Derby Neck Library readies annual backyard bird count participation

DERBY - The Great Backyard Bird Count is a yearly event hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Audubon Society, and Birds Canada that helps create a snapshot of global bird populations. 

Now in its 25th year, the bird count has been a valuable source of data from "citizen scientists"--aka, everyday people like you!

The Derby Neck Library is inviting patrons of all ages to help us take part in this global effort. 

All you have to do is count how many birds you see around the library or your yard, what kind they are, and report them to us! We'll send your findings to the Bird Count and keep a running tally on the circulation desk display of the birds we’ve counted together. You can count from inside or outside, but you should count for at least 15 minutes at a time.

At the library, we will have bird feeders set up in the garden and on the north-facing window of the children's room. We will also have checklists, guides, and other resources available for you at the front desk--including a pair of binoculars!

Now for the best part--we'll be having a KICK OFF PARTY between 5:30-7:30 p.m. February 17 to answer any questions and help get everyone started! 

Refreshments will be provided, and registration is required for this event so we can plan accordingly. 

Register on our website here, https://derbynecklibrary.org/.../derby-necks-great.../ and be sure to sign up for our Youth Mailing List to stay in the loop on cancelations and other important info: https://forms.gle/8KsU915GM8icXEWC8

Questions? Give us a call at 203-734-1492 or send us a message on Facebook!

For more information about the bird count, visit: https://www.birdcount.org/

For information on how to count birds in your own backyard, visit: https://www.birdcount.org/participate/  

Derby Neck Library is at 307 Hawthorne Ave. 

This is shared from the Library's Facebook page.

Kellogg Center in Derby to host Christmas Bird Count for Kids

DERBY - Make nature a part of your holiday tradition.  

All over the nation people are participating in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.  

You can take part in a Christmas Bird Count for Kids, ages 8-16 years old Dec. 29 from 9-11:30 a.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

  

Join us for the morning and become a citizen scientist. Identify birds at the feeders at Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. and receive instructions on how to use binoculars and spotting scopes.  

Following the bird identification program, expert birder Donna Rose Smith will lead a walk on the trails of Osbornedale State Park and help you use your new skills to count all the birds you see and hear.  

Afterwards you will return to the Environmental Center to record your bird counts on ebird while you enjoy some hot chocolate and a snack.

This great family program is free and open to the public.  For more information and to register, call the Kellogg Environmental Center, 203-734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov. 

The Kellogg Environmental Center is a facility of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


This is a press release from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

Ansonia Nature Center schedules winter activities, craft classes

                                                                   Photo from Ansonia Nature Center website

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Road, will offer a variety of fun and educational activities in December. 

NATURE’S CHILD: Getting Ready for Winter – Dec. 4, 10 a.m.

Join us for this morning class developed for 3-to 5 year olds accompanied by an adult. 
A themed craft, story, and hike are integrated into each program. 
Tuition: $7 per child ($5 for family-level FANCI members and Ansonia residents). Please pre-register for this class for preschoolers and their adults.

BACK TO BASICS: Needle Felting – Dec. 5, 1 p.m.
Bring a dose of your own unique creativity for this class based on an ancient craft. 
Dawn Sotir, needlecraft wizard, will inspire you with her beautiful and practical items made from natural fibers. Create a 3D animal of your choice; it’s easier than you think! Advance registration required for this popular program. Fee: $8.

WINTER WREATH WORKSHOP – Dec. 6, 10 a.m.
Celebrate winter and the festive season as you create a wreath from fresh locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too! Wreath frames and wire will be provided. $10 materials fee. Please pre-register. 

EAGLES OF NEW ENGLAND (Natural History Series) – Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Join a Connecticut DEEP biologist who will share extensive knowledge and photographs during this program on bald eagles. 
Best known as the national emblem of the United States, bald eagles have made a huge comeback in New England after a precipitous decline due to loss of habitat and nesting trees, food contamination by pesticides (DDT), and illegal shooting. 
Due to the increase in nesting pairs in recent years, the bald eagle’s status was reclassified in Connecticut from endangered to threaten. 

Winter is a difficult time for any wildlife species, including bald eagles. Food is harder to find and cold temperatures cause energy stress. Come and learn why it’s important to stay away from nesting areas and to avoid disturbing the birds. The Wildlife Division participates in a midwinter eagle survey in January for the United States Geological Survey; volunteers are always welcome to help! 
This Natural History Series is dedicated to the memory of Noble S. Proctor, Ph.D. Free; please pre-register.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT –  Dec. 19
This annual survey provides important data to assess the increase or decline of avian populations worldwide. 
After an early morning start, the New Haven Bird Club members will stop at the Nature Center for their lunch at 12:30 or 1 p.m. Be ready to join the members of the club to look and listen along the park’s trails. For adults. Free. Please register.

DRUM IN THE WINTER SOLSTICE – Dec. 19, 5 p.m.
True winter begins on Dec. 21! On that day we’ll have a full 15 hours of darkness! Since June, the days have been getting shorter, but from now on, the reverse will be true. We’ll stoke the fire pit, so bring your drum and other percussion instruments, and warm yourself with good fellowship. 
Ranger Dawn will lead us. Free, but bring a canned food item for our local homeless shelter; please register.

HOLIDAY NATURE DAYS – Dec. 29–31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
For children who love the outdoors and wildlife. These popular educational classes are designed for children five to 10 years old. We’ll have a chance to explore the park’s 150 acres and visit a variety of habitats. 
Come meet new friends, play games, create beautiful and useful items using natural objects and recycled materials, and much more. 

Tuition: $30/day ($90 all 3 days) for priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level FANCI members); $35/day ($105 all three days) all others. 
Advance registration by Dec. 11 required. 

For more information and to register for any programs, call 203-736-1053.


This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center.

Make a wreath, help count birds at Ansonia Nature Center

Winter Wreath Workshop
ANSONIA - Celebrate Ansonia’s 125th anniversary and the festive season at 10 a.m. Dec. 13 as you create a wreath with fresh, locally grown greens, then decorate your masterpiece with natural trimmings. 

Enjoy some warm mulled cider and a cookie too. Wreath frames and wire will be provided.
There is a $10 materials fee. Please register by Dec. 10.

Winter Solstice Drumming Circle
Come to the nature center at 6 p.m. Dec. 19 with your own percussion instruments as we drum in the beginning of winter, when our portion of the planet takes a nap! 

Please bring a nutritious canned good donation for Spooner House in Shelton. Dress for the cold. Children over 10 and adults welcome.
Free, but please register in advance.

Annual Christmas Bird Count
Join the New Haven Bird Club at noon Dec. 20 for this traditional bird count, which has been taking place for over 110 years! 
Bird count results are sent to the National Audubon Society, and are included in the international census of early winter bird populations.

Dress for the weather. Rain or shine. Free. Middle-school age children and their adults are welcome. Please register in advance.

Winter holiday nature days
For children who love the outdoors and wildlife holiday nature days will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 29-31.
These popular educational classes are designed for children ages 5-10.
We’ll have a chance to explore the park’s 150 acres and visit a variety of habitats.
Come meet new friends, play games, create beautiful and useful items using natural objects and recycled materials, and much more.

Tuition: $30/day ($90 all three days) priority students (Ansonia residents and current family-level Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center, Inc. members); $35/day ($105 all 3 days) all others. Advance registration only.

The nature center is at 10 Deerfield Road.

For more information on activities, call 203-736-1053.

This is a press release from the Ansonia Nature Center.