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. Our building will remain closed.

Looking to schedule one of our interactive webinar programs exclusively for your group?

Click here for Details! 

A LIVE & INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL SERIES

Click here for your 9-course subscription

First 50 participants to sign-up for the 9-course subscription
receive a free guided shorebird walk at a local preserve or beach in summer 2021.

Click here for your 6-course subscription

Click here for your 3-course subscription

Click here to register for individual courses

Whether you are new to birding or are a seasoned veteran who wants to brush up on your skills, these mini-courses are for you! Each mini-course will center on a different theme allowing participants to dive a little deeper into the identification, migration, and charismatic features of the avian families we see here in Connecticut.

Each 3- week mini-course will include an hour-long interactive live webinar per week which includes a live Q and A as well as access to the webinar recording for the duration of your subscription and resource lists which will include common species identification and a list of recommended field guides, apps, and websites.

Live Webinars take place on Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m.
Course requires the use of Zoom. 

Mini-Course Descriptions and Dates

Session 1 – All About Owls – January 19-February 2
Session 2 – Gulls and Terns: February 16-March 2
Session 3 – Waterfowl: Geese, Ducks, and Swans: March 23-April 6
Session 4 – Wonderful Warblers: April 20- May 4
Session 5 – Hovering Hummingbirds: May 18-June 1
Session 6 – Sensational Shorebirds: June 15 -29
Session 7 – Swallows and Swifts: September 7-21
Session 8 – Birds of Prey: October 5-19
Session 9 – Spectacular Sparrows: November 2-16

Click Here For More Detailed Course Description and Dates

Click Here to Access Previously Recorded Live Webinars

Wednesday, January 27, 6 p.m.

The best thing to do when the weather gets cold, rainy, and snowy in CT? Go birding of course! Winter is a busy time for many bird species and offers the chance to see some rare birds that come into the state. In this webinar, teacher- naturalist Joe Attwater will share what you need to know to be a successful winter birder. 

Joe will discuss:

• Winter bird behaviors
• Equipment and resources for winter birding
• Winter species, ID tips, and where to see them

cLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Join teacher-naturalist and local artist Morgan Allen, for an hour-long virtual and interactive egg painting class!  Learn how to create your own natural looking hand-painted egg modeled after a local bird species.  Materials are included in the registration fee.  Appropriate for ages 13 and up. (Program materials pick-up time will be scheduled after purchase) Program will take place via Zoom.  $25/person. 

Register here for January 22; 7 p.m.

January-February 2021
5:30-7:30 p.m.

One of our most unique and mysterious family of birds, owls are most active when the rest of us are settling down for the night. These nocturnal hunters are perfectly adapted to life in darkness, from their silent flight to their unique eyes and ears. Join us 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* Masks required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

$5 for members, $10 for non-members

Register below for the following dates:

The RTPEC frequently uses open space and land trust properties that are open to the public without fee.  The land trusts permit our use of these properties and receives no part of any fee collected by the RTPEC

Long-tailed Duck

Saturday, February 6, 9 – 11 a.m.
Mamacoke Island, New London
Joint program with the Connecticut College Arboretum

The section of the Thames River from Mamacoke Island to Smith Cove is one of the best spots in eastern Connecticut to see wintering waterfowl. The site includes three coves and two salt ponds that provide important habitat for a variety of ducks that spend the winter in Connecticut. Consequently this site, which is a natural area within the Connecticut College Arboretum, has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. During winter, the coves support several waterfowl species plus Bald Eagles, Pied-billed Grebes and American Coots. Join teacher-naturalist Joe Attwater from the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center to search for these wintering species. Dress for the weather. Limit of 10 participants per program* Masks required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. $5 for CT Audubon and Arboretum members, $10 for non-members

Click here to register

Virtual Training Session via Zoom
Monday February 22, 6:30-8:30 pm
Co-sponsored with Mystic Aquarium

In just 10 minutes a week you can collect valuable information on local frog and toad populations that help to identify the scope and geographic scale of population declines. Throughout the training, participants will become certified FrogWatch USA volunteers trained in local amphibian vocalizations, ready to take charge of your own field and submit data into a national survey. As important predators and prey in the environment and indicators of environmental health, the information we collect can be used form conservation plans to protect these important species. Volunteers only need to attend one workshop and successfully pass the amphibian assessment.  Following the 90 minute training there will be an optional virtual tour of Mystic Aquarium’s Frogs! exhibit. Registration is free. Limited to 40 participants.

Click here to register