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December 1, 2023
Join us for fresh air, exercise and good company on a hike or snowshoe excursion at Deer Pond Farm. Pace of hike adjusted to participants. Hiking pole and shoe traction devices are helpful.
Register here for the December 1 hike.
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December 2, 2023
While many are dormant in winter, there are still plenty of bird species to see out and about during the colder months, including some of our most charismatic species. We'll bundle up and search for these hardy birds at some of the best birding spots in southern Connecticut.
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December 5, 2023
$5 Members, $10 Non-Members
Winter is a great time of year for birding! With fewer leaves on the deciduous trees, it should be easier to see and hear the many year-round resident birds of the Connecticut forested landscape here at Deer Pond Farm. We will review adaptations that birds and other wildlife have which help them survive the challenges of winter, when food and cover are in short supply.
Register here for the December 5 walk.
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December 9, 2023
Join Trail Wood caretaker and illustrator Laura Tedeschi to make a gift of a stone painted with natural subjects such as birds or insects for the nature lover on your holiday gift list. Materials provided. Registration required and limited to 7 attendees. Fee: $15.00 CAS members; $20.00 non-members. Register at 860-928-4948 or trailwood@ctaudubon.org
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December 9, 2023
December 9, 10 a.m. to Noon
No Fee
Celebrate the early signs of winter on a volunteer-led hike at Deer Pond Farm. As we get closer to the solstice, this faster-paced hike is a wonderful way to warm up while seeing how the forests, meadows, and wetlands are changing. Please dress for the weather.
Register here for the December 9 hike.
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December 9, 2023
Enjoy the season and learn how to create a winter wreath using natural materials! We will provide all wreath making materials, however please bring your own clippers and gloves. Wreath making is suitable for ages 8 and up. Additionally, we will be running bird walks at 10am and 11 am on our sanctuary.
Pre-registration required, limited space available. $20/individual (includes one wreath frame and materials) $15/individual with your own wreath frame.
December 10, 2023
Don't let cooler weather keep you inside! Join Trail Wood caretakers Laura and Paul Tedeschi for a walk on the trails. Each walk begins with an Edwin Way Teale reading. Heavy precipitation or high winds cancels. Register by calling 860-928-4948 or emailing trailwood@ctaudubon.org. Fee: Free for CAS members, $3 non-members.
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December 12, 2023
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December 13, 2023
You’re walking in the woods and you spot a strange bird walking upside-down on a tree trunk ahead. Chances are it is a nuthatch, a bird with one of the more unique feeding behaviors in Connecticut. In this webinar, Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over these groups of birds and which ones you can expect to see in Connecticut.
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December 16, 2023
While many are dormant in winter, there are still plenty of bird species to see out and about during the colder months, including some of our most charismatic species. We'll bundle up and search for these hardy birds at some of the best birding spots in southern Connecticut.
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December 19, 2023
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December 21, 2023
Join us to celebrate the beginning of the sun’s return with readings, candle lighting, “magic fire”, a sampling of international solstice traditions, and a meal of hot vegan chili with warm mulled cider. Potluck items welcome! Stargazing from the Starfield, depending on cloud cover. Weather permitting. Registration required and limited to 12 attendees. Fee: $10.00 CAS members; $15.00 non-members. Register at 860-928-4948 or trailwood@ctaudubon.org
December 28, 2023
Located in Plainfield, the fish hatchery often has many species of wintering birds, since it has a variety of habitats — open water, conifer trees, and heavy shrub areas. Andy Rzeznikiewicz will lead you around the extensive grounds, one of the best birding areas in Windham County. Register by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.
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December 30, 2023
Join Andy hiking around this 364 acre protected forest. Nice trails are in place and walking is relatively easy. Deep snow may cancel the hike, due to parking issues. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Please register by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or call 860-928-4948 (include name, phone, date/title, #of people)
December 30, 2023
Andy Rzezniekiewicz will attempt to call in owls. Most likely to respond are screech owls and barred owls. Great-horned owls also sometimes come in. Register by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org or calling 860-928-4948. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.