Lunch & Learn with the Audubon Society

Feathers, Songs, and Birthday Cheers

On August 19, sixteen Center Members gathered for an entertaining and informative “Birding by Ear” presentation with Joe Attwater from the local CT Audubon Society. Over two hours, Joe shared his passion for birding and demonstrated just how easy it is to get started—simply hear a bird song or call and let curiosity guide you. One fascinating fact had several members gasping in awe: some birds, like the tufted titmouse and the house wren, use discarded snakeskin in their nests to deter small predators from stealing their eggs. Nature truly is amazing. Just step outside and listen. There are several apps, including Merlin Bird Id from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, that help identify which birds are singing to you. In addition, we learned about the Roger Tory Peterson Center located in Old Lyme. It is a family-friendly destination where visitors of all ages can connect with nature and practice their newly learned birding by ear techniques. Click here to find out more.

Following the presentation, members enjoyed a lunch of antipasto salad with all the fixings and fresh bread. Marilyn Searle baked a special birthday cake featuring the initials of Center Members celebrating this month. For those who couldn’t attend, hopefully you could imagine the “Happy Birthday” serenade carried on a cheerful birdsong.