In FlightFall 2014

‘Pumping It Up’ for Bird ConservationBy Michelle Frankel, Center Director

Audubon Greenwich has been flexing its conservation muscles as we put intoaction what we learned at a four dayworkshop back in February designed to increase the conservation impact ofAudubon centers. Senior Naturalist Ted Gilman and I attended a “Pump it Up for Conservation” training workshop in Columbus, Ohio, along with our colleagues from Audubon centers across the country, led by National Audubon Society’s CommunityConservation and Education team.

Audubon Greenwich was featured at the workshop as amodel center, with flagship programs like SchoolyardHabitat and Urban Oases that engage diverse audiences inon-the-ground conservation. Since the workshop, AudubonGreenwich staff has worked hard to evaluate all of our programs to determine how they might be enhanced toachieve even greater conservation impacts and to engagenew and diverse audiences in conservation. I’d like to sharewith you just a few examples of what we’ve accomplished:

Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch:We have just kicked off our Hawk Watch season and

this year, our dedicated team of Hawk Watch volunteers

will do even more than help us count the thousands of raptors that fly over our Quaker Ridge hawk watch siteduring the fall season, which in itself provides invaluablescientific data to monitor population trends and migrationpatterns of a wide range of species.

Our Hawk Watch volunteers have agreed to serve asRaptor Ambassadors and have participated in a series of training sessions organized by Senior Naturalist TedGilman and our fabulous returning Hawk Watch Intern,Ryan MacLean. Armed with spotting scopes, splashy hand-outs, and vests that say “Ask Me About Raptors,”their charge is to welcome visitors to Hawk Watch and provide them with information about the incredible raptorsflying overhead and how they can make a difference in conserving them.

At the same time, our Events and CommunicationsManager, Jeff Cordulack, has worked with Ted and Ryan todevelop a series of new public offerings at the Hawk Watchsite in order to provide more opportunities for people toparticipate in the Hawk Watch and to engage new anddiverse audiences in conservation.

To learn about these and other Fall events or try yourhand in hawk watching, visit the Nature Program Calendaronline: http://greenwich.audubon.org/events.

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Nature SproutsA Mommy & Me Program

For 18 months-4 years old

3:30-4:30pm

Wednesdays in October and NovemberExplore nature at Audubon Greenwich with your toddler.

Enjoy short hikes, stories, crafts, and family fun. $220 for 9 weeks.

RSVP required. 203-869-5272 x235. Details on website.

2 • AudubonGreenwich In Flight

The Mission of Audubon Greenwich is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the

earth’s biological diversity.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSLauren Hampton, ChairMatthew Fry, Vice ChairJohn Knox, TreasurerJennifer McCarroll, Secretary

HONORARY BOARD MEMBERSJane-Kerin Moffat Gary PalmerLolly Prince

AUDUBON GREENWICH STAFFMichelle Frankel, Center DirectorAndy Chapin, Land StewardJeff Cordulack, Events & Communications ManagerJohn Fairty, Grounds & Facilities ManagerJames Flynn, Education SpecialistTed Gilman, Senior Naturalist & Education SpecialistGigi Lombardi, Operations ManagerFrancesca Williams, Education Specialist

AUDUBON CONNECTICUT STAFFStewart Hudson, V.P. & Executive DirectorKatherine Blake, Bird-Friendly Communities CoordinatorSandy Breslin, Director, Government AffairsPatrick Comins, Director, Bird ConservationElizabeth Newman, Finance ManagerTiffany Witmer, Development Officer

GREENWICH SANCTUARY HOURS:

• Kimberlin Nature Education Center (Learning Center, Gallery, Store, & Restrooms) Open Daily from 10:00 am-5:00 pm

• Trails Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset

CENTER AND TRAILS ADMISSION:

• Members - FREE • Non-members - Adults $3.00• Children/Seniors - $1.50

613 Riversville RoadGreenwich, CT 06831

203.869.5272http://greenwich.audubon.org

Allison BourkeJohn ConteDenise CrettolAnn Flinn

Eda PetersonGeorge SorensonRoxanne Vanderbilt

With a variety of species flying among its meadows and wetlands,Audubon Greenwich is an ideal location to spot New England’s Odonata species (dragonflies & damselflies). And in 2014, the checklist gota little richer when Naturalist Sean Graesser took several forays throughthe main sanctuary.

The Eleven New Species

• Powdered Dancer (Argia moesta)

• Stream Cruiser (Didymops transversa)

• Unicorn Clubtail (Arigomphus villosipes)

• Ashy Clubtail (Gomphus lividus)

• Eastern Least Clubtail (Stylogomphus albistylus)

• Dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus)

• Tiger Spiketail (Cordulegaster erronea)

• Twin-spotted Spiketail (Cordulegaster maculate)

• Spangled Skimmer (Libellula cyanea)

• Brush-tipped Emerald (Somatochlora walshii)

• Harlequin Darner (Gomphaeschna furcillata)

Graesser recorded eleven (11) new dragonfly species in May and Junethat had not been recorded on-site previously. The sightings included theTiger Spiketail, a state threatened species observed that was also seen in itswoodland stream breeding habitat during the end of August.

These eleven new records bring the ‘observable’ Odonata species from48 to 59 and with butterflies included, the “Checklist of Butterflies,Dragonflies, & Damselflies” for the Greenwich center now boasts a total of 121 winged wonders for visitors to look out for. For this and otherwildlife checklists (birds, mammals, and amphibians), visit the website and

click the orange “Birds & Wildlife” tabalong the top of the website.Due to their large, colorful bodies and

exceptionally charismatic behaviors, dragonflies and damselflies have becomepopular with birders and wildlife watchers of all ages.

Eleven New Dragonfly SpeciesFound On-site

VIEWING TIP: If Odonata sparkyour interest, look for binoculars

that are able to focus at close distances. For a new pair, visit the Audubon GreenwichNature Store – now open every day from10:00 am-5:00 pm. You can also grab a newguide book and other gear to help ID theseamazing acrobats in the field.

Twin-Spotted Spiketails breedalong streams. Once paired up,they hang from trees for 50 minutes to 5 hours and thenthe female places her eggs intoa nearby water source.

Breeding Status:Confirmed. The newbreeding record for

the threatened TigerSpiketail will be

submitted to the CTDepartment of Energy

and EnvironmentalProtection database ofwildlife breeding areas.Any threatened species

are ones with fewer than10 known breeding sites

in the state.

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Fall 2014 • 3

Afternoon Hawk WatchingThursdays ~ Sept. 11, 18, 25 / Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23.4:00-5:00 pmStop over on Hawk Watch Lawn to learn about wild hawksmigrating south. Meet with Audubon staff for an introduction tothe official hawk counting site, learn raptor spotting tips, and get a free raptor identification sheet. All ages and abilities. RSVPsappreciated but not required. Email greenwichcenter@audubon.orgor contact senior naturalist Ted Gilman.

Hawk Watching on Quaker Ridge

HawkWatch Festival & Green BazaarSaturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28 • 11am - 5pm

613 Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT • 203-869-5272

Official Hawk Watcher,Ryan MacLean, joins

us for a second season of counting.

Welcome back, Ryan! Follow “Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch” & “Audubon Greenwich” on Facebook for daily sightings and Audubon happenings.

Live Birds of Prey Shows 1 & 3 pm • Eco-friendly Vendors & Exhibits

Wild Hawk Counting • Games • Great Food On-Site • Gift Shop Sales

Event Schedule Online: greenwich.audubon.org

Did you know Quaker Ridge spotters count an average of 20,000eagles, falcons and other raptors flying over Audubon Greenwicheach Fall? Come see it for yourself!

Soaring overhead, from late August until mid-November,thousands of raptors travel south along the Atlantic Flyway towarmer climates. Many migrate from Canada to Central andSouth America – with a few hardier species wintering in our area.The high elevation at the Audubon Center in Greenwich offersan ideal location for observation. From our Quaker Ridge HawkWatch site, over a dozen raptor species can be observed migrating.This is a fascinating spectacle for bird lovers of all ages.

Autumn is upon us and the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch is underway!

Peregrine Falcon

Common landmarks used for spotting hawks on Quaker Ridge

Saturday, Sept. 13 Hawk Watching 101 10:30 am-12 noonLearn new raptor identification skills with TedGilman during an informative session on how to use binoculars and spotting scopes to identify migrating eagles, falcons and other raptors flying past each Fall. All ages and abilities welcome. RSVP appreciated.

Sunday, Sept. 142nd Sunday Hike • 9:30-11:00 amA great way to learn the Audubon Greenwich trails and abit of natural history, too ~ every 2nd Sunday of the month!Simply send a quick RSVP, grab your walking shoes, and hit the trails forSunday morning hiking fun! Ages 7 & up suggested. RSVP required.

Saturday, Sept. 20 Hawk Watching 101 • 10:30 am-12 noonLearn new raptor identification skills with Ted Gilman during an informative session on how to use binoculars and spotting scopes to identify migrating eagles, falcons and other raptors flying past each Fall. All ages and abilities welcome. RSVP appreciated.

Sunday, Oct. 5Advanced Hawk Identification • 1:00-2:00 pmJoin naturalist Sean Graesser to learn biology and advanced raptor identification methods using size and feather molting characteristics to indicate raptor age & gender. Ideal for bird enthusiasts & hawk watching volunteers. $10 suggested donation.RSVPs appreciated.

Thursday, Oct. 9Full Moon Hike • 7:00-8:30 pmJoin naturalist Ted Gilman when we seek outthe sights, sounds, and smells of a moonlitevening visiting field, pond, forest, and lake insearch of wildlife. Ages 8 & up. $5/member or $10non-member. Rain will cancel hike. Space very limited& RSVP required.

Sunday, Oct. 122nd Sunday Hike • 9:30-11:00 amA great way to learn the Audubon Greenwich trails

and a bit of natural history, too ~ every 2nd Sunday of the month! Simply send a quick RSVP, grab your walking shoes, and hit the trails for Sunday morning hiking fun! Ages 7 & up suggested. RSVP required.

Sunday, Oct. 12Family Pond Exploration • 11:30 am-1:00 pmHop around the pond with Audubon staff and get up close to the tiny creatures that call the nearby pond home. Equipment will be provided. RSVP requested.

Sunday, Oct. 19Wild Bird Banding Demonstration • 12:30-1:30 pmLearn how scientists study bird migration, health, and ecology using ‘bird IDbands’ that are placed on birds, large and small, as they pass through theAudubon’s 285-acre sanctuary in Greenwich, CT. After a short learning session indoors, guests will venture into the field for an up-close birdencounter with bird banding expert, Sean Graesser. All ages welcome. $10/person includes cookies & cider afterwards. RSVP required & space limited.

Autumn Nature Art Class • 2:00 pm-3:30 pmSpecial guest teacher, Adriana Rostovsky, will show how to create texturesand collages with autumn treasures found outdoors. These sessions will focus on using natural items like grasses, cones, seed heads and other items to create nature-themed decorations. All ages welcome. $25 for first two peopleand $5 per additional. RSVP required & space limited.

Saturday, Oct. 25‘Enchanted Orchard’ & Live Animal Show6:00-9:00 pmA fun Halloween-themed evening for the whole family. Meet kid-friendly, costumed animal characters on a tour of the ‘Enchanted Orchard’.After the tour, enjoy dinner, treats and a live animal show, too. Costumes welcome but notrequired! All ages. $10/person. Space very limited.RSVPs & parent supervision required. Rain Date:October 30.

Wednesday, Nov. 5PUBLIC HEARING: Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan revision1:00-3:00 pm / 6:30-8:30 pmThe Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) is a conservation blueprint forThe Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP). They areworking on revisions to the framework to better conserve wildlife and habitats over the next ten years. The public is invited to meet with wildlifebiologist Julie Victoria, for a facilitated workshop where attendants will beasked to vote or contribute information to the WAP planning process. Free.RSVPs appreciated. Contact Ms. Victoria at 860-742-0341.

Sunday, Nov. 92nd Sunday Hike • 9:30-11:00 amA great way to learn the Audubon Greenwich trails and a bit of natural history, too ~ every 2nd Sunday of the month! Simply send a quick RSVP, grab your walking shoes, and hitthe trails for Sunday morning hiking fun! Ages 7 & up suggested. RSVPrequired.

Quest for the Golden Trout: with Douglas Thompson1:30-2:30 pm“The Quest for the Golden Trout” by Connecticutauthor Douglas M. Thompson is an engaging lookat our nation’s rivers with a more critical eye, andasks the hard questions about historic and currentpractices in fisheries management. Mr. Thompsonis Director of the Goodwin-Niering Center for theEnvironment at Connecticut College. Books will be availablefor signing. $5 suggested donation. RSVP appreciated.

Wednesday, Nov. 19Bird-friendly Foods: Chocolate & Coffee • 6:30-8:00 pmJoin Bird-friendly Communities Coordinator Katie Blake for a presentationabout two of our favorite treats - Chocolate & Coffee - and how sourcingthese yummy products from bird-friendly farms can protect bird habitat,watershed, and people, too. $10/person. RSVP required.

Save the Date: Sunday, December 14

Audubon’sChristmas Bird Count

Thursday, October 16 • 7:00-8:30 pmEvery year, broad-winged hawks embark on a 4,500-milejourney from New Hampshire to South America. This award winning film takes viewers along the

broad-winged hawk’s migratory route, from the northernforests of New Hampshire to the rainforests of Ecuador.

$5-10 suggested donation. RSVP requested.Theatre opens: 6:30 pm & Film at 7pm.

HawkWatch Festival & Green Bazaar

September 27 & 28 • 11am - 5pm

Event Schedule on Website

• Live Birds of Prey Shows 1 & 3 pm• Eco-friendly Vendors & Exhibits• Wild Hawk Counting • Games

• Great Food On-Site • Nature Gift Shop

greenwich.audubon.org • 203-869-5272

Nature SproutsA Mommy & Me Program

For ages 18 months to 4 years old

Wednesdays at 3:30-4:30pmOct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov 5, 12, 19

Explore nature at Audubon Greenwich with your toddler.

Enjoy short hikes, stories, crafts, and family fun. Discover new ideas

to create a healthy home and yard for your family and wildlife.$220 for 9 weeks. RSVP required. Details on website.

For event updates & wildlife sightings, visit: Greenwich.Audubon.org/events & Facebook.com/audubongreenwich.

Journey of the Broad-winged Hawk

AUDUBON GREENWICH NATURE PROGRAM CALENDARF A L L 2 0 1 4

Afternoon Hawk WatchingOn Hawk Watch Lawn

Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 pmDates: Sept. 11, 18, 25 / Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23.

Did you know an average of 20,000 eagles, falcons and other raptorsare counted by spotters as they fly over Audubon Greenwich eachFall? Come see it for yourself at the Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch!Meet Audubon staff for an introduction to this official counting site,

learn raptor spotting tips, get a free identification sheet. Free. All ages and abilities welcome.RSVP appreciated.

Merlin

To RSVP…or Not? Yes, please do - with one-step event sign-ups! It is quick and easy. RSVP via email to: greenwichcenter@audubon.org or by voicemail at 203-869-5272 ext. 349.

Include name, number of people, and phone. If an event is full, Audubon will return your call. Thank you and see you at the event!

Unless otherwise indicated, programs suitable for all ages and are $3 for Audubon members or $5 for non-members. Address: 613 Riversville Road, 06831. Phone: (203) 869-5272

Land Stewardship: Forests throughoutour region have been decimated by invasive plant species and by over-browsing by deer, denuding the forest ofits native understory plants. This has haddevastating effects on a wide range ofspecies. Many species of understory birdsthat were once abundant breeders at theAudubon Greenwich sanctuaries, such asworm-eating warblers and black andwhite warblers, are now rare visitors.Our tenacious Land Steward, AndyChapin, with the help of interns, high school students and numerous community volunteers, has been workinghard to restore our forests through invasive species removal and a deer management program.

We have already begun to see the firstsigns of a healthy forest understory

returning. Our forests will also be gettingan extra boost from a grant from theEmergency Forest Restoration Programof the U.S. Department of AgricultureFarm Service Agency. The grant wasawarded to Audubon Greenwich becauseof the number of trees lost during SuperStorm Sandy. We will be restoring 41acres of forest at the main sanctuary andat Fairchild Wildflower Sanctuary byremoving invasive species, planting newtrees, and installing deer exclosures.

Summer Camp: Children in ourSummer Nature Day Camp wentthrough a major conservation workout –with plenty of fun and exploration in themix – thanks to an initiative spearheadedby Education Specialist and CampDirector, Francesca Williams, and

Education Intern Shauna Yarnell. Ourincredible team of camp counselors wentthrough a week of training prior to thestart of camp where they refreshed theirnatural history skills, exchanged ideas forfun nature experiences, and designedtheir curricula for the summer. Part oftheir charge was to develop conservation messages and activities that related to the nature theme of each week, and toprovide campers with the opportunity to commit to a conservation action withtheir families that will make a differencefor wildlife and their habitats. At the end of each week of camp, parents wereinvited to a closing ceremony wherecampers shared what they discoveredand learned, and pledged personal conservation actions that they intend to take with their families.

“Pumping It Up” for Bird Conservationcontinued from page 1

6 • AudubonGreenwich In Flight

These are just a few of the ways in which Audubon Greenwich is increasing its conservation impact, and in each instance,YOU are an important part of the equation. As citizen scientists, volunteer land stewards, campers and participants in our public programs, every person can make a difference to conserve the wildlife and wild lands we love so dearly.

AUDUBON WISH LISTFor Programs and Interns • Beds (twin or queen) & furniture

• Towel and linen sets • Floor or desk lamps

• Camp Scholarship donations

• Used binoculars

• Passenger vehicle (van, mini-van)

Thank you for your help! If you haveother items that may assist Audubon, let

us know: greenwichcenter@audubon.org.

Provide For Your Family’s Inheritance of the Natural WorldA bequest to Audubon is a gift to future generationsSince 1942, the Audubon Center in Greenwich has educatedgenerations of conservationists about the importance of protecting birds and their habitats. A bequest or anotherplanned giving approach will help Audubon Greenwichprotect biodiversity and connect people to nature for generations to come. For information about innovative planned giving that

creates win-win solutions for you and Audubon, pleasecontact Greenwich Center Director Michelle Frankel atmfrankel@audubon.org or 203-869-5272.

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Late summer day in the George Bent Apple Orchard

Fall 2014 • 7

6 • AudubonGreenwich In Flight

Welcome Center Staff: Volunteers are needed for halfday or day-long shifts. Tasks include greeting andfielding questions from the public, gift shop sales,answering phone calls, and/or wildlife questions. The store is a great place to have fun, meet people,and lend a much-needed hand to Audubon’s conservation efforts.

~~~Audubon Trail Team: After a storm and with thestart of each new season, Audubon staff work hard toclear the trails of limbs, repair boardwalks, and tendto signage. If you can lend a hand, sign up for ourTrail Team contact list and be the first to know aboutour next trail fixing foray in the woods.

~~~Teacher Naturalist (TN): Our TN team is the secret to Audubon’s success with teaching the nextgeneration of conservationists. TNs get directlyinvolved with leading classes on the trails and helpingwith larger public events. This rewarding jobrequires a strong interest in teaching children aboutnature and participation in seasonal training sessions.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Interested? Let Audubon know and we will helpyou find a way to give back to nature. Contact Jeff Cordulack at 203-869-5272.

Get ready for Fall Migration and Start Your Holiday Shopping!

• Nikon & Pentax Binocular & Spotting Scope SpecialistsCheck out the new Monarch 5 ($475) & Travelite ($175) models

• Museum-quality Audubon Prints by Joel Oppenheimer, Inc.

• Toys, Books, Guides, Audubon Apparel & Holiday Gifts

• Feeders, Poles, Bird Baths, Warmers, Seed & Suet

• Organic Shade-grown Coffee, Local Honey & Maple Syrup

• NEW! Vintage & Country-style Giftware now in stock

where shopping is a natural experience

GREENWICH

¯ature>tore

SHOP IN SUPPORT OF AUDUBON’S BIRD CONSERVATION MISSION

10% discount for Audubon members!

ONOW OPEN DAILY!

10 am - 5 pm

Joel Oppenheimer’s art galleries in Chicago, Charleston, and now atAudubon Greenwich, specialize in exhibiting artists who recorded theflora and fauna of the past three centuries. Such masters includePierre-Joseph Redoute, Dr. Robert Thornton, John Gould, and John James Audubon.

Starting in September and on display throughout the 2014 holiday season, theOppenheimer Gallery atAudubon Greenwich will feature some of the most highly-prized prints by ournamesake, John JamesAudubon. These stunningreproductions are created in collaboration with the nation’sleading museums and producedwith utmost concern for quality.Strictly limited to 200 prints, these collectables make great gifts for any nature enthusiast.

Species on display include the Snowy Owl, Roseate Spoonbill,Great White Heron, Great Blue Heron, American Flamingo, American White Pelican, and several others. Looking for a particular species in a particular size? The Nature

Store at Audubon Greenwich can help – we can even ship directly toyour home or office.

American Flamingo

Now Open Daily • 10 am - 5 pm

O

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE

PAIDSTAMFORD CT

PERMIT NO 102

613 Riversville Road

Greenwich, CT 06831

This newsletter is printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper manufactured with alternative energy sources.

The late summer orchestra of insect musicians with cicadas and grasshoppers byday and katydids and tree crickets by night,each adding their unique pattern of vibrations to the symphony, which willbuild to an early autumn crescendo beforefading with autumn’s chill; the growingcarpet of yellow and purple across roadsidemeadows as goldenrods and asters opentheir pollen and nectar-rich flowers to bees, beetles, wasps, flies, and migratingmonarch butterflies; the early evening sky-dance of common night hawks, at timesgraceful and at times erratic, performed asthey pursue flying ants and other six-legged treats in the latesummer/early autumn air; the steady rain of hickory nut andwalnut fragments dropping down from tall trees as graysquirrels gnaw into the oil and protein rich fruits; the firstbald eagles, ospreys, kestrels and broad-winged hawks beginning to glide and spiral over Quaker Ridge to begin the

autumn-long parade of southbound raptors;white-tailed deer bucks feasting on tendergreen foliage, acorns, fungi and other natural harvests as they build up theirweight and strength to power their antler-pointed challenges to other males for theright to father the next generation of deer;marbled salamanders, adorned with pewtergray spots on their smooth, black skin,seeking out leaf-covered hiding places inforest dry vernal pool depressions, todeposit their eggs in anticipation of water’sreturn with autumn rains to stimulate thegrowth of the next generation of salamander

larvae; touches of orange, yellow, and crimson spreading toengulf the entire forest in autumn’s foliar blaze of color; thefirst early morning frost, with its glistening layer of tiny icecrystals on grass and wildflowers, announcing the return of the season of ice and cold until the return of spring’swarmth...

American

Kestrel

FALL 2014

Natural History NotesWritten by Ted Gilman and published in Fall 2012

Fall 2014 Highlights• September 13 & 20:Hawk Watching 101

• September 27 & 28:Hawk Watch Festival

• October 25: Enchanted Orchard & Animal Show

• November 19: Chocolate & Coffee for the Birds!?

• NEW! Eco-Explorers for ages 18 months to 4 years

NATURE STORE

NOW OPEN DAILY!

10 am - 5 pm