September 8, 2020 Monthly Meeting: Rays of the Sun-A Hummingbird Sampler
2020-09-08 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | CT
“Rays of the Sun” – A Hummingbird Sampler
Speaker: Chris Wood
Chris will present an illustrated discussion on hummingbirds, one of birders’ favorite families. Called “rays of the sun (huitzitzil)” by the Aztecs, who also thought them reincarnations of brave warriors, they have long captured affection for their colors, boldness, and diversity. Chris Wood has been an active birder and bird photographer for 45 years. He is currently a member of the Connecticut Ornithological Association Board of Directors and is a former member of the Avian Records Committee of Connecticut.
Please Note: This meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM –
If you did not receive the link, or are from the public and would like to participate, please email HAS President Sarah Faulkner for the link at sffaulkner@comcast.net”

Hawk Watch at Booth Hill - September 11 at 9 am
2020-09-11 09:00 - 13:00
Sep 11 Hawk Watch at Booth Hill Fri 9 am
Being held subject to COVID-19 restrictions, except that there is no maximum number of participants but you must pre-register. Please contact trip leader Paul Carrier to pre-register or if you have any additional questions:
CarrierGraphics@sbcglobal.net 860-689-6590 T
Booth Hill, CT Rt 20, West Hartland
From Granby center follow Rt 20 west for 14.8 miles
Park on side of road and walk south less than 100 feet
This is E-bird Hot Spot L36 https://ebird.org/hotspot/L36. and records species in September: Broad winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned, red-tailed, Kestrel, Bald Eagle, Osprey, turkey, flycatchers, phoebe, vireos, and others
Hawk watches will also be held on the following dates at this location and may also be subject to COVID 19 regulations: Please check with trip leader in advance.
Sep 16 Hawk Watch at Booth Hill Wed 9 am
Sep 19 Hawk Watch at Booth Hill Sat 9 am
Sep 20 Hawk Watch at Booth Hill Sun 9 am

Great Pond Simsbury Bird Walk - September 12 - Saturday - 8 am
2020-09-12 08:00 - 13:00
Sat, Sept 12, Great Pond, Simsbury. Being held subject to COVID-19 restrictions, subject to the COVID-19 restrictions for a maximum of 8 participants. You must pre-register.
Please contact trip leader to register and if you have any additional questions:
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T
Location: 156 Great Pond Rd, Simsbury
Between Laurel Ln and Old Farms Rd
Meet in parking lot at end of entrance dirt road
An easy walk over a newly widened road leads to Great Pond where we will see waterfowl, shorebirds, migrating warblers and the many types of birds that call this area home. Usually lasts about 3 hrs, but can leave at any time. Maximum distance is 1.5 miles. Bring a spotting scope if you have one.
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Forests/Massacoe-State-Forest (Great Pond is a separate block of this forest)
Hiking map available online

CANCELED - Hawk Watch at Booth Hill - September 16 - Wed 9 am
2020-09-16 09:00 - 13:00
Being held subject to COVID-19 restrictions, except that there is no maximum number of participants but you must pre-register. Please contact trip leader Paul Carrier to pre-register or if you have any additional questions:
CarrierGraphics@sbcglobal.net 860-689-6590 T
Booth Hill, CT Rt 20, West Hartland
From Granby center follow Rt 20 west for 14.8 miles
Park on side of road and walk south less than 100 feet
This is E-bird Hot Spot L36 https://ebird.org/hotspot/L36. and records species in September: Broad winged Hawk, Sharp-shinned, red-tailed, Kestrel, Bald Eagle, Osprey, turkey, flycatchers, phoebe, vireos, and others

Hawk Watch at Booth Hill - September 19 - Saturday 9 am
2020-09-19 09:00 - 13:00

Hawk Watch at Booth Hill - September 20 - Sunday 9 am
2020-09-20 09:00 - 13:00

Glastonbury Great Pond - September 23 - Wednesday - 8 am
2020-09-23 08:00 - 13:00
Sep 23 Glastonbury Great Pond Wed 8 am
Please contact the trip leader for any questions:
Annette Pasek apasek@cox.net 860-490-8357 T
Entrance is just beyond 451 Great Pond Rd, Glastonbury on left
From Rt. 17 – use south entrance to Great Pond Rd and
drive in 0.2 mi. Park on south side away from hydrants.
Expect common CT birds as well as migratory. Habitat varies, woodland, water, shrub and field. Count on chickadee, nuthatch, jay, cardinal, wren. Many hawk, duck and sparrow species. There are always some surprises. 2.5 mile walk. Hilly terrain. Bring bug spray and sturdy shoes.

September 26, 2020 -Glastonbury Meadows - Saturday - 7 am
2020-09-26 07:00 - 12:00
Sep 26, 2020 – Glastonbury Meadows – Saturday 7 am
Being held subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

Please contact Bill for reservations and directions and any other questions you may have:

Bill Asteriades bill.asteriades@gmail.com 860-690-1152
Andrew Dasinger amdasinger@gmail.com 860 652-5925

A morning walk through one of the best birding locations in Hartford County which includes a marsh, farmland with weedy growth, and bordering trees. The terrain consists of dirt roads and farmland, which can be moderately difficult at times. It can be wet in spots with any recent rainfall. Ankle-size boots, long pants and bug spray are recommended. We typically end the walk by late morning or early afternoon depending on bird activity. Birders can leave early. Terrain is flat with road Can be wet in spots.

September 26, 2020 - Station 43 Beginners Walk #1 - Saturday - 8 am
2020-09-26 08:00 - 12:00
Sep 26 Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #1 Sat 8 am
Subject to COVID-19 restrictions for a maximum of 8 participants. You must pre-register.
Please contact trip leader to register and if you have any additional questions:
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T
990 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park in front of stucco house.
The first of four morning walks designed for beginners at Hartford Audubon’s oldest sanctuary. Station 43 is an excellent birding area year ‘round and on each walk we will look for seasonal birds. The walk is roughly 2.5 miles long (about 3 hours) over flat terrain but we may encounter muddy areas and water covering parts of the path. Bring spotting scope if you have one. High, water-proof boots and insect repellent are suggested.
https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/sanctuaries/station-43-wildlife-sanctuary/

Great Pond, Glastonbury Trip Report - Sep 23, 2020 8:01 AM - 10:17 AM
2020-09-26 08:00 - 17:00
Trip Leader: Annette Pasek
Great Pond, Glastonbury, Hartford, Connecticut, US
Sep 23, 2020 8:01 AM – 10:17 AM
Protocol: Traveling
1.322 mile(s)
Checklist Comments: Seven of us gathered at Great Pond preserve in South Glastonbury. Winds were mild with a chilly start at 55 degrees and clear skies. Entrance provided good birding as well as the mud flats at the pond.
Best birds, Sandpipers Solitary / Least, Lesser Yellowleg, Killdeer, Warblers / Black and White, Black-throated Green, Blackburnian.
28 species include:
Mourning Dove 2
Killdeer 4
Least Sandpiper 17
Solitary Sandpiper 2
Lesser Yellowlegs 2 Good looks bill length not as long as greater bigger than solitary near one another.
Great Blue Heron 1
Cooper’s Hawk 1
Red-shouldered Hawk 2 One immature
Red-bellied Woodpecker 2
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 1
Eastern Phoebe 1
Blue Jay 4
American Crow 7
Black-capped Chickadee 3
Tufted Titmouse 1
White-breasted Nuthatch 3
Carolina Wren 3
Gray Catbird 4
American Robin 10
House Finch 2
American Goldfinch 6
Chipping Sparrow 2
Red-winged Blackbird 5
Common Grackle 1
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Blackburnian Warbler 1
Black-throated Green Warbler 1

September 30, 2020 - Lewis Farm Sanctuary - Wednesday, 8:30 am
2020-09-30 08:30 - 12:00
Sep 30, 2020 – Lewis Farm Sanctuary – Wednesday 8:30 am
Subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Contact Abby Wolcott to make reservation or if you have any additional questions.
Abby Wolcott abwol81@cox.net 860-436-7667 T
1035 Hill St, Suffield
Park off road on WEST side only (by sign for Sanctuary)
Use caution: poor sight line for passing cars
Please join Abby on a trip through this slice of heaven on Hill Street. The Audubon property has been near and dear to Abby’s heart since she was old enough to follow her 3 brothers down the hill in search of wildlife. Now, decades later the sanctuary still calls her name. She has sought out the quiet trails on days when she has had a heavy heart and on those days when her world was full of joy. Please join Abby as we meander down the trails and across the bridge on our quest for birds. Grab your binoculars and let the nature discourse begin! Fall migrants – Come get acquainted this fall and return in the spring for warblers and wildflowers. Varied habitats, wooded, marsh, brook/pond. Wide trails, smooth walking gentle hills. https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/sanctuaries/lewis-farm-bird-sanctuary/

October 3, 2020 - Smith Richardson Sanctuary - Saturday, 8 am
2020-10-03 08:00 - 12:00
Oct 3, 2020 – Smith Richardson Sparrowdise – Saturday 8 am
Being held subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
Please contact trip leader for any questions:
Patrick Comins pcomins@ctaudubon.org 860-977-4469 T

Smith Richardson Sanctuary, 39 Sasco Creek Rd, Westport

Meet at the corner of Sasco Creek and Hedley Farms Roads
Signs indicate each of the preserve’s three parcels.
Come and visit the CT Audubon Society Smith Richardson Preserve with its spectacular fall stopover habitat for land birds. This is a great place for sparrows and other seed eating birds. The trails are flat and wide with maybe a mile of easy walking. Time might run until noon. The Connecticut Audubon Society has embarked on a massive habitat restoration project here in recent years. Feed plots are planted to help out compete invasive plants in between the planted trees and shrubs. Can be amazing for sparrows. Has hosted Blue Grosbeak, Dickcissel, Lark Sparrow and Clay-colored Sparrows in recent years.
https://www.ctaudubon.org/sanctuaries/smith-richardson/#sthash.opkXr5qS.npMOvRgv.dpbs

Smith Richardson Preserve in Westport, CT - Trip Report - 10/3/2020
2020-10-03 08:00 - 12:00
Five birders joined me for a trip to the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Smith Richardson Preserve in Westport, an excellent place to see sparrows and other migrants particularly in fall migration. The trip lasted for about 3.5 hours and we walked 2.73 miles.
The birds were quite skittish today and some folks had trouble getting on the birds before they ducked into cover, and some birds were only seen by 1-2 participants.
Highlights included: Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-breasted Nuthatches, a Marsh Wren, Grasshopper Sparrow (only seen by leader), Clay-colored Sparrow (only seen by two), Field Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrows, Lincoln’s Sparrows, Tennessee Warbler, lots of Indigo Buntings and two Blue Grosbeaks, seen only by a few.
Patrick
Patrick Comins
Executive Director
(203) 259 0416 x107

October 10, 2020 - Greenstone Hollow - Saturday, 8 am
2020-10-10 08:00 - 12:00
Oct 10, 2020 – Greenstone Hollow – Saturday 8 am
Subject to the COVID-19 restrictions for a maximum of 10 participants. You must pre-register. Please contact trip leaders to register and if you have any additional questions:
Chris&Diane Fisher ChrisF001@aol.com 860-967-5976 T
31 Ridge Rd, East Granby
Park on north side of road
All are welcome on this exploration of our Greenstone Hollow Nature Preserve. Woodland, water and shrub meadow habitats will hopefully provide 20-40 species during the Fall migration. About 1.5 miles of easy walking for up to 2 hours. Can leave at any time. Wear waterproof footgear if it has rained recently.

October 11, 2020 - Big Sit at Station 43 - Sunday - Canceled
2020-10-11
UPDATE: Sun, Oct 11, Big Sit at Station 43. CANCELED.
If anyone is interested in leading this subject to the COVID 19 restrictions, we could offer it with a new leader, but a schedule change caused our prior leader to need to cancel. Please contact Sarah Faulkner at sffaulkner@comcast.net if you’d like to lead it.
————————————————————————————————————————-
Oct 11, 2020 – Big Sit at Station 43 – Sunday all day
990 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park in front of stucco house. Walk about .4 miles west on dirt road.
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St, S Windsor
A day of fun at Station 43 where we count all species we see and hear from a 17-foot circle located at the HAS platform on the southwest end of the marsh. Bring a stool/chair and a scope if you have one.

Greenstone Hollow Trip Report - October 10, 2020 - 8AM - 11:30AM
2020-10-12 08:00 - 17:00
Greenstone Hollow Trip Report – October 10, 2020 – 8AM – 11:30AM
Leaders – Chris Fisher, Diane Fisher
Participants – 7
We had a remarkable morning of birding at Greenstone. The weather was perfect hitting about 60ºF at 8am and about 70ºF by the time we finished at 11:30am. We ended up walking most of the trails. We started with the beaver pond and road area near the entrance for the first half hour. Then we walked the south side trails (Wood Thrush and Twisted Tree). After viewing the butterfly garden we walked back down the Old Farm Road stopping at the West Blackbird Marsh Overlook, the Chickadee Trail, The Wood Duck Pond Overlook and the Maple Grove Overlook. The plan had been to end at 10am, but everyone wanted to continue, so we headed to the back of the sanctuary along the Kinglet Woods Trail and the Old Apple Tree Trail, stopping at Bluebird Hollow, South and North Meadow Overlooks, the Willow Wander, the White Pine Loop, the Cardinal Trail and the Big Maple Overlook.
Highlights included; good looks at a pair of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers; a Ruby-crowned Kinglet who showed us his nice red crown; a Pileated Woodpecker in a tree in the Beaver Pond; scope looks at Northern Flickers feeding in the grass near the butterfly garden; good looks at a Blue-headed Vireo; very good looks at a Carolina Wren; very good looks at a Black-and-White Warbler; quick looks at a Black-throated Green Warbler and a Pine Warbler; as well as lots of good looks at young Cedar Waxwings and many other more common birds. All-in-all it was a great morning of birding.
Protocol: Traveling
1.44 mile(s)
32 species

Mourning Dove 1
Turkey Vulture 2
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 2
Red-bellied Woodpecker 6
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Pileated Woodpecker 1
Northern Flicker 8
Blue-headed Vireo 2
Blue Jay 31
Black-capped Chickadee 13
Tufted Titmouse 1
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4
Carolina Wren 6
European Starling 40
Gray Catbird 4
American Robin 18
Cedar Waxwing 50
House Finch 3
Purple Finch 4
American Goldfinch 8
Dark-eyed Junco 3
White-throated Sparrow 20
Song Sparrow 6
Swamp Sparrow 3
Red-winged Blackbird 2
Black-and-white Warbler 1
Pine Warbler 1
Yellow-rumped Warbler 20
Black-throated Green Warbler 1
Northern Cardinal 2

October 13, 2020 Meeting - Program: Ducks in Love
2020-10-13 19:30 - 21:00
Ducks in Love is a unique program which focuses on love in the waterfowl world, from breeding displays, to mate choice and family structure. Utilizing videos taken at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, participants will get to view real breeding displays and learn the intricacies of the head bob, blowing bubbles, false drinking, and the dip and bop. Colleen Peters is the Director of Education at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy. She joined Ripley in 2018 after graduating with her PhD in Environmental Science from Baylor University.
This event may be held via a Zoom virtual meeting due to COVID 19 – please check back for details.
Please contact Annette Pasek if you have any questions:
Annette Pasek apasek@cox.net 860-490-8357 T

CANCELED - October 17, 2020 - Lewis Farm Sanctuary - Saturday, 10 am
2020-10-17 10:00 - 12:00
Oct 17, 2020 – Lewis Farm Sanctuary – Saturday 10 am
1035 Hill St, Suffield
Park off road on WEST side only (by sign for Sanctuary)
Use caution: poor sight line for passing cars
Join HAS leader and science teacher Sarah Faulkner for a leisurely bird and nature walk at Hartford Audubon’s Lewis Farm Bird Sanctuary. We’ll look for birds and animals, discuss the forest and water ecosystems, and enjoy being in nature. All ages welcome; children ages 6-12 are especially encouraged. We’ll use smartphones to identify some birds, plants, and animals. Easy/moderate walking, about 1 ½ miles in total on woods trails.
Sarah Faulkner sffaulkner@comcast.net 860-543-1280 T
Trip may be subject to Covid restrictions – contact the trip leader for any updates.

CANCELED - November 7, 2020 - DelMarva Peninsula - Saturday 2-3 days
2020-11-07 08:00 - 2020-11-09 17:00
Because all the states are on the no-travel list… this trip has been cancelled.
Because Nov 7, 2020 – DelMarva Peninsula – Saturday 2-3 days
Delaware, Maryland and Virginia
Contact Peter for arrangements
Visit Bombay Hook, Chincoteague and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuges as well as Ocean City, Elliot’s Pond, Indian River Inlet and possibly Prime Hook NWR. These are all top birding spots in this area.
Peter Stephan stephraf@aol.com 860-729-8374 T

UPDATE! November 10, 2020 - Monthly Meeting: Black Bears in Connecticut
2020-11-10 19:00 - 20:30
Nov 10, 2020 – Monthly Meeting – Tuesday 7 pm – this meeting will be held virtually via ZOOM.
Speaker: Paul Colburn

Black Bears in Connecticut
Paul Colburn, a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist, will present the habitat, diet, behavior, and reproduction of the Black Bear. He will also share an overview of current local research efforts on this species. Based on this information, practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with the Connecticut Black Bear population will be shared.

For all Zoom programs, the program link is emailed to members, but we welcome the public.
Interested nonmembers can email Sarah Faulkner (HAS President) at the address shown below and request the link.
Sarah Faulkner, President – sffaulkner@comcast.net

November 17, 2020 - Wildlife Series - Looking for Owls
2020-11-17 19:00 - 20:00
November 17, 2020 – Wildlife Series – Tuesday 7:00 – 8 pm
Speaker: Gina Nichol
Meeting will be held via Zoom due to Covid restrictions and a link will be provided to members. Please reach out to Fran D’Amico for more information if you wish to attend. information provided below.
Looking for Owls
Looking for Owls – Owls are much loved in the bird world and seeing one is a thrill. These secretive birds can be difficult to find in the wild. Tonight’s program explores how to look for owls through field experiences and knowledge about their life histories of owls. We will embark on an expedition in search of owls and reveal strategies to find them in your backyard and beyond. Gina has presented a wide variety of informative and entertaining programs for HAS over the years. She is a naturalist and the founder of Sunrise Birding LLC as well as a tour leader.
Please contact Frances D’Amico if you have any questions:
frandamico525@yahoo.com 203-237-2734 T

UPDATE!: December 8, 2020 - Holiday VIRTUAL Slideshow/Meeting (7-8:30 PM)
2020-12-08 19:00 - 20:30
UPDATE!:

December “Pot Luck” Photograph Show Will Go On! 12/8/2020 7 PM to 8/8:30 PM
​

The December potluck and silent auction, always a favorite activity, is unfortunately canceled this year

due to COVID-19 concerns. However, we’re still going to hold the photography sharing program!

We have a wonderful Holiday Photography Program on Tuesday night, December 8th starting promptly at 7:00 pm. The Zoom link was emailed to members.
If you did not receive it, or would like to join us from the public, please email Sarah Faulkner at sffaulkner@comcast.net.

HAS Year of Birding Summary
Mona Cavallero
Ben and Barbara Skaught
Jay Kaplan
Doug Beach
Deb Wheeler
Chris Fisher
Joan Heffernan
David Zomick
Sarah Faulkner
David Funke
Maggie Peretto
Mike Berzenski

UPDATED: December 20, 2020 - Christmas Bird Counts - Sunday - All Day
2020-12-20
TO ALL HARTFORD AREA BIRDERS:
The 2020 Hartford Christmas Bird Count (CBC) will be held on Sunday, December 20th.
Our Count is now scheduled on a Sunday to allow for better (and safer) access to numerous areas along the Connecticut River because hunting takes place on Saturdays, but not on Sundays in those areas. December 20 th is now less than three weeks away!
We continue to remain in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, birding is an activity that is easily done with social distancing and safety protocols in mind. Our 2019 Hartford Summer Bird Count saw record participation in terms of numbers of participants in the field. If the weather cooperates, I hope that we will also see a strong effort on December 20 th.
There are safety protocols that we recommend you follow if you plan to participate in this year’s Count. Please do not carpool unless you are traveling with members of your own family. In the field, please maintain proper social distancing and we ask that group sizes be limited to five or fewer people in the same immediate area. Masks are encouraged if there are others around.
Finally, we will not be holding a captains’ meeting this year. Captains will be emailing their reports to the Compiler, who will then total the observations from each of the Count’s twelve areas.
FYI: For those new to birding or to the Christmas Bird Count, this is the longest running of all citizen-science surveys. The Count was begun in 1900 as an alternative to the Christmas hunt during which thousands of birds were shot for dinner or merely for sport. Christmas Bird Counts provide valuable information on trends in bird populations over time. The objective of the Count is to census all birds within a seven and one-half mile radius of Hartford’s Old State House on a single day. As such, all of Hartford, West Hartford and East Hartford are within the Count circle, as well as portions of Windsor, Bloomfield, Avon, Farmington, Newington, Wethersfield, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, Manchester and South Windsor. Participants may count birds for an hour in their own yard if they live within the Count circle. Or, they may join a small team that may venture into the field for part or all of the day, scouring reservoir lands, agricultural fields or parks and woodland areas. Some birders even go out at night in an attempt to call in owls. Birds that are seen or heard may be counted. All individual birds rather than just species of birds are counted. Three days prior to and three days following the Count Day make up what is known as Count Week. Birds seen during the Count Week, but not on Count Day, are considered “Count Week” birds and are noted as to species, but are not added to the total.
The Harford Count is divided into 12 areas, each with a captain. Captains and their email addresses are as follows:
Area #1 South Windsor (Station 43 and surrounding area) – Paul Desjardins – paul.desjardins2@gmail.com,
Area # South Windsor (upland areas) – Patrice Favreau – kestrel.pf@gmail.com
Area #3 Manchester – Maggie Peretto – wings.mp@gmail.com
Area #4 Glastonbury – Andrew Dasinger – amdasinger@gmail.com
Area #5 Wethersfield/Rocky Hill – Steve Kotchko – smkbard@cox.net
Area #6 Hartford – Jay Kaplan – Jaybrd49@aol.com
Area #7 Newington – Sylvia Halkin – halkin@ccsu.edu
Area #8 Avon/Farmington – Sarah Faulkner – sffaulkner@comcast.net
Area #9 West Hartford – Brian Toal – briantoal@sbcglobal.net
Area #10 Bloomfield – Jim Watso – jcwphotos@cox.net
Area #11 Windsor – Mike & Judy Whittlesey – mwhitt15@gmail.com
Area #12 East Hartford – Blair Wlochowski – wlochowski@sbcglobal.net
Please contact the captain of the area in which you might be able to help well in advance of the Count. Captains are responsible for making certain areas are covered. We ask that you do not cover an area without letting the captain know so as to make certain areas are not doubly covered or to make certain they are within the Count circle.
Please do not hesitate to contact me should there be any questions concerning the Count. It can be great fun and you might be surprised at what can be found during a day of December birding in the Greater Hartford area.
Jay Kaplan, Compiler, Hartford Christmas Bird Count
Jaybrd49@aol.com

January 9, 2021 - Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #2 - Saturday 9 am
2021-01-09 09:00 - 12:00
Jan 9, 2021 – Station 43 Beginners Bird Walk #2 – Saturday 9 am
990 Main St, South Windsor
Corner of Newberry Rd and Main St
Park in front of stucco house.
The second of four morning walks designed for beginners at Hartford Audubon’s oldest sanctuary. Station 43 is an excellent birding area year ‘round and on each walk we will look for seasonal birds. The walk is roughly 2.5 miles (3 hours) long over flat terrain but we may encounter areas with water/ice covering parts of the path. Waterproof boots suggested.
https://www.hartfordaudubon.org/sanctuaries/station-43-wildlife-sanctuary/
Jon Ward jward88787@aol.com 860-416-3958 T
Trip may be subject to Covid restrictions – contact the trip leader for any updates.

January 12, 2021 ZOOM Meeting - The importance of Inland Wetlands for Birds and Other Wildlife
2021-01-12 19:00 - 21:00
January Member’s Meeting Program will be this Tuesday, January 12th at 7:00. to be held via ZOOM
Please join Jim Arrigoni from the CT Audubon Society for his talk about the “Importance of Inland Wetlands for Birds and Other Wildlife”. Wetlands provide critical habitat for biodiversity and also provide ecological services for human communities such as water purification and storm-water storage. Jim will give an overview of the types of wetlands in Connecticut and the unique wildlife they support. We will start with a short business meeting to be followed immediately by the program.
Please contact Sarah Faulkner at sffaulkner@comcast.net or Annette Pasek at apasek@cox.net if you have any questions or wish to join the ZOOM Meeting.

Canceled - January 16, 2021 - Cape Ann & Newburyport, MA - Saturday - 2 days
2021-01-16 08:00 - 2021-01-17 17:00
This trip below has been canceled due to Covid-19 concerns. See you in January 2021.
Jan 16 Cape Ann & Newburyport, MA Sat 2 days
Contact Fran at least one week in advance for details
Barrow’s Goldeneye, Snowy Owl, alcids, sea ducks, and Northern rarities are the targets of this perennial favorite trip. Be prepared for severe cold and windy weather and hope for moderate temps. Contact leader for motel (to get the reduced rate) and meeting time at least one week in advance.
Frances D’Amico frandamico525@yahoo.com 203-237-2734

ZOOM Meeting - January 19, 2021: Wildlife Series -Following Peregrine Falcon Recovery - 7 pm
2021-01-19 19:00 - 20:00
This program will be held via a virtual ZOOM Meeting due to COVID 19.
Tuesday 7:00 – 8 pm
Speaker: Tom French
30 Years Following Peregrine Falcons to Recovery and Beyond – Tom’s work with Peregrine Falcons in Massachusetts, chronicles the loss of nesting Peregrines in the state in 1955 through their current recovery to over 30 nesting pairs. Tom provides many photos and stories of their nesting throughout the state. Their population is now limited by nesting sites. Since 1987, over 500 have been wild born in Massachusetts.
All are invited to attend the Wildlife Series. If you have not yet paid for a ticket and wish to attend, you can send $4.00 for a single program to Frances D’Amico, 508 Preston Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Checks should be made out to Hartford Audubon Society. Please write Wildlife Series on the note line. If you need more information, please call Fran at 203-237-2734. The Zoom link will be send a few days before the program.
Please contact Frances D’Amico if you have any questions:
frandamico525@yahoo.com / 203-237-2734 T
if you wish to attend via ZOOM:
please email Sarah Faulkner at: sffaulkner@comcast.net for more information or contact Fran above.

REMINDER - Hartford County - 2021 Big January of Birding Challenge Coming to a Close!
2021-02-01 - 2021-02-05
The Hartford Big January of Birding challenge is coming to a close! Please make sure all your January observations are entered into ebird.org, the free birdwatching site maintained by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, no later than the end of January 31st. You do not need to be an HAS member to enter. If you are not using ebird, please email me your list no later than Friday, February 5th (sffaulkner@comcast.net). Winners will be announced on February 6th! There are four categories for entry:

Youth (ages 4-10) who must see at least 25 species to enter
Teen (ages 11-17) who must see at least 35 species to enter
Weekend Warrior (adults ages 18 and up who can’t get outdoors during the week) who must see at least 50 species to enter
Adults (ages 18 and up who can get outdoors during the week) who must see at least 60 species to enter.

All entries that meet the minimum number of species for each challenge group will receive a certificate of achievement. A special prize will be awarded for the highest species count for each challenge group, and the coveted “Golden Grebe” award will be given to the birder finding the most unusual bird

COVID-19 Reminder: Participants are cautioned to follow COVID-19 protocols while birding. Wear masks that cover your nose when near others; socially distance at least 6’ from others and more distance when walking; bird only with others in your immediate family or in very small groups; and wash your hands as frequently as possible. Please be considerate of others and give a wide berth to others on trails.

February CT Bird Atlas Challenge!
2021-02-04 00:00 - 2021-02-28 23:59
We had so much fun looking for birds in January that HAS has decided to issue a new challenge, this time to augment the data for the Connecticut Bird Atlas.
Participants should do one-hour time surveys in blocks needing more data, and submit them by the end of February in eBird or on paper. Details are in the email sent out on February 2nd.
Prizes and certificates to the top three birders!!!
For a copy or more information, contact Sandi Jones at frogcop@cox.net (please use subject: CT BIRD ATLAS), or text: 860-883-8996.

February 6, 2021 - Cape Cod Tour, MA - Saturday - 2 days
2021-02-06 08:00 - 2021-02-07 17:00
Feb 6, 2021 – Cape Cod Tour, MA – Saturday – 2 days
Meet and Stay at The Cove, Orleans, Massachusetts
Contact Peter for reservations and details
This is New England late winter birding at its finest. We shoud see Alcids and Waterfowl. Call Peter for information and reservations.
Peter Stephan stephraf@aol.com 860-729-8374 T
Trip may be subject to Covid restrictions – contact the trip leader for any updates.
