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.
|
Upcoming Programs
January 3, 2022 Wildlife and Connecticut's Changing Landscape February 7, 2022 Climate Change March 7, 2022 Making Your Windows Safe for Birds |
Upcoming Events:
February 19, 2022 Great Back Yard Bird Count at Boyd Woods Sanctuary February 25-27, 2022 Birding Around Newburyport and Cape Ann, Mass. |
Blog Postings:
January 5, 2022 Boyd Woods Bird Blind Upgrade December 8, 2021 A Namibia Birding Safari July 2, 2021 LHAS's New Website |
- 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.
|
|
Top Story
One of the Rarest Eagles in the World has Birdwatchers Flocking to Maine
January, 14 2022, NPR - All Things Considered
Susan Sharon
Photos by John Putrino
Susan Sharon
Photos by John Putrino
|
A rare, wayward eagle native to Russia and Japan has taken up residence near Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
The Steller's sea eagle is one of the largest raptors in the world, weighing up to 20 pounds with an eight-foot wingspan. There are only about 4,000 of them left, and the chance to see one has captivated Mainers and drawn birders from around the country. |
|
John Putrino of Boothbay isn't an avid birder, but he is a wildlife photographer. So, when he got a tip that one of the rarest eagles in the world had been spotted in his adopted hometown, he went searching for it during a recent snowstorm.
"It's right there! It's right there! Oh. My. God. Oh my God!," he told followers in one video live-streamed on his Instagram account Manbythesea.
Putrino is just one of hundreds of people who've heading to Maine's Midcoast to get a glimpse of the unusual bird that makes a bald eagle look like a lightweight. Those who do come are gently reminded to keep their distance.
"It's right there! It's right there! Oh. My. God. Oh my God!," he told followers in one video live-streamed on his Instagram account Manbythesea.
Putrino is just one of hundreds of people who've heading to Maine's Midcoast to get a glimpse of the unusual bird that makes a bald eagle look like a lightweight. Those who do come are gently reminded to keep their distance.
Mary and Kye Jenkins of Baltimore had planned on taking a trip to the Caribbean but when their COVID-19 test results came back too late to board their flight, they jumped in their car instead.
"Since we're birders, we were in Newark, we decided to come up here and try to find this bird," Mary Jenkins says.
This is what's known in the birdwatching world as "chasing." The Jenkins are constantly on the lookout for rare species and will go out of their way to see them. They've been scanning the horizon for three days, looking for the eagle's flashy white tail feathers and massive yellow beak. So far, the Jenkins haven't spotted the bird, but dozens of other people have. They've posted their photos to a Facebook group devoted to rare birds sitings.
Until recently, a Steller's sea eagle had never been seen in the lower 48 states. But in July one was spotted in Quebec. Then Nova Scotia. In mid-December hundreds observed one in Massachusetts.
Doug Hitchox, a naturalist with Maine Audubon, says because of the bird's unique feather patterns, it's believed to be the same vagrant. But the reasons for its lonely odyssey remain a mystery. Hitchcox and other experts say it could be prospecting for new territory. Or, it could have been blown off course or had an internal GPS hiccup. Mary Jenkins fears it's lost.
"And I feel sorry for him because you know, it's the only one and I don't know if he's going to be able to make his way back to where he's from," she says.
The good news is the bird can hang out with other eagles. It's also used to cold weather. And the longer it sticks around, the more birdwatching enthusiasts it's likely to attract.
John Putrillo is already a convert. As a photographer he says he's always been focused on larger charismatic animals like moose and fox but the discovery of the Steller's sea eagle has changed his mindset.
"I want to learn about all bird species now," he says. "I want to find every bird I can from the smallest to the largest."
"Since we're birders, we were in Newark, we decided to come up here and try to find this bird," Mary Jenkins says.
This is what's known in the birdwatching world as "chasing." The Jenkins are constantly on the lookout for rare species and will go out of their way to see them. They've been scanning the horizon for three days, looking for the eagle's flashy white tail feathers and massive yellow beak. So far, the Jenkins haven't spotted the bird, but dozens of other people have. They've posted their photos to a Facebook group devoted to rare birds sitings.
Until recently, a Steller's sea eagle had never been seen in the lower 48 states. But in July one was spotted in Quebec. Then Nova Scotia. In mid-December hundreds observed one in Massachusetts.
Doug Hitchox, a naturalist with Maine Audubon, says because of the bird's unique feather patterns, it's believed to be the same vagrant. But the reasons for its lonely odyssey remain a mystery. Hitchcox and other experts say it could be prospecting for new territory. Or, it could have been blown off course or had an internal GPS hiccup. Mary Jenkins fears it's lost.
"And I feel sorry for him because you know, it's the only one and I don't know if he's going to be able to make his way back to where he's from," she says.
The good news is the bird can hang out with other eagles. It's also used to cold weather. And the longer it sticks around, the more birdwatching enthusiasts it's likely to attract.
John Putrillo is already a convert. As a photographer he says he's always been focused on larger charismatic animals like moose and fox but the discovery of the Steller's sea eagle has changed his mindset.
"I want to learn about all bird species now," he says. "I want to find every bird I can from the smallest to the largest."
Report a Wildlife Sighting
Have you seen a Bear, a Bobcat, or even a Moose?
|
The DEEP Wildlife Division collects sighting reports of various wildlife species to help with ongoing research projects, as well as to track distribution and abundance of certain populations. You can help by reporting your observations.
To learn more and to report you sighting click here: <SIGHTING> |
|
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 7:15 p.m. and the program follows. The April and October meetings are Potluck Dinners starting at 6:30 p.m.
|
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. in the Learning Center at the Litchfield Community Center.
