WELCOME!

We Conserve and Restore Land, Focusing on Birds and Wildlife

– Our Mission –

The mission of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitat, for the benefit of the community, through conservation, education and research.

  • April 1, 2024
    Beavers, Otters, Muskrats, and Minks
  • May 6, 2024
    Wood Warblers in Connecticut — and Elsewhere
  • March 25, 2024
    Creating Pollinator Pathways
  • April 11, 2024
    Garden Clean-up at Wigwam Brook Sanctuary
  • April 12, 2024
    Garden Clean-up at Kalmia Sanctuary

- EDUCATION -

Litchfield Hills Audubon Society aims to provide environmental experiences to people of all ages, particularly in the Litchfield County and surrounding areas. LHAS offers free monthly programs, bird walks and environmental events that are open to the public. We also support and offer National Audubon’s Audubon Adventures tailored for elementary school children.

- CONSERVATION -

Litchfield Hills Audubon Society manages and maintains a total of 157 acres at three separate sanctuaries. LHAS is involved in a 10 year Forest Management Project through the NRCS, improving the forest health at Boyd Woods and Wigwam Brook Sanctuaries. Our sanctuaries provide vital habitat for woodland, shrubland and grassland birds and wildlife.

- RESEARCH -

Litchfield Hills Audubon Society continues to work with the National Resources and Conservation Services involved in a 10 year forest management project to improve the forest health at our Boyd Woods and Wigwam Brook Sanctuaries. LHAS also supports and is involved in the Blue-bird Nesting  Program and the American Chestnut Restoration Project.

2024 Great Back Yard Bird Count Results

Breaking Records for the Birds

Cornell Lab of Ornithology, March 12, 2024

Each year we think we’ve reached the ceiling in terms of the numbers of people who will spend at least 15 minutes (usually more) watching, celebrating, and reporting their birds for GBBC—and each year you surprise us! Collectively, we found 7,920 species of the world’s known species. Hundreds of countries and subregions came together to share bird sightings. Thank you to everyone who shared in the joy of birds with us! We devote this summary of the 2024 global four-day event to you. Be proud of all we have accomplished, together.

In a Snapshot

  • 7,920 species of birds identified
  • 210 countries or subregions
  • 384,416 eBird checklists
  • 313,874 Merlin Bird IDs (step-by-step, sound, or photo)
  • 164,740 photos, videos, and sounds added to Macaulay Library
  • 642,003 estimated global participants
  • 385 reported community events

Numbers may change slightly as final checklists are added and validated by reviewers. Data reflect totals through March 12, 2024.

Golden-crowned Kinglet ~ rwmartin

This bar graph depicts how each year more and more people open their hearts and minds to birding. GBBC has experienced consistent growth in participation. Notably, the increased global use of the Merlin Bird ID and eBird Mobile apps has allowed more and more people to engage with birding while sharing their sightings for GBBC.

 

To read the complete count results report click on the link below:

 

< 2024 GBBC Results >

GBBC Participation 2013 - 2024

Top Stories

Lights Out Connecticut

Why Lights Out?

article from lightsoutct.org

Lights Out Poster

Millions of birds pass through Connecticut every spring and fall on their way to and from their summer nesting grounds up north. Because our state is located along the Atlantic Flyway, many birds use our shorelines and green spaces to rest and refuel during their trip. Some also stay for the summer.

 

Most migrating birds pass through Connecticut at nighttime. Many species of migratory songbirds evolved to migrate at nighttime, when the skies are safer. The air temperatures are cooler, the air flows are less turbulent, and avian predators are less active. Landing at daybreak also allows for optimal foraging, as insects become active. Further, sciences shows that the birds navigate by cues in the night sky, including the light of the moon and stars.

 

Over the last 100 years, light pollution has wreaked havoc on our night sky. Artificial light emitted from buildings, street lights, bridges, and other structures can confuse and disorient migratory birds, causing them to circle around for hours until they drop from exhaustion or land in unsafe areas, close to structures where they are at higher risk of building collisions and predation. This can be made worse by weather patterns that force them to fly lower, closer to buildings.

 

Studies have shown that overly lit structures and landscapes can tempt migrating birds into fatal headlong building collisions, tragically cutting their journeys short. The result is catastrophic: 1 to 2 billion birds are killed by building collisions each year in the United States.

Birding Backpacks at a Library Near You

Litchfield Hills Audubon Society donates birding backpacks to area libraries to promote and teach birding.

Backpacks have been donated to five area libraries by Litchfield Hills Audubon Society, an attempt to inspire children and families to enjoy the hobby of birdwatching.

 

Litchfield County has an abundance of nature preserves and natural habitats for wildlife, many with well-marked trails. LHAS hopes to encourage more families to get outdoors and learn about birds by offering them an opportunity to try a new hobby without the upfront costs.

 

Backpacks at Morris Public Library and public libraries in Thomaston, Torrington, Terryville and New Milford can be checked out using library cards. Stocked in the backpacks are binoculars, illustrated guides identifying birds, information on nature activities and recommended locations for birdwatching.

 

Donations from Ace Hardware of Litchfield, Litchfield Bancorp, Torrington Savings Bank, Wild Bird Unlimited of Brookfield and Litchfield Hills Audubon Society’s education committee covered the cost of the backpacks and their contents.

Join Us at a Meeting

Unless otherwise indicated, General Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at the Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road (Rt. 202), Litchfield, CT. When the first Monday of the month falls on a holiday, the meeting is held on the second Monday. Refreshments are served at 6:45 p.m. The business meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. and the program follows. The June meeting is the Annual Meeting and Dinner held at a local restaurant; it begins at 6 p.m. Our August meeting is the annual Picnic at Boyd Woods Sanctuary; it begins at 6 p.m. Board of Directors Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every other month at 7:00 p.m. at LHAS’ office at 28 Russell St. Litchfield, CT.