From the photo archives: Morning meditation

Patio visitor on this date last year. 

From the photo archives: Feathered friend in forsythia

 Striking a pose on a bare forsythia branch on this date in 2022. 

From the photo archives: Snowstorm snack

 Photo from this date in 2021. 

From the photo archives: Beautiful visitor

Good morning! Late January memory from several years ago.

From the photo archives: Stopping traffic

I happened upon this gaggle of geese on this date in 2017 in Ansonia. I had to stop to take a pic.

 

From the photo archives: Resident rabbit visits

This photo is from July, 2022.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Around the yard - Part 99

 Morning meditation.

Recuperation journey 2.0: Around the yard - Part 98

Lucky capture through the window this afternoon.

From the photo archives: Backyard visitor

Posing in the planter in late May, 2016.

Author to present fun facts about local wildlife Saturday at Ansonia Nature Center

 

From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Naugatuck River history

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of the Naugatuck River as it goes under the Route 34 bridge and alongside Downtown Derby.

The Naugatuck River proper starts in Torrington where its east and west branches meet.

The total length is 40.2 miles, and the river empties into the Housatonic River at Derby. “Naugatuck” is derived from an Algonquian term that means “lone tree by the fishing place.” Originally, the Native Americans used the river’s abundant food source.

Since the 19th century, the Naugatuck River has had a long history of industry using the water for washing and power generation.

Due to this industry, the river suffered great damage by 1915 that wasn't improved upon until the early 1970’s. With the help of the DEP and the Valley community, progress has been made towards the river’s restoration.

Passageways have been constructed at the dams along the river. Having made great strides with cleanup efforts, the return of fish is now quite apparent. This can be seen on any given day in the spring and summer along the Derby Greenway. Bald eagles and osprey can be spotted in the trees along the river, as well as nests from our aquatic birds that dot the edge.

[Originally posted on this date in 2017.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.

Little Free Pantry on Skokorat in Seymour offers free pumpkins, squash

Hello Community!!!

Guess what!

We still have a bunch of pumpkins and squash left AND there are more coming.

If you or anyone you know would like some to eat, decorate, or even feed your animals, please come grab a few.

We would love to see them all find homes!!!

The Little Free Pantry is located at 58 Skokorat St. in Seymour.

This is shared from the Little Free Pantry's Facebook page.

From the photo archives: Morning bath

This Facebook memory is from this date in 2016.

I took this through a glass door.

From the archives: A beautiful visitor

 Photo from April, 2017 in the front yard.

Recuperation journey: From the 2023 photo archives

Captured through a glass door: Snack time on a snowy morning on this date last year.

From the archives: Chillin' on the forsythia

I first posted this backyard get-together pic on Feb. 5, 2016. Wonder what they were discussing?
 

Sharing from the archives

I posted this on Feb. 1, 2017. Notice all the snow!

Beacon Falls Public Library to host presentation on bobcats at senior center

BEACON FALLS - Learn how to coexist with our neighbor the bobcat in a presentation at Beacon Falls Senior Center, 57 N. Main St.

 Local wildlife expert Paul Colburn will join us with this informative talk and answer your questions about wild cats.

Call Beacon Falls Public Library to RSVP at 203-729-1441 or register on Eventbrite.

This presentation focuses on the history of bobcats in Connecticut, an overview of bobcat habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction, and current research efforts. 

Bobcat artifacts are shared with the audience. Mountain lions are discussed.

Colburn is a 2015 graduate of the Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist Program and a certified Master Wildlife Conservationist. 

The MWCP is a Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection adult education program that trains volunteers in the fields of wildlife management, natural history and interpretation. Colburn is a dedicated advocate for wildlife and is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others. 

He is particularly focused on teaching the basics of living responsibly with wildlife. He has provided hundreds of wildlife presentations for a wide variety of public and private organizations in all corners of the state. 

He is a graduate of Wesleyan University and served honorably in the United States Army.

This is shared from the Beacon Falls Public Library Facebook page.

Naturalist to lead night hike Wednesday at Osbonedale State Park in Derby

DERBY - Venture into a winter wonderland Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Osbornedale State Park as the moon lights your path. 

Join expert master naturalist  Vince Lasorsa as he guides you through the winter season’s trails, sharing insights into how the park's wildlife adapts to the changes. 

Embrace the serenity of the winter night, experience the crisp air, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance created by the moonlight.

Event information from CT DEEP calendar:

Date:	1/17/2024
Time:	6:30 p.m.
Location:	Kellogg Environmental Center
	500 Hawthorne Avenue
	Derby, CT 06418
Accessibility:	Yes
Directions:	https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Education/Kellogg/Kellogg-Environmental-Center-Directions-and-Contact-Information
Fee:	Free
Registration:	Register in advance by calling (203)734-2513 or e-mail susan.quincy@ct.gov
Contact:	Susan Quincy, (203)734-2513
Contact Email:	Susan.Quincy@ct.gov
Details:	Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

From the archives: Beautiful visitor

 A lucky capture on this date in 2017.