannot stomach such things to skip this entry. If you can take a CSI-like scene then have a look and see what you think it […]

Take a look at this NWS image from an hour ago… Yes, they are coming. Eastern Phoebes, Pine Warblers, Tree Swallows, and more are in those first noticeable batches of migrants. Keep an eye on the radar when we have west or south winds. Image courtesy the National Weather Service

Piping Plover on Long Beach in Stratford Do you have an interest in wildlife?Do you enjoy walking along the beaches of Long Island Sound?Can you spare at least two hours a month to help threatened birds in our state? Please consider volunteering as a piping plover monitor for the US Fish and Wildlife Service! For […]

In this entry I told you about the Connecticut State of the Birds 2011 press conference. It took place last Thursday at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Milan Bull, Senior Director of Science and Conservation and editor of the report delivered critical information on “Conserving our Forest Birds.” The report includes strategies and solutions […]

Here are some upcoming birding classes at Milford Point. A complete listing of classes through June with be on our webpage shortly at www.ctaudubon.org. They are very popular and highly recommended! Instructor/Contact: Frank Gallo, DirectorTo register call Louise at 203-878-7440 x 502; E-mail: lcrocco@ctaudubon.org or fgallo@ctaudubon.org for more information. Sorting Out Bird Songs Tuesday, March […]

It feels like all I have been posting lately has been text, so here are a few quick random photos. The first is from back on February 21 at Stratford Point. Look at how the powerful winds during a squall molded the snow around blades of grass. Second, here is another Eurasian Wigeon at Stratford […]

Yesterday I led the First Wednesday Walk for the New Haven Bird Club. On the first Wednesday of each month they organize a free and public bird walk in a variety of areas. This month it was my own Stratford, including the Stratford Great Meadows Important Bird Area and the CAS managed Stratford Point IBA. […]