Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret

Although we are staffed, the Center at Pomfret remains closed to the public due to the pandemic. Feel free to contact us via email sheminway@ctaudubon.org and/or phone (860)-928-4948. If you are interested in shopping at our nature store, we are scheduling store appointments (mask required) as well as curbside pick-up. Thank you for understanding, enjoy our trails and stay well.

The Bafflin Sanctuary remains open to the public from dawn to dusk.
To minimize wildlife disturbance, we ask all walkers to stay on designated trails.

Please Note: Due to COVID concerns, program to run from July 21 thru September.

Have you always wanted to learn more about the natural sciences? Want to volunteer at the Center? With 40 hours (ten four-hour sessions) of training, this may be the program for you. Registration is limited to 15 people.

Click here for the course outline   |   Click here for the application

Birds Seen This Week

Parula Warbler, American Redstart, Pine Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, Red-eyed Vireo, Red-shouldered Hawk, Savannah Sparrow, Bobolink, Bluebird, Ovenbird, Indigo Bunting, Scarlet Tanager, Eastern Towhee, Barn Swallow, Chimney Swift

Birds This Month 

Birds You Can Expect to See in September

Don’t miss our digital David Stumpo
watercolor exhibit!
Click here to see it.

For more bird walks check the Trail Wood page  

* NOTE:  All Bird Walks are Limited to 6 people.

Andy will contact you regarding the location to meet.

** You MUST REGISTER by emailing arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org and include:

Name

Phone Number

Date & Title of Bird Walk

Number of people in your party.

All must wear a mask.

Bird Banding Demonstrations
Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 a.m.

Watch Andy Rzeznikiewicz and fellow bird bander’s capture and band numerous birds. You may even get to release a bird or two. Each session should produce different bird species, as the migration progresses. Overcast days are the best conditions for catching the most birds. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Guided Bird Walks
September 30 at 8 a.m.

Join Andy as he points out various bird species. Bring binoculars and wear drab colored clothing.  We will visit various locations around the sanctuary looking for concentrations of birds. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

FULL
Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Monday, September 28 at 8 a.m.

This is the prime time to find fall warblers, vireos, and hawks. This preserve has large fields and is located on a hilltop, so migrating birds should be plentiful. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

FULL
Bull Hill Bird Walk
Tuesday, September 29 at 8 a.m.

This is a great location to enjoy the fall migration. Previously at this time of year we found many migrating warblers and kinglets – including Cape May, Nashville and Orange-crowned Warblers!  We may observe hawks at the scenic overlook, if weather conditions are right! Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Bird Banding Demo
Saturday, October 3 at 8 a.m.

Watch Andy Rzeznikiewicz and fellow bird banders capture and band numerous migrating birds. You will even get to release a bird or two. Fee: $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Bull Hill Bird Walk
Sunday, October 4 at 8 a.m.

This is the prime time to find migrating fall warblers, vireos, and hawks. In the past we found many migrating warblers and kinglets, including Cape May, Nashville and Orange-crowned Warblers! We might also observe migrating hawks at the scenic overlook, if the weather conditions are right! Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limit 6 people.

Tuesday Morning Bird Walks
October 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 8 a.m.

Meet at the Ct Audubon Center.  We’ll visit several areas looking for hotspots to find various bird species. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Road in Pomfret. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limit 6 people.

New Wyndham Land Trust Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, October 8 at 8 a.m.

This new preserve in Pomfret can only be accessed with approved guides, due to the sensitive nature of the property. Meet at the Center, 218 Day Road in Pomfret, and we’ll drive from there.  Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limit 6 people.

Plainfield Fish Hatchery Bird Walks
Saturday, October 10 at 8 a.m.
Wednesday, October 28 at 8 a.m.

This large varied habitat is one of the top locations in Windham County to find numerous types of birds. Register early, this is a popular walk. Meet in the parking lot at the Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery in Central Village. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limit 6 people.

Screech Owl Night Hike
Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m.

We will hike the sanctuary in the dark looking for screech owls and other owls. This is a moderately difficult hike for people who are comfortable hiking in the dark at a steady pace.  Please call to register. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limit 10 people.

Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Saturday, October 17 at 8 a.m.

This is the prime time to find migrating fall warblers, vireos, and hawks. The preserve has large fields and is located on a hilltop, so migrating birds should be plentiful. Meet at the end of Ayers Road in Pomfret. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. Limit 6 people.

Saw-whet Owl Banding
October 24, 30 and 31, at 8 p.m.
November 6 and 7, at 7 p.m.

This exciting program should be a memorable experience. Bring your camera – no flash photography, only the lighting that we put on the bird. We’ll reschedule if inclement weather. If these dates don’t work for you, call 860-928-4948 and leave your name and phone number and we may schedule an additional date. Register early. Limit 10 people per session. Fee: $20 CAS members; $30 non-members. 

Winter Tracking / Training Hikes:

These hikes are subject to change due to weather conditions. Full training is six hikes; participants select hikes that suit their schedules. Registration is required. For info, email paulacoughlin@charter.net. Training Fee per hike: $50 CAS members; $60 non-members.

For more information, call 860-928-4948 or contact Paula Coughlin, Citizen Science Coordinator: paulacoughlin@charter.net. Hike dates subject to change due to weather.