Bent of the River Audubon Center is offering recurring nature events for everyone on Friday mornings through the end of April. Programs offered include guided walks, sitting at the birding balcony with staff, or Facebook Live programs.
Please click here for registration and more information.
Amazing Amphibians and Radical Reptiles
Friday, April 12th: 4pm - 5pm
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
Edmond Town Hall Gymnasium
45 Main Street, Newtown
Cost: Donations Appreciated
Amphibians and reptiles might seem similar but these two distinct species have striking differences. From their skin and texture, to their environment and habits, you’ll be amazed at how these animals adapt in the natural world. Together, we’ll learn how to listen and identify our native amphibians by their calls, discover some really radical reptiles, and explore what makes these creatures so unique! Meet an African bullfrog, Tiger salamander, and White’s Tree Frog, distant cousins to our native amphibians here in CT.
Please click here for registration and more information.
Spring Wildflowers with Pete and Barb Rzasa
Thursday, April 18: 10am - 11:30am
Bent of the River Audubon Center, Southbury
Cost: $10 per person
Spring is upon us! Come join Barbara and Peter Rzasa, nature photographers, on a spring walk through our property as they look for Spring Wildflowers and Ephemerals at the Bent.
Beautiful spring, native wildflowers can be found growing in Connecticut's fields, forests, and wetlands. Their appearance not only delights our eyes, but they also lift our winter-weary spirits from the drabness of our cold months. Many spring flowers are ephemeral, having to emerge early, bloom, and produce seed before our overhead trees leaf out. True ephemerals will soon disappear as shade begins to blanket the forest floor. Spring wildflowers play an important role in nature as they provide food for pollinators such as bumblebees, solitary wasps, and butterflies. Wood anemone, Dutchman's breeches, bloodroot, trillium, trout lily, May apple, toothwort, and spring beauties can be found along the Center's trails. Many are easily observed in nature, but many others are elusive and require a bit of searching. Stories and flower folklore of our native spring wildflowers will be shared.
Please click here for registration and more information.
Spring Bird Exploration
Thursday, April 18: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
8 Commerce Road, Newtown
Cost: $20 per person
Looking for a sure sign of spring? Join Ken Elkins, Director of the CT Audubon Coastal Center, as we search for this shy bird species, the American Woodcock. Come experience the amazing upward spiral courtship flight as the male cuts loose to perform his mating ritual to impress the female. This event requires standing still in the dark, listening for the bird call and watching aerial flight. Ages 8 years and above. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress appropriately for early spring weather, hiking/snow/mud boots, hats, gloves, hand warmers, etc. and bring a flashlight or headlamp. Wind or heavy precipitation will postpone the event to the rain date of April 19th.
Please click here for registration and more information.
