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Protecting Birds, Other Wildlife, and Their Habitats

– Our Mission –

The mission of the Litchfield Hills Audubon Society is to protect birds, other wildlife and their habitats, through conservation, education, research and advocacy.

  • January 6, 2025
    Protecting Connecticut’s Coastal Habitats and Birds
  • February 3, 2025
    Owls in Connecticut
  • March 3, 2025
    American Kestrels
  • December 15, 2024
    Christmas Bird Count
  • December 15, 2024
    CBC 4 Kids

- 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.

Top Stories

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Join Audubon’s longest-running community science count and help survey our wintering birds!

Each year, since its inception in 1955, Litchfield Hills Audubon Society has participated in this annual tradition to monitor winter bird populations. Teams of birders head out on a predetermined date in December to count as many individual birds as possible in our count area in a 24-hour period. Our count area is known as the “Litchfield Hills Audubon Society Count Circle.”

 

The Audubon Christmas Bird Count for Litchfield Hills Audubon Society will be held on Sunday, December 15th.

 

For more information on the CBC and how to participate email Dave Tripp at dtrippjr@gmail.com and he will put you in contact with an area captain.

 

About the Christmas Bird Count

The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is the longest-running Community Science project in the world. Started in 1899 as a way of encouraging people to count birds instead of shooting them, the CBC takes place each year from mid-December to early January when thousands of volunteer birders contribute to the long-term study of early winter bird populations across North America.

 

Each count takes place in an established 15-mile-diameter circle and is organized by a count compiler. Count volunteers follow specified routes, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally — all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day. The data from each count circle is tabulated and submitted to the National Audubon Society, to be used by scientists in a wide variety of studies.

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 ten 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 are available for check-out at the following libraries:

  • Morris Public Library
  • Oliver Wolcott Library
  • Thomaston Library
  • Torrington Library
  • Terryville, Library
  • Harwinton Library
  • New Milford Library
  • Beardsley Library
  • Burlington Public Library
  • Cornwall Library

You can check-out a Birding Backpack using your library card. 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.