Programs & Events at the Center at Pomfret
Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Pomfret was awarded Best Place to Walk/Hike at this year’s Best of Norwich Magazine Awards!
Birds Seen This Week
Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Wood Thrush, Eastern Wood Pewee, Barn Swallow, House Finch, Cardinal, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Eastern Kingbird, Hummingbird, Yellow-throated Vireo
Birds This Month
Click for Birds You’ll Find in Bafflin Sanctuary through September
Regular Walks
Wednesday Noon Walks
Now through November 28, Noon
Join Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers for fresh air, exercise, good company and naturalist lessons along the way. Seniors and parents with babes in backpacks welcome. Free to CAS members; $3 non-members.
Family and Children’s Programming
After School Nature Club
Grades K-6: from 3:15 – 5 p.m.
Thursdays, September 13, 20, 27,
Oct 4, 11, 18.
Do your kids need to blow off steam after school? Send them to the Center. After a quick snack, we will head out on the trails exploring the woods, meadows and streams. Their afternoon will be filled with fresh air, exercise and fun. Wildlife lessons will be quietly inserted along the way. We will be outside, so weather appropriate clothing and boots are a must.
Bird Walks and Programs
Weekly Bird Walks
Every Tues. in Sept. & Oct., 8 a.m.
Join Andy Rzeznikiewicz as he points out various bird species. Bring binoculars & wear drab clothing. We carpool to various locations. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Bird Banding
Saturdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
9 a.m.
Observe Andy 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. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Bull Hill Bird Walk
Sunday, September 30
8 a.m.
This is the prime time to find migrating fall warblers, vireos, and hawks. In past years, we have found many migrating warblers and kinglets. Maybe we will observe migrating hawks at the scenic overlook if the weather conditions are right! Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Walking Weekend:
Bafflin Bird Walk
Saturday, October 13
8 a.m.
Come and find southbound migrating birds on the Bafflin Sanctuary. Andy Rzeznikiewicz will point out the various sparrows, hawks, and other songbirds. Bluebirds, White-crowned Sparrows or Palm Warblers are likely to be seen. FREE
Screech Owl Night Hike
Saturday, October 13
7 p.m.
We will hike in the dark in search of screech and other owls. This is a moderately difficult hike and only for those comfortable hiking in the dark at a brisk pace. Please call to register at 860-928-4948. Fee: $5 CAS members; $10 non-members.
Northern Saw-whet owl during a banding demonstration.
Saw-whet Owl Banding
Saturday, October 27
Saturdays, November 3 & 10
8 p.m.
This exciting program should be a memorable experience. Bring your camera. In previous years, we’ve caught and banded many owls. We hope for similar success this year. Will reschedule if inclement weather. (If you can’t make these dates, call and leave your name and number. We may schedule an additional banding date.) Register early at 860-928-4948. Limited to 20 people per session. Fee: $15 CAS members; $25 non-members.
Citizen Science Volunteer Monitoring Program
Wildlife Tracking and Monitoring:
Our wildlife tracking volunteers monitor study sites in Willington, Canterbury, Woodstock and Bethany. We have found track and sign of fisher, river otter, mink, red fox, coyote, as well as the occasional black bear, moose and porcupine. These sites also provide perfect habitat for white-tail deer, raccoon, beavers, and a variety of rodents. You can begin or continue training to become a Citizen Science Wildlife Monitor by completing six day-long training hikes that suit your schedule throughout the seasons.
Training/Monitoring Hikes
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on these dates:
Saturday, September 22 – Willington (team leader: Cheryl Dziura-Duke)
Saturday, September 29 – Woodstock (team leader: Paula Coughlin)
Saturday, October 6 – Bethany (team leader: Christin Arnini)
Saturday, October 13 – Canterbury (team leader: Mike Sheehan)
Registration for these hikes is required. Training fee: $50 CAS members; $60 non-members.
For more information call Paula Coughlin, Citizen Science Coordinator, 860-928-4948 or email pcoughlin@ctaudubon.org
Citizen Science Wildlife Tracking and Monitoring Program Introductory Tracking Hike
Saturday, Dec. 1 ~ 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Get a taste of the tracking experience while learning about our program. Fee: $25 members/$35 non-members; registration required.
Annual Citizen Science Volunteer Appreciation Night
Thursday, Oct 18, 7 p.m.
Join us at this annual Thank You! event for our wonderful Citizen Science volunteers who survey vernal pools and monitor wildlife.
