Programs & Events at Birdcraft
Bird Banding Demonstrations at Birdcraft
Saturday, Sept. 6 and Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
8 to 10 a.m.
Master Bird Bander Judy Richardson and her team offer a fascinating, up-close view of how bird banding works. Watch as birds are gently captured in the Birdcraft Sanctuary, their measurements are recorded, and they are fitted with an identification band before being released back into the wild, unharmed. Participants may get to release a bird too!
Bird banding enables researchers to track and study individual birds, providing valuable data on migration patterns, behavior, lifespan, and reproductive success. This information is crucial for understanding bird populations and guiding conservation efforts. Connecticut Audubon has operated a bird banding station at Birdcraft since the 1970’s. Volunteers, licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have captured and documented more than 18,000 birds there.
Pre-registration is required. Cost: $10 per person per session.
This fee goes to support Birdcraft and its mission to study and protect birds.
For Bird Banding on September 6, please register here.
For Bird Banding on September 20, please register here.
Banding at Birdcraft is conducted under a federal Bird Banding Permit. Visitors should not handle birds they see in the mist nets at Birdcraft. This event takes place at Connecticut Audubon’s Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT.
Birdcraft Family Day – The World of Warblers
Common Yellowthroat by Mike Budd/USFWS
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Drop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dozens of species of Warblers visit Birdcraft, and each species sings their own songs. Join us to build and decorate your own recycled wood Warbler model to take home. For kids up to 10 years accompanied by a participating adult.
Fee (per model kit): Members $13, Non-members $15.
Pre-registration required. Please register here.
Please wear art-appropriate clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Birdcraft Family Days are sponsored by Richard Wrightman Design.
Birdcraft Family Day – Clever Corvids
Blue Jay by Richard Stone
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Drop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Crows and Blue Jays are not just some of the smartest birds in Connecticut, they’re some of the smartest animals in the world! Join us to build and decorate your own recycled wood Corvid model to take home. For kids up to 10 years accompanied by a participating adult.
Fee (per model kit): Members $13, Non-members $15.
Pre-registration required. Please register here.
Please wear art-appropriate clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Birdcraft Family Days are sponsored by Richard Wrightman Design.
Birdcraft Family Day – Winter Woodpeckers
Pileated Woodpecker by Grayson Smith USFWS
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Drop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You’ve heard Connecticut’s Woodpeckers drumming on dead trees, which they do to attract mates or establish their territory. Join us to build and decorate your own recycled wood Woodpecker model to take home. For kids up to 10 years accompanied by a participating adult.
Fee (per model kit): Members $13, Non-members $15.
Pre-registration required. Please register here.
Please wear art-appropriate clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Birdcraft Family Days are sponsored by Richard Wrightman Design.
Birdcraft Family Day – All About Owls
Snowy Owl by Hank Golet
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Drop in from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
From the Great Horned Owl to the tiny Saw-whet Owl, Connecticut is home to all sizes and shapes of Owls! Join us to build and decorate your own recycled wood Owl model to take home. For kids up to 10 years accompanied by a participating adult.
Fee (per model kit): Members $13, Non-members $15.
Pre-registration required. Please register here.
Please wear art-appropriate clothing and footwear. This program is held at the Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
Birdcraft Family Days are sponsored by Richard Wrightman Design.
