Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center
Programs & Events
We are currently offering small group in-person programming following all current COVID-19 safety procedures. See below for details.
Looking to schedule one of our interactive webinar programs exclusively for your group?
All webinar programs can also be provided in person!
State of the Estuary with Patrick Comins via Zoom
Thursday, January 27, 5:30 p.m.
Register Here
Beyond Birding in the Field 2022 Program Series
March -December 2022
Birding has quickly become one of America’s most popular outdoor activities, with over 45 million people a year watching our feathered friends! If you are a seasoned veteran or new to birding,
Beyond Birding will teach you what you need to know bird with confidence. Join Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater and explore new locations and discover the extensive bird life that Connecticut has to offer. Each month we will focus on a specific topic and its connection to birds, including equipment, migration and nesting, identification and more! Joe will also share valuable resources and discuss current happenings in the world of birding.
Each program session includes a 2 hour field portion and access to a pre-recorded webinar. Recordings are available to watch for the duration of the program. Program space is limited and registration is required.
Register for all ten sessions for $130 members; $180 non-members. Register for five sessions of your choice for $65 members; $80 non-members. Or register for individual programs for $15 members; $20 non-members.
Click here for monthly program descriptions
Register here for all ten sessions
Register here for five sessions
Click here to register for individual sessions
Adult Programs
Winter Tree Identification
Saturday, January 29; 10 a.m.- noon
RTP Estuary Center
Tree identification can be challenging, especially after their leaves have fallen. However, many other characteristics remain and some more easily observed in winter. Join conservation biologist Jim Arrigoni, for a stroll on the grounds of the RTP Estuary Center as well as nearby areas to observe and discuss identification characteristics of some of our common native and ornamental tree species. $10 members; $15 non-members
Register Here – Program has reached capacity
Winter Walk
Saturday, February 12; 9- 11 a.m.
Rocky Neck State Park
When it’s cold and snowing outside it can seem as if nature is standing still, waiting for warmer weather. But take a walk outside and you’ll see that life abounds and that plants and animals have amazing adaptations to surviving winter here in Connecticut. We’ll search for the state’s winter inhabitants and learn about what plants and animals do when the temperature drops, and the ground is covered in snow. Dress for the weather! $10 for members; $15 non-members
Register Here
Bird Walks
Eagle Search
Saturday, February 19, 1-4 p.m.
Join teacher-naturalist John Cunningham for a 3 hour birding tour from Haddam to Essex along the Lower Connecticut River. We will make multiple stops at key observation points to scan for wintering eagles, hawks, waterfowl and other birds. The duration of each stop will be for about 20 minutes- beginning at Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam and then traveling to downstream locations at Chester Ferry, Deep River Town Dock, Riverview Cemetery and ending at the Old Saybrook boat launch. The life history of the Bald Eagle will be highlighted. Participants will caravan to the different locations using their own personal vehicles. Dress for the weather! Registration is required. $15/members ; $20 non-members
Register Here
Community Science Programs
FrogWatch USA Training Sessions
Tuesday, February 15; 6-7:30 p.m. through Zoom
Did you know that you can help monitor frog and toad populations in your area in just 10 minutes a week? Become a certified FrogWatch USA volunteer during our 90 minute training program, where you’ll learn how to identify frogs and toads by call, and how to collect and submit valuable population data to a national survey. Volunteers only need to attend one workshop and successfully pass the amphibian assessment. Following the 90 minute virtual training there will be an optional virtual tour of Mystic Aquarium’s Frogs! exhibit. Program is free; Registration required.
Register here for the virtual training on Tuesday, February 15
Great Backyard Bird Count Walk
Saturday, February 19; 9-11 a.m.
RTP Estuary Center
Every February, people from around the world contribute data in one of the largest citizen science projects in the world. It’s easy to participate in the Great Backyard Bird count and you can do it anywhere you find birds! Learn how to participate in the count and search for birds with us at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center, then take that knowledge and count birds in your own backyard all weekend! $10 members; $15 non-members
Register Here
Webinars via Zoom
Family Owl Webinar
Wednesday, February, 16; 6- 7 p.m.
Register here for the Webinar Only
Register here for the webinar and dissection kit
Finches Three-Part Webinar Series
Tuesdays, January 25, February 1 and 8; 7-8 p.m.
Finches are among our most well-known and beloved bird species, especially those that frequent our backyard feeders. In this three-week series, Join Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go into what makes this diverse and fascinating group of birds so unique and what you can expect to see here in Connecticut. $30 for members; $45 for non-members.
January 25; Week 1: In week one we will discuss the adaptations, breeding and nesting behaviors and migration of finch species.
February 1; Week 2: In week two we will discuss the finch species of Connecticut with habitat preferences, diets, vocalizations and how to identify these birds
February 8; Week 3: In week three we will discuss the finches of North American, those species not recorded in Connecticut
Register Here for Zoom Link
Birds in Your Backyard Webinar: A Deep Dive into Lifecycles of Common Backyard Birds
Wednesday, March 9; 6-7 p.m.
Heading out to your local preserve or state park to look for wild birds is one of best parts of being a birder, and often the only way to find rarities. But right in your own backyard you can find numerous birds living fascinating lives, and these birds often are overlooked. In this webinar, Join Conservation and Education Coordinator Joe Attwater will go over the lifecycles of those birds found in backyards across Connecticut.
Joe will discuss:
- Lifecycles of common backyard birds
- How to attract wild birds to your yard
Register Here
Programs with the Connecticut College Arboretum
Owl Prowls
Thursdays, February 3 and 17; 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Join us at the Connecticut College Arboretum after dark as we search for these incredible birds and learn about what makes them such perfect nighttime fliers. Bring a headlamp or flashlight (preferably one with a red light setting) and binoculars, and bundle up! Appropriate for ages 10 and up. *Limit of 10 participants per program* Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Program is free for members of the CT Audubon Society or Connecticut College Arboretum; $5 for non-members. Registration is required.
Register here for Thursday, February 3 – at capacity
Register here for Thursday, February 17 – at capacity
