Connecticut Audbon Society
Center at Pomfret

Center at Pomfret

Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret

Walk Our Trails!

ATTENTION BAFFLIN SANCTUARY WALKERS

The foot bridge across the Wappoquia Brook on the Mashamoquet Trail was washed away.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS. IT IS NOT SAFE.

The Bafflin Sanctuary is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
To minimize wildlife disturbance, we ask all walkers to stay on designated trails.
Click here for a trail map.  Click here for trail rules.

Birds to look for in March

 

Adult Programs

Pomfret Green Team’s Community Film Series
Kiss the Ground
Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

This film focuses on the science of soil regeneration as the path towards climate stabilization, ecosystems restoration, and abundant food supplies. Woody Harrelson narrates. A discussion led by Adam and Courtney Squire, owners of Unbound Glory Farm in Pomfret, follows the screening. No registration required. Free popcorn. Free admission.

Become a Backyard Naturalist
Sunday, April 7, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Learn from Steve Lewis, chair of the Greater Hartford Sierra Club, how you can transform your property by planting native plants, focusing on biodiversity, and removing invasive species. Steve’s presentation will highlight the important work of entomologist and wildlife ecologist, Doug Tallamy.  Steve will discuss habitat certifications; mobile apps to help with bird, insect, and plant identification; and contributions you can make to citizen science. He also will cover the Pollinator Pathway Initiative, No-Mow May, lawns to meadows, and water features. Steve “walks the walk” — his own yard is a model for enhancing the backyard experience. Yours can be too! No registration required. Free — in lieu of fee, promise to plant a new native species in your yard!  

Bats:  Winged Wonders
Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

Eastern small-footed bat (Myotis leibii)

Join us in celebrating International Bat Appreciation Day (April 17) with a presentation by Maureen Heidtmann, one of only three licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Connecticut specializing in caring for bats. Maureen will begin with an overview of bats of the world, with an emphasis on our local species. She will cover myths and misconceptions about these fascinating creatures, the many roles they play in ensuring a healthy planet, the perils they face as they struggle to survive, and their amazing resilience. Maureen has a permit from the USDA to keep non-releasable bats for educational purposes and she will bring an “ambassador” bat with her to the Center. No registration required. Fee:  $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.

 

Volunteer Naturalist Training

Tuesdays, March 26 through May 28, 2024
From 8 A.M. to Noon

This is the perfect program for you, if you have always wanted to learn more about the natural world or volunteer at the Center at Pomfret. Topics covered in the 40 hours of training (ten, four-hour sessions) include the wildlife of northeastern Connecticut, spring wildflowers, tree identification, and even basic survival skills. Space is limited.

Click here to download the application.

Click here to download the syllabus.

 

Bird Walks and Watches

Woodcock Watches
Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 6:45 P.M.
Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 6:45 P.M.
Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7 P.M.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 7 P.M.

We’re sorry. All dates are full.
Andy will bring you to see displaying American Woodcock, doing their just-before-dark courtship flights. IMPORTANT: please wear drab colored clothing. Bright colors distract the birds. Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Short-eared Owl and other non-target birds may also be seen. Limited to 7 participants per date. Register by emailing Andy Rzeznikiewicz, arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org, or calling 860-928-4948. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.   

Early Morning Bird Walks
Tuesdays in April and May 2024 at 8 A.M.

Join Andy on one or more of these early morning walks. He will point out various species of birds to you. There are hundreds of acres of protected land to visit. Wear drab colored clothing. Bring binoculars and, if you have one, a spotting scope. No registration required. Fee:  $5 CAS members; $20 non-members.

The following walks require registration and have participation limits. Email Andy Rzeznikiewicz, arzeznikiewicz@ctaudubon.org, or call 860-928-4948 to register and receive directions.

Long Pond Bird Walk
Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 8 A.M.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Thompson, just south of Webster Lake, has varied habitats. We will hope to find some interesting duck species as well as some early arriving spring migrants, such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Blue-headed Vireo. Limited to 10 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Virginia Rail Bird Walk 
Friday, May 3, 2024 at 6 P.M.

Our goal is to hear and observe Virginia Rail. We also will keep our eyes open for other species, such as Common Snipe and Vesper Sparrow. Limited to 12 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Beginners Bird Walk
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 8 A.M.

This is a good weekend to start bird watching! Some of the colorful spring birds are back and the leaves aren’t out yet, so they are easier to spot.  Expect to see Yellow, Blue-winged, and Black and White Warblers. Limited to 10 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Trail Wood Bird Walks
Thursday, May 9, 2024 at 8 A.M.
Monday, May 20, 2024 at 8 A.M.

Walk the paths of this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Hampton, looking for Scarlet Tanager, Indigo Bunting, Veery, and Blue-winged and Chestnut-sided Warblers. Limited to 8 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Freidman Forest Bird Walk
Friday, May 10, 2024 at 8 A.M.

We’ll explore this fantastic Joshua’s Trust preserve, looking for Cerulean and Worm-eating Warblers. Limited to 8 participants. Fee:  $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Gellert Preserve Bird Walk
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 8 A.M.

This Wyndham Land Trust preserve in Abington features a variety of habitats — open field, shrubland, and woodland. We can expect Prairie and Blue-winged Warblers, Indigo Bunting, and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 8 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Mother’s Day Bird Walk
Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 8 A.M.

Join Andy as he looks for various migrants. Bring your mother or grandmother to see the colorful birds of spring. Many species can be found by this date, including Bobolink and Scarlet Tanager. Limited to 12 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non- members; free for mothers.

20 Warbler Day
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 from 6 A.M. to 2 P.M.

Traveling to numerous locations at the peak of warbler migration, we will try to find 20 species of warbler in one day. This is the 14th year of this event. We once found 21 warbler species. Limited to 12 participants. Fee:  $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.

Cabbage Hill Bird Walk
Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 8 A.M.

This beautiful new land trust preserve has a variety of habitats, including a large hayfield with breeding Bobolink. We will visit the old family graveyard in the middle of the forest. Limited to 10 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

90 Bird Day (17th annual)
Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 6 A.M. to 4 P.M.

We have 10 hours to reach our goal of hearing or seeing at least 90 species of birds. We will visit many locations within a 10-mile radius of the Center.  Interesting sightings from past years include Olive-sided Flycatcher, Bald Eagle, and Hooded Warbler. Bring lunch, drinks, and snacks. Limited to 12 participants. Fee:  $25 CAS members; $50 non-members.

Pumpkin Hill Bird Walk
Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 8 A.M.

We will explore this fantastic birding location, expecting to find Cerulean, Worm-eating, and Prairie Warblers and both Cuckoo species. Limited to 8 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Bird Banding Demonstration
Saturday, May 25, 2024 at 9 A.M.

Watch Andy and fellow banders catch birds, record data about them (species, sex, age, size, weight, condition, etc.), band, and safely release them. You may have an opportunity to release a bird yourself. Limited to 20 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

Boston Hollow Bird Watch
Sunday, May 26, 2024 at 8 A.M.

We will explore Boston Hollow in Ashford, with its northern forest feel. Expect to see Blackburnian and Canada Warblers, Winter Wrens, and Northern Waterthrush, to name a few. We will stay on the road to bird. Limited to 16 participants. Fee:  $20 CAS members; $30 non-members.

Chaney Preserve Bird Walk
Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 8 A.M.

Nesting Hooded, Prairie, and Worm-eating Warblers and Scarlet Tanager are a few of the expected birds at this Connecticut Audubon Society preserve in Montville. Limited to 8 participants. Fee:  $20 CAS members, $30 non-members.

Nightingale Forest Preserve North Bird Walk
Friday, May 31, 2024 at 8 A.M.

This is a new Wyndham Land Trust preserve. Expect to see Black-throated Blue and Canada Warblers, and Broad-winged Hawk. Limited to 8 participants. Fee:  $10 CAS members; $20 non-members.

 

Concerts

Cindy Kallet, Grey Larson & Will Brown 
Friday, May 17, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.

Cindy is a superb singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Grey is one of America’s finest players of Irish flute and tin whistle, as well as an accomplished singer and concertina, fiddle, piano, and harmonium player. Will presents his arrangements of songs and tunes from the Folk, Appalachian, Maritime, Celtic, and Transatlantic traditions. The concert will feature solos, duos, and the trio, as these talented musicians join forces in dynamic harmony and instrumental delights. Visit www.kalletlarsen.com to learn more. Fee:  $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Call 860-928-4948 to reserve your seats. 

 

 

 

 

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