It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane… No, It’s a Bird at Audubon Greenwich

On Wednesday, May 22, the Audubon Center held its last bird watching walk for the spring. The walk started at the Fairchild Gardens and moved into the sanctuary through trees, meadows, and swamp areas.

Ryan MacLean from Audobon Greenwich, conducts the bird walks during both the spring and fall season when many species of birds are migrating for the winter or summer so they can breed.

MacLean explained that many songbirds pass through the Greenwich area as the various plant life — such as the thick brush on the forest floor and the high trees stretching into the sky — attract many unusual and hard to track down birds.

He joked that the Audubon’s reserve was an “international bird hotel” where the birds can stop and refuel for their long journey.

Greenwich Audubon birdwatcher Ryan MacLean points identifies a bird he has spotted. Photo: Katie Turk.

Some species travel all the way from South America to reach their breeding grounds. MacLean pointed out a blackpoll warbler, a species that originates from the southern tip of Argentina and was passing through the Greenwich area. Some other bird species identified by MacLean and other bird watchers were the wood thrush, scarlet tanager, and the red-bellied woodpecker.

Bird watching at Audubon Greenwich

Local birdwatcher searches for birds in the treetops. Photo: Katie Turk.

The bird walks are meant for people to enjoy the migration of birds as it is happening, but the Audubon has many events that encourage community science.

Although the spring season has ended, there are still plenty of opportunities the Audubon is offering for summer activities.

The Audubon Center encourages all communities to connect with nature, commemorating Pride Month by hosting an LGBT event called “Let’s Go Birding Together”.

On June 8 and 9, there will be a summer bird count across multiple counties in Connecticut and the Westchester area, where surveys will be conducted to assess breeding populations of birds in this area.

During this event, which has been held for the past 40 years, different teams cover various areas of the sanctuary to check on each species of bird and ensure that their populations are not declining. This data has been used to observe how the bird populations and migration patterns have changed over time.

Bird watching will ensue in the fall, specifically hawk watching, on Saturdays from September to October.

Audubon Greenwich is located at 613 Riversville Rd in Greenwich.