February Fun at the Greenwich Audubon

The Greenwich Audubon located on 613 Road in Greenwich has planned a fun filled February for the entire family.  The month starts off on February 1 with the FIrst Sunday Bird Walk at Greenwich Point Park from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.  Participants will enjoy a coastal bird walk in one of Greenwich's most important bird areas.  Participants should meet at the flag pole near the second concession stand at 9:00 am.  This event is free and guided and all  skill levels are welcome.  If you are not available for this walk on the first or if you want to repeat it, the Audubon is also offering this walk on the 8th.

On February 4, the Audubon has teamed up with The Avon Theatre in Stamford for a screening of  "Pelican Dreams" from 7:30 pm - 9 pm at the Avon Theate.  This documentary follows a wayward, starving California brown pelican from her "arrest" on the Golden Gate Bridge into care at a wildlife rehabilitation facility, and from there explores pelican nesting grounds, Pacific coast migration and survival challenges. Following the film, Audubon Naturalist Ted Gilman will discuss waterbirds and ways Audubon is working to conserve birds in Important Bird Areas across Connecticut. Avon or Audubon Members: $6 or $11 otherwise. Purchase online: www.avontheatre.org or call 203-967-3660, x2 for tickets.

On February 4, the Audubon has teamed up with The Avon Theatre in Stamford for a screening of  "Pelican Dreams" from 7:30 pm - 9 pm at the Avon Theate.  This documentary follows a wayward, starving California brown pelican from her "arrest" on the Golden Gate Bridge into care at a wildlife rehabilitation facility, and from there explores pelican nesting grounds, Pacific coast migration and survival challenges. Following the film, Audubon Naturalist Ted Gilman will discuss waterbirds and ways Audubon is working to conserve birds in Important Bird Areas across Connecticut. Avon or Audubon Members: $6 or $11 otherwise. Purchase online: www.avontheatre.org or call 203-967-3660, x2 for tickets.

A Winter Vacation Nature Exploration Days is taking place from Feb. 10-18 from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. Audubon's solution to the winter vacation blues! Explore the season with us as we enjoy learning how animals and plants survive New England's harsh winter conditions. Pack the winter gear and snacks and sign now up for 1 or 2 days. Grades K-6. For registration forms, visit website and send to Gigi at glombardi@audubon.org.

The Audubon is a proud participant in this unique citizen-led scientific bird count, whose  results are reported online to Cornell University's Laboratory of Ornithology and will aid research on where bird species are spending the winter. To learn more, visit www.birdcount.org or join the Audubon on Feb. 13 - 16 for one of these wonderful programs. Please register for these free programs. RSVP to Ted at 203-869-5272 x353. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have them. Loaner binoculars will be available.

On February 22 from 1 pm - 2:30, the Audubon is hosting a program on Coyotes and Foxes. Eastern coyotes and red foxes play important ecological roles and have become more common in our region. Frank Vincenti, founder of The Wild Dog Foundation, will explain how people and predators can live in harmony. Chris Nagy, Director Research & Land Management, for the Mianus River Gorge Preserve will discuss coyote biology and the unique Gotham Coyote Project. Q&A will follow. Proceeds directly benefit Audubon's local conservation initiatives. $10/adult. $5/child. Ages 7 & up suggested. RSVP to Jeff at 203-869-5272x349.

For more information on the Greenwich Audubon http://greenwich.audubon.org.  For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Birding In Connecticut

The Greenwich Audubon, http://greenwich.audubon.orghttp://greenwich.audubon.org

 is celebrating May in style with a series of events that will be fun and educational for lovers of nature.   For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

On two Wednesdays, May 15 and May 22, there is a bird walk from 7 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. at Fairchild Wildflower Garden on North Porchuck Road.  For this free event RSVP to 203-869-5272 x230 and don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera

On Saturday, May 18 and May 25 there will be a bird walk at the Main Sanctuary on Riversville Rd. from 7 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.  Morning bird walks are a spring tradition at the Audubon and participants are asked to RSVP to 203-869-5272 x230 and to meet at the Greenwich parking area on Riversville Road. 

Also on Saturday, May 18, the Audubon is hosting a program from 2 pm. – 3:30 p.m. called Fast Food Feasts for Songbirds.  As neo-tropical migrants return from their wintering areas, emerging insects and other invertebrates provide them with essential foods.  Participants will search for feeding birds visit local plant life in search of insects, spiders, and other creatures that make quick treats for spring’s hungry avian travelers.

To finish up the month of May, on the 25^th the Audubon Greenwich is hosting Turtle Time with Ted Gilman from 2 p.m. – 3:30.  Participants will learn about turtle natural history, nesting behavior, how to help protect turtles, and meet some of our local turtle species. The program is finished with a hike to Mead Lake in search of nesting turtles. This program is appropriate for all ages. Please. RSVP to 203-869-5272 x230.

When visiting the Audubon, don’t miss the Birds of New England now on display in in Kiernan Hall at Audubon Greenwich through July 16^th.  While in New England and the North Atlantic coast, John James Audubon observed many, possibly hundreds of species of birds that lived or migrated here.  Audubon painted many of these species, 52 of them while actually on location in New England, and 34 prints are included in this exhibition.

Greenwich Audubon Events

Slowly in March winter begins to withdraw and signs of spring slowly show themselves.  There is no better place than to experience the signs of spring than at the Greenwich Audubon Center in Greenwich Connecticut.

On Saturday, March 2 from 10 a.m. – 11 a., the Audubon is hosting a program on Wheat and Gluten. Rachel Khanna will return to Audubon Greenwich to talk about what's going on with wheat and gluten in our foods and how it affects our health. Join her for a one-hour session to learn about these ingredients and get the right information. $10. Space limited. RSVP toRakhanna@optonline.net.  Also on March 2 there is a program on the Early Signs of Spring from 1:30- 3 p.m.   Join Ted Gilman for fun and early spring natural history during a hike down the Discovery Trail, up to Mead Lake and back to the Center.  This is for ages 5 & up.  The walk is on easy to moderate terrain. RSVP to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230.

On Saturday, March 9^th from 1 – 2 p.m. there is a family bird watching event where participants will review winter birds, bird feeding and first returning migrants. Help conduct our weekly ‘Project FeederWatch’ bird count and help report these results via the Internet to Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. For ages 5 & up. RSVP to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230. Also on the 9^th there will be a new art gallery exhibit titled New England Bird Watercolors by J. J. Audubon 

Join art expert Joel Oppenheimer and other guest speakers from 6:00-8:00 pm to learn about Audubon’s field work in New England and to learn natural history notes about the species on display. The gallery   is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9-00 am-5:00 pm and Noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday.  There is no charge for the reception but donations accepted at the door. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. RSVP requested to greenwichcenter@audubon.org or 203-869-5272 x239.

On Saturday March 16 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. families can learn how to make a nestbox in order to host bird families in your own yard or neighborhood by providing nestboxes for various species of birds. Ted Gilman will show a variety of nestboxes and the birds, which use them, as well as discuss their placement and maintenance. Families wishing to build their own nest box can pre-order a kit through the Audubon Nature Store or select from a variety of pre-assembled boxes in the store. For ages 5 & up. RSVP to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230 to attend and/or order nestbox kits. Also on March 16 there is a Woodcock watch from 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.  Participants will help staff search for one of the rites of spring as we watch and listen for the crepuscular calls and aerial performance of these woodland sandpiper relatives. Participants will also listen for any newly emerged Spring Peeper tree frogs. Event for ages 6 & up. RSVP to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230.

On March 30 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 there is a Birding 101 Workshop: Bird Watching Basics for Adults.  This is an introduction to ornithology and the tools/skills used in bird study. Enjoy a walk; learn how to use binoculars, guides, and other resources that make birding so much fun. Ideal for adults and interested youth. $12 adults; No Charge for youth. RSVP required to Ted at 203-869-5272 x230.

Audubon Connecticut and Audubon Greenwich is located on 613 Riversville Rd. in Greenwich and can be reached by calling 203-869-5272 or visiting http://greenwich.audubon.org.

For area information www.visitfairfieldct.com.

New Gallery at Greenwich Audubon opens Dec. 1

The Greenwich Audubon has combined forces with Joel Oppenheimer, the venerable natural history art gallery located in Chicago and Charleston.  This gallery is best known for the work of many outstanding naturalist artists and painters including John James Audubon.

The Greenwich Audubon, the first established nature education center in the country by the National Audubon Society has a long history of  protecting birds and their habitats as well as teaching people the principles of conservation.

The gallery will be located in the newly renovated Kiernan Hall and will feature four exhibits a year. The first exhibition, opening December 1  explores all the editions of Audubon’s work in the Nineteenth Century. A highlight of this exhibition is that it will show comparative examples of nine prints in the different versions including Havell, Bien, Octavo and watercolor editions.  The subjects that will be featured in the exhibit are the Osprey, the Great Blue Heron, the Carolina Parrot, the Gyr Falcon, the Great Egret, the Passenger Pigeon, the Louisiana Heron, the Ruby Throated Hummingbird and the Dusky Duck.

Joel Oppenheimer, president of his namesake gallery, author, and one of the foremost Audubon experts in the world, sees this collaboration as an opportunity to educate and bring Audubon’s rich history to life, “John James Audubon is considered to be perhaps the greatest natural history artist of all time.  His body of work in ornithological art is iconic.  Collectors and admirers of his works continue to be enthralled with his accomplishments and how he shaped the genre of natural history art. Audubon brought images of birds and mammals to life during his time of exploration and we want his work to continue to inspire current and future generations.  We are grateful to have this opportunity to collaborate with The Audubon Center of Greenwich both in its conservation efforts and in telling Audubon’s story,” said Oppenheimer.

It is the hope of the Audubon Greenwich that these ornithological masterpieces will inspire and engage people in the conservation of birds and their habitats.

At the December 1^st grand opening reception, Joel Oppenheimer will talk about the significance of Audubon’s contribution to art and conservation.  His remarks will begin at 7:00 p.m.  Private showings of the exhibit can be scheduled from 1:00 – 4:00 by appointment.  All prints in the exhibition can be purchased either framed, or without.  Thirty percent of the proceeds from sales will be donated on an ongoing basis to The Audubon Center of Greenwich.  The opening reception will be held on Dec. 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To R.S.V.P. for the Grand Opening on December 1, 2012, or to make a gallery appointment, contact Audubon Greenwich by phone (203-869-5272 x239) or by email (greenwichcenter@audubon.org)

About Joel Oppenheimer

Established in 1969, the fine art galleries of Joel Oppenheimer, Inc. in Chicago and Charleston offer a stunning array of natural history art from the seventeenth to nineteenth centuries, as well as fine art framing, and complete conservation and restoration services.  As a natural history art gallery, Joel Oppenheimer, Inc. is dedicated to the connoisseurship of collecting and preserving the art of natural history and celebrating the contributions of the explorers who recorded the flora and fauna of the past three centuries.  Joel Oppenheimer, Inc. strives to provide collectors with an unsurpassed selection of the finest examples of prints and paintings from the golden age of natural history art including rare works by John James Audubon, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Dr. Robert Thornton, John Gould, Basilius Besler, and many others.

Sharon Audubon Festival August 11th and 12th

Wendy with Sophia

The 45th annual Sharon Audubon Festival will be taking place at the Sharon Audubon Center, located on Route 4 in Sharon, CT on Saturday and Sunday, August 11th and 12th. The Audubon Festival is an event where people of all ages can learn about nature in a fun and interactive way, and features two full days of nature walks and programs, live animal presentations, children's activities, food, music, exhibits, vendors and more. Whether one is a seasoned naturalist or a young explorer, there are activities for all ages and experience levels.

Two keynote presentations will also take place each day. At 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday, Talons will engage visitors with a falconry demonstration. These amazing birds of prey will also be on display throughout the day on Saturday. A live animal show presnted by Rainforest Reptiles known for their dynamic educational programs will take place at 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon.  The festivities will close on Sunday with Flight of the Raptor, another exciting falconry demonstration back by popular demand.

Erin with a red wing hawk

Scheduled programs take place at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 2:15 each day. Examples of programs include Exploring Bog Meadow by Canoe, Porcupines, Tree Identification Walk, Swarming Behavior of Honey Bees, Bird Banding, Orienteering, Reptiles, Bears, Pressed Flower Bookmarks and much more. Ongoing activities such as a live animal exhibits from the Beardsley Zoo and Wonders on Wheels and the children's Merry Marsh Activity Tent, as well as various vendors, will be on hand throughout each day. Food is also available for purchase.

Gates are open from 9:30am-5: 30pm each day. No pets are allowed inside the gates. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. A complete schedule and description of programs can be found at www.sharon.audubon.org or by calling 860-364-0520 for more information.

Birds in Their Habitat Art Exhibition at Birdcraft in Fairfield Connecticut Sept. 24 & 25

Connecticut Audubon Society is bringing together talented artists from around the country who specialize in avian art during its second annual Birds In Their Habitat juried artists' exhibition and sale at Birdcraft located on 2325 Burr Rd. in Fairfield Connecticut. This annual event is taking place September 23-25.

Twenty one artists working in a variety of media have been selected to display and sell their works. Jury selection of participating artists was based upon technique, execution, quality and uniqueness of work. The exhibition will illustrate that wildlife artists are committed to close observation and rendering fine artworks so that others may recognize the beauty of our natural world. Media includes: painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, wood carving and fine art crafts. In addition to the art show, live birds of prey will be on hand for live demonstrations. Refreshments will be provided by the Butterfly Garden Cafe Committee.

This year's Juried Show and Sale will feature the following Painters: Sue deLearie Adair: Etching, Del-Bourree Bach: Acrylic,
Wendy Brockman: Graphite and Watercolor, Mary Christiansen: Gouache and Graphite, Michael DiGiorgio: Watercolor and Oil,
Katie Lee: Graphite and Acrylic, Carol McArdle: Oil and Acrylic, Sharon Rowley Morgio: Oil and Watercolor, Sean Murtha: Oil and Watercolor, Dorie Petrochko: Watercolor, Kelly Leahy Radding: Gouache and Watercolor, Carolyn K. Smith: Graphite and Watercolor, Linda Thomas: Watercolor and Oil, and Patricia J. Wynne: Colored Pencil and Etching. Photographers featured at the show include: Paige Alexander, Michael Amodeo, Lori Bolle, and Margaret Harris. The pottery works of Judith Taylor and the Woodcarving of Roscoc Condon and Bill Rice will also be highlighted.

In addition, Connecticut Audubon Society has selected Floyd Scholz as its 2011 "artist of the year." A professional carver since 1983 and in his fortyfirst year of carving, Floyd Scholz is universally recognized as a top carver of birds in the world. His portrayal of eagles, hawks, owls and many other large birds has won him a large international following and many top awards at major shows throughout the country. When not in his studio, traveling and doing essential field studies of birds take up most of his time.

The Preview Party is Friday, September 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 at Birdcraft located on 2325 Burr Street in Fairfield CT. The Show and Sale opens to the general public on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; adults are $5.00 and children under 10 are free. Proceeds from this event will benefit educational programs in the Fairfield region. For additional information, call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 or visit http://www.ctaudubon.org.



About Birdcraft Museum

Founded in 1914, Birdcraft is the first private bird sanctuary in the United States. This six-acre site was originally planted as a refuge to attract, harbor, and feed migratory and resident birds. To date, more than 120 bird species have been recorded on its grounds. Birdcraft's focus today is offering premier natural history education programs and events for children and adults. It is also a federally-licensed Bird-Banding Station.

The Museum and Cottage were the original headquarters of the Connecticut Audubon Society. The Museum contains dioramas of Connecticut's wildlife and habitats as they existed at the beginning of the 20th Century; the Four Seasons Room, which shows bird diversity over the years; the Frederick T. Bedford Collection of African Animals, and changing exhibits.