111th Annual Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Pre-Dawn – 5:00 pm

Join dozens of Audubon volunteers in search of birds throughout the region during this annual tradition. Use a form inside to count at home or sign up to join a team for all or part of the day. A compilation meeting & dinner will be held at the end for all involved. Learn more at www.audubon.org/bird/cbc & call Ted Gilman to join a counting team at 203-869-5272 x230.

Autumn 2010 Birding Series
Audubon Greenwich
613 Riversville Road

Trips & Talks with Luke Tiller
LECTURE: “Confusing Fall Warblers” (Sept. 23) & TRIP: Greenwich Point (Sept. 26)
LECTURE: “Raptor Migration” (Oct. 14) & TRIP: Lighthouse Point (Oct. 17)
LECTURE: “Little Brown Jobs” (Oct. 21) & TRIP: Allen’s Meadows (Oct. 24)

Audubon Greenwich’s official Hawk Watcher and professional birding guide, Luke Tiller, will host a series of bird-themed workshops and trips. The talks will give insight into the amazing world of bird migration and three of the more challenging conundrums facing birders. The mid-week talks are paired with weekend trips to three birding hotspots in Fairfield County.

RSVPs required. All talks are on Thursday at 7:00 pm / All trips leave Audubon Greenwich at 7:30 am; return times vary. $15 per lecture/trip or $60 for all six programs (a $30 discount for the series). Information-packed handouts included. RSVP to store: 203-869-5272 x221

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Autumn Morning Bird Walks:
Saturdays: September 11, 18, 25 & October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
Wednesdays: September 22, 29 & October 6, 13
Birders will meet at 7:30 am sharp, in front of the main building (613 Riversville Road) to start a walk there or to depart for other locations. No charge but RSVPs are appreciated. Leave a message at 203-869-5272 x221.

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First Sunday Bird Walks at Greenwich Point
Sept 5, 2010
9-11am

Co-sponsored by Wild Wings, Audubon Greenwich and the Bruce Museum.

Free (park fees apply)

Meet by the southern concession stand.  Learn about birds of the Point.  Bring binoculars.

Naturalist Workshop:
Birding By Ear
Audubon Greenwich 
Saturday, May 2
9:30 am-noon
Indoor discussion of how and why birds vocalize, introduction to useful
bird sound recordings, and outdoor walk to practice Birding By Ear skills.
For adults & teens. Registration required. $12 adults. No charge for teens.
RSVP to Ted: 869.5272 x230.

Fairchild Garden
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Rise and shine for this annual tradition. No fee or RSVP required. Bring binoculars. Some loaner binoculars may be available.
Meet in parking area on North Porchuck Road.

Gift for the Birdwatcher
Bird seed container filled for spring visitors
by Kelly McGuill
Yankee Magazine

As any birder knows, the fastest way to attract local species to your yard is to fill your feeders with their favorite seed mixes.

Here’s a pretty way to keep a supply on hand — an easy project that’ll brighten your home, or brighten the day for any birdwatcher you know who’s eagerly anticipating spring’s exhilarating arrival.

Happy birding!

You’ll need:

• glass apothecary jar with cover
• painter’s tape
• chalkboard paint
• chalk
• bird seed
• scoop
• card or tag stock
• pen
• hole punch
• ribbon
• twine

1. At your local discount store, pick out an attractive covered apothecary jar, big enough to hold a substantial amount of bird seed.

2. Affix painter’s tape in two large bands around the jar, top edge and bottom edge, leaving a 3-inch-wide band in the middle free.

3. Now coat the tape-free band with chalkboard paint.

4. Remove the tape while the paint’s still wet.

5. Let the paint dry completely. Then write your message on the painted area in chalk.

6. Fill the jar with the bird seed of your choice, and add a scoop.

7. Write a note to the gift recipient on card or tag stock. You may want to list the bird species that will be attracted to the type of seed you’re giving.

8. Punch a hole in the card (or in the tag if it doesn’t already have one) and thread a colorful ribbon or twine through it.

9. Now tie the other end of the twine and the ribbon to the knob on the jar’s cover.

10. For an even bigger splash, present your gift jar with a field guide, a feeder, or binoculars.