The Connecticut Audubon Society

The Connecticut Audubon Society Hours vary by location.
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Founded in 1898, The Connecticut Audubon Society protects Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy.

Congratulations to Oliver Vignola, 15, of Glastonbury, winner of the Young Birder category in Connecticut Audubon’s 2026...
06/18/2026

Congratulations to Oliver Vignola, 15, of Glastonbury, winner of the Young Birder category in Connecticut Audubon’s 2026 Migration Magic Photo Contest!

Oliver took first place with a sharp action shot of a juvenile Cooper’s Hawk — a bird known for darting quickly through the forest and disappearing from view in seconds.

“The thing about migration that excites me is recording all these species,” Oliver said. “You have the chance of getting so many birds that you may not be able to see again. By capturing that moment, you have it forever as a memory.”

Contest judge Matt Zucconi praised Oliver’s photo for its focus, detail, and difficulty. The image captured the hawk’s yellow-eyed face and visible tail, along with what Zucconi described as a classic predatory posture.

Congratulations, Oliver, and thank you to all the young birders who entered this year’s contest.

Congratulations to Michelle Babyak, winner of Connecticut Audubon’s 2026 Migration Magic Photo Contest for her photo of ...
06/17/2026

Congratulations to Michelle Babyak, winner of Connecticut Audubon’s 2026 Migration Magic Photo Contest for her photo of a Barred Owl!

Michelle was sipping her morning coffee and scanning the skies for warblers from her front porch in Sandy Hook when she heard a squirrel’s alarm call — a sound she has learned can mean an owl is nearby.

She grabbed her camera, focused on a pine tree about 15 feet away, and spotted it: a perfectly camouflaged Barred Owl staring straight back at her. Only its eyes gave it away.

“I would have never seen it,” Michelle said. “The squirrel takes credit for that shot.”

Seconds later, the owl was gone. But Michelle had captured the image that would earn first place among 106 entries.

For Michelle, birding has become more than a hobby. It has brought joy, comfort, and connection during difficult years.

“All you have to do is open your eyes and your ears,” she said.

Congratulations, Michelle, and thank you to everyone who entered this year’s contest.

More than 1,200 people joined us for Migration Magic this May, celebrating spring migration through bird walks, boat cru...
06/16/2026

More than 1,200 people joined us for Migration Magic this May, celebrating spring migration through bird walks, boat cruises, programs, competitions, and plenty of time outdoors.

Together, participants raised about $30,000 to support bird conservation in Connecticut.

“Migration Magic is about more than birds,” Executive Director Joyce Leiz said. “It’s about helping people connect with nature, experience the fleeting phenomenon of spring migration, and become part of a community that cares deeply about conservation.”

A few highlights:
• Shori Velles recorded a record-breaking 213 species to win the Birdathon
• Kelly Siranko raised more than $3,300 to support conservation, education, and advocacy
• Young birder August Kaesar, age 7, identified 94 species
• Our Big Day team traveled more than 500 miles and recorded 163 species in 24 hours

Thank you to everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, and helped make this year’s festival such a success.

And thank you to our sponsors: WSHU Public Radio, Oliver Nurseries, and O&G Industries Inc.

Funds raised through Migration Magic support Connecticut Audubon’s conservation, education, and advocacy work across the state.

Read the full wrap up link in the comments below.

*Photo Contest winners coming in upcoming posts

Butterfly bonanza at the Center at Pomfret!The field in front of the center is alive with Baltimore checkerspot butterfl...
06/13/2026

Butterfly bonanza at the Center at Pomfret!

The field in front of the center is alive with Baltimore checkerspot butterflies right now. With their bold orange, black, and white patterning, they’re hard to miss and very easy to admire.

It’s a beautiful reminder of how important healthy meadows and native plants are for pollinators. Stop by, take a slow look, and see how many you can spot.

📸Deb Eccleston, CT Audubon

Save the date!Join RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme on Friday, September 18th for a whimsical, impactful evening celebrati...
06/08/2026

Save the date!

Join RTP Estuary Center in Old Lyme on Friday, September 18th for a whimsical, impactful evening celebrating native plants in the CT River Watershed and The Wonder of Bonsai.
Tented on the lawns abutting the Lieutenant River, this imaginative cocktail party features heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, fresh oysters, lobster rolls and the festive sounds of a steel drum band. Bid on live and silent auction items and raise your paddle to support the science-based environmental education, research and advocacy programs of CT Audubon's Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center.

https://charity.pledgeit.org/Bonsai

This Father’s Day, give Dad something more meaningful than another tie or coffee mug.A membership to the Connecticut Aud...
06/07/2026

This Father’s Day, give Dad something more meaningful than another tie or coffee mug.

A membership to the Connecticut Audubon Society helps connect him to birds, nature, and conservation efforts happening right here in Connecticut.

Whether he loves birdwatching, photography, hiking, or simply spending time outdoors, a gift membership is something he can enjoy all year long - while helping protect Connecticut’s birds and other wildlife.

Give the Gift of Membership: Connecticut Audubon Society - See link in Bio

06/05/2026

Birds like puffins, penguins, gannets, and more are able to survive without fresh water their entire lives. How do they do this? Find out with Maggie in our "season finale" of Ask the Naturalist!

During the summer, Ask the Naturalist will be switching to a slower upload schedule. While Ava and Maggie focus on summer camp, you can expect to see different faces, new questions, and new editing styles as we adjust for our busiest season! We hope you enjoy!

Ask a question: https://forms.gle/ragiJ14UjXBaJttK9

Cedar Waxwings are easy to admire, from their smooth, polished look to the tiny pops of color on their feathers.Their na...
06/04/2026

Cedar Waxwings are easy to admire, from their smooth, polished look to the tiny pops of color on their feathers.

Their name comes from the bright red, wax-like droplets that appear on the wing feathers of some individuals. Scientists aren’t completely sure what purpose they serve, though they may play a role in courtship.

Their tails have a color story too. Most Cedar Waxwings show yellow tips, but some have orange instead. That unusual color started showing up in the Northeast and southeastern Canada in the 1960s, linked to waxwings eating the berries of introduced honeysuckle. When young birds eat enough of those berries while their tail feathers are growing, the pigment can change the feather tips from yellow to orange.

Look for them in trees and shrubs with berries, where they often gather in groups and pass fruit from bird to bird. A stylish bird with excellent snack-sharing manners.

Where have you seen a Cedar Waxwing recently?

📸Linda Olsen, 2025 Migration Magic Photo Contest submission

Address

314 Unquowa Road
Fairfield, CT
06824

Telephone

+12032596305

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