Meet the Nature Center's Two New Bird Ambassadors

24 Pages·2017·3.24 MB·English

Jan Feb Mar Apr 2018 Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center Vol. 46 No. 2
Meet the Nature Center’s Two New Bird Ambassadors
Each year, hundreds of phone calls and emails reach us
with questions on sightings, sounds, or reports of
wildlife in distress. These questions are answered and
injured animals are cared for or released. Our Federal
Migratory Bird Permit allows us to handle and care for
injured birds. When a bird is not releasable because of
injury, we have the ability through our permit to acquire
it for educational purposes. All of our bird ambassadors
came to us in this way. In 2017, we worked with more
than 30 birds of prey and most were released. We
applied for and received permits to keep four additional,
Kinsgley, SHORT-EARED OWL
non-releasable birds, which include a Red-shouldered
hawk, a Barred owl, and two birds new to our permit: a
This medium-sized (14-15”) ground
Northern Saw-whet and a Short-eared owl.
nester was once a resident breeding
bird in fields and marshes of CT.
Every bird that comes to us has a story. The Saw-whet
Because of loss of grassland, wetlands
was spotted on Colonel Ledyard Highway by a father and marshes, coupled with develop-
and young girl. At her insistence, the father stopped ment, Short-eared owls are a symbol of
their vehicle and carefully moved the “baby owl” off the vanishing habitat. This day-flying hunter
can travel long distances and chase
road. The little girl continued, “But daddy, it is hurt,
down rabbits, shrews, bats and even
something will kill it. You have to call the Nature shorebirds and herons.
Center!” The tiny owl was not a baby and had an injured
eye and badly broken wing. After months of healing, it
was clear this owl would not fly again. Named “The
Little Colonel” or Cleo, this engaging owl melts hearts
and has adjusted well to being an ambassador.
A motorist on Shewville Road saw an owl hobbling
across the road. Another vehicle ran over it and it
tumbled into the grass. DPNC responded to a call from
Ledyard Animal Control. What a surprise to find an
uncommon winter visitor and the first Short-eared owl
we have had in for care. Although mostly unscathed,
Cleo, NORTHERN SAW-WHET OWL
this was probably not the first car strike the owl
experienced. X-rays revealed an old shoulder injury,
Our smallest owl, barely more than 7”
which would have forced it to scavenge on the ground.
tall and weighing about 3 1/2 ounces,
Since coming to DPNC, Kingsley has improved and is Saw-whets are relatively rare in CT.
back to normal 10 oz. weight. While unlikely releasable, They are adept flyers capable of rapid,
shifting flight. A nocturnal consumer
he is a playful, personable charmer, has responded well
of mice and moths, Saw-whets eat
to training and is able to fly and maneuver around his more insects than other owls.
enclosure.
In This Issue
Director’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . .pg 3 Hiking and Birding. . . . . . . . . .pg 6-9
Development News . . . . . . . . . . .pg 4 Children’s Programs . . . . . . . . .pg 15-19
Special Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg 5 Department News . . . . . . . . . .pg 23
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TABLE OF CONTENTS page
DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DEVELOPMENT NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HIKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
BIRDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
ADULT PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11
CHRONOLOGICAL PROGRAM LISTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-14
HOMESCHOOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SPECIAL PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SCHOOL VACATION DAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
FAMILY PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
GARDENING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
COOKING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
DEPARTMENT NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Thank You Chickadee Newsletter Patrons
Chickadee Patrons help defray the cost of this newsletter. Patron donations are $135 per
year for individuals and $175 for businesses and are invaluable to the Nature Center.
INDIVIDUALS
Gabriel and Denise Asfar John and Kris� n Foster Elizabeth Gordon
Jeff rey and Anne Barnhart Joseph and Nancy Gilbert John and Julia Parry
Russ and Ann Burgess Frederick and Constance Glore Raeleen St. Pierre-Casa�
Joan H. Butler Hilary and Henry Hardaway Ana and Jeff rey Schneider
Mary and David Dangremond Lucia and Rod Johnstone Kimberly H. Smith
Kate Dimancescu John and Kathy Krause Sondra Smith
Andrew Feinstein and Liz Bochain Jonathan Mitchell and Jenny Doak Barbara and William Tu� s
Frederic and Eleanor Fischer Virginia and Robert Montgomery
John and Marcia Fix Rebecca Noreen and Jonathan Towne
BUSINESSES
Anguilla Brook Farm and Gardens Stonington Natural Health Center Three R’s Company
CTM Media Group Four Paws Veterinary Services The Cherenzia Companies
Poor Morgan Thanks to all our patrons!
Cancellation Policy
Pre-registra� on for programs is always recommended so that we may best serve you. We require
pre-registra� on and pre-payment for most programs in order to reserve a space. If DPNC cancels a
program, you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw from a program more than 4 days in advance,
you will receive a refund less a 25% administra� ve fee. Withdrawals within 4 days of a program are
not refundable. Walk-ins should be prepared to pay by check or with exact change, and may be turned
away if the program is full. DPNC reserves the right to cancel any program.
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Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT - www.dpnc.org
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If you are reading this message, you are likely a
Nature Center member. We started with 200 Founders
and 100 Charter members. Today, many of their children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren are among the
Nature Center’s 1300 members. Our roots run deep and
our branches continue to spread as the DPNC family tree
grows. Trees are some of the oldest living things. And, at
71, the tree symbolized by DPNC is still relatively young.
Our reach and network extends far, impacting children,
Maggie Jones
families and communities throughout the region. Our
members come from diverse backgrounds and share an
appreciation for our planet’s wonderful natural resources.
What began as a small bird sanctuary in 1946 has grown into a major
environmental and educational resource for the region. Our community is
strengthened by our expanded presence and leadership in conservation and
education, agricultural stewardship and wildlife rehabilitation. The Nature
Center and Coogan Farm campuses offer something unique with trails through
a natural, historic and cultural landscape. Our canopy has spread even further
with expanded teaching facilities, the Giving Garden, a regionally recognized
nature-based preschool, an array of animal ambassadors, and inspirational
programs and activities — all close to the coast, the heart of Mystic. We are
still feeling the excitement and momentum of our dynamic and successful
capital campaign, creating a renewed spirit among staff, trustees, members,
volunteers, and donors throughout the community and beyond. I know you
are one of them!
As we work diligently to educate and protect our environment for the
present and future, we also seek to expand our family tree and encourage
others to plant the seeds of success and get involved. A strong membership base
enables us to evolve as a regional leader helping connect people to planet. This
newsletter offers a sampling of the diversity of what we do. If you value what
the Nature Center has to offer and believe in our mission, please spread the
seeds of knowledge and encourage others to join
the DPNC family. This spring, we will
launch a membership drive with
. Our best
endorsement comes from you.
Thank you for your continued
support and Happy New Year!
DPNC Execu� ve Director
Linda Peduzzi
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Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center - 162 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic CT - 860.536.1216
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Our Green-Tie Gala was a resounding
success this year thanks to the dedication
and awe-inspiring work of gala committees,
volunteers and staff. We are grateful to our
sponsors, patrons and those who donated
items or experiences for our silent and live
auctions. This year, the “Fund-A-Need”
portion of our live auction benefited the
Giving Garden at Coogan Farm. A heartfelt
thanks to Craig Floyd and Emma Sutphen
for showcasing the accomplishments that
have helped thousands of food insecure in
New London County. All this and more is
possible with your continued support.
GALA COMMITTEE
• Ana M. Schneider, Co-Chair
• Eunice Sutphen, Co-Chair
• Lori Calobrisi
• Dorrit Castle
• Lori Dyer
• Karen Stone
• Barbara van Drimmelen
DESIGN COMMITTEE GALA EMCEE
• S. Chandler Kissell • Calvin U� er
• Beth Jepsen
• Susan Adam
Chelsea Groton Bank The Real McCoy Rum
Lattizori Development The Beer’d Brewing Company, LLC
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Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT - www.dpnc.org
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Village and Field
- An Art Show
Thursday, March 8 6-8 pm Free
Local artist Patrick J. Conway will
showcase his oil paintings of local
village scenes, nature and landscapes in
the at Coogan
Farm. Join us for an opening reception
and view his colorful paintings. A por-
tion of the proceeds from the sale of
each painting will be donated in support
of DPNC educational programs.
Woodland Egg Hunt
(for families with children
up to 10 years old)
Friday, March 30
Start times: 10 am, 11:30 am, 1 pm
Members: $10.20, Nonmembers: $12
Pre-registration required
Stroll the trails of the Nature Center in
search of wooden eggs and say hello to
our resident egg-laying friends along
the way. Bring your found eggs back to
our to paint and
decorate them in your own unique way.
Please bring your own basket to collect
wooden eggs. Participants are limited
to 4 wooden eggs each.
Earth Day Celebration
Sunday, April 22
• Hike at the Nature Center: 10 am
• Hike at Coogan Farm: 2 pm
• Tour of the Giving Garden: 1 pm
• Meet Animal Ambassadors at the Nature Center: 11 am-3 pm
• Creation Station with Recycled Art (Coogan Farm): 11 am-3 pm
All programs are free on this day celebrating our planet!
Join us! Come to the Nature Center or Coogan Farm to meet live animals, explore, create
recycled art and more. Park at the Nature Center campus and hike over to our Coogan Farm
campus or vice versa to minimize your day’s impact on the planet.
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Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center - 162 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic CT - 860.536.1216
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Join us for a variety of hikes throughout the winter and early spring. Heavy rain
cancels hikes and snow turns them into possible snowshoeing adventures. Please
visit our website (dpnc.org) or call 860-536-1216 for reservations or directions.
Pine Swamp (Ledyard)
Avalonia Land Conservancy
Sunday, January 21 2-4 pm Members: free, Nonmembers: $10 per person
Traverse a variety of habitats as you explore this unique property and important wildlife
corridor with red maple swamps, ponds and glacial moraine. Moderate.
Walden Preserve (Salem)
Saturday, February 3 1-3 pm Members: free, Nonmembers: $10
Explore fields and woodlands along the Eightmile River in winter at this beautiful preserve.
We’ll admire the engineering feats of resident beavers. If weather permits, bring cross-
country skis or snowshoes. Moderate.
Bark and Buds Winter Tree Walk (Peace Sanctuary)
Friday, February 9 4-5 pm Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10
Do you know how to identify trees when there are no leaves present? We’ll focus on key
characteristics visible during the colder months that make discovering the tree’s identity
much easier. We’ll examine the bark and buds from the Beech tree with needlelike buds to
the Red Oak tree with “ski trails” on it’s bark.
Hartman Park (Lyme)
Sunday, February 25 9-11 am Members: free, Nonmembers: $10
Winter is a beautiful time to experience the rugged landscape of Hartman Park. We will pass
stone walls, chimneys and abandoned farm foundations in addition to the beautiful natural
treasures found here. Moderate.
Groton- Ledyard Reservoir (Ledyard)
Sunday, March 4 10 am-12 pm Members: free, Nonmembers: $10
Take a hike along the south side of the Morgan Pond Reservoir as we make a loop crossing
the dam and search for the earliest signs of Spring. We will explore trails of the watershed
usually closed to the public. Moderate.
Gungywamp (Groton)
Tuesday, March 20 (Vernal Equinox) 11:30 am-2 pm
Sunday, April 15 2-4:30 pm
Members: $12.75, Nonmembers: $15
Gungywamp is an archaeological site of distinct
natural and cultural interest. It has rocky ridges,
glacial erratics and swamps along with enigmatic
stone shelters and structures whose use and origin
are open to interpretation. Walk with us through the
woods and absorb the mysteries of Gungywamp. This program is suited for adults and fami-
lies comfortable walking two miles over uneven terrain. Pre-registration is required.
Moderate.
Please see CANCELLATION POLICY page 2
Call 860-536-1216 or visit to register for any of these programs.
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Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT - www.dpnc.org
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Goodwin Trail (East Lyme to East Haddam)
Part 1: Saturday, March 24 9 am-2 pm Part 2: Saturday, April 28 9 am-2 pm
Members: free, Nonmembers: $10 per person
Join us for one day or both days as we explore 14 miles of the new Goodwin Trail stretching
from East Lyme to East Haddam. This trail crosses roads only occasionally and is named after
the renowned conservationist Richard Goodwin, who was a founding member of the Nature
Conservancy and a resident of East Haddam. Each day we will cover about seven miles. These
are point-to-point hikes and we will have the Nature Center van at the end to shuttle back to
vehicles. Please be prepared for longer hiking and bring lunch and plenty of water. Moderate
hike, but long in length / 7 miles each day.
John Lohmann CT River Preserve (Old Lyme Land Trust)
Sunday, April 8 2-4 pm Members: free, Nonmembers: $10
Take a walk through fields and cedars to Whaleback Point– a scenic overlook located on the
Connecticut River. Easy.
John Chaplin Glacier Park (Westerly Land Trust)
Saturday, April 28 9-11 am Members: free, Nonmembers: $10
Explore what glaciers have left behind on this hilly and fascinating hike. Ridges overlooking salt
ponds and Block Island Sound beyond are a few of the highlights along this way. Moderate.
Phenology Hiking Series (Mystic)
Saturdays, March 17, April 14, May 12 3-4 pm
Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10 per hike
Have you ever noticed how plants react as seasons change? Our entire ecosystem relies on
timing of phenological events and this series is a walk along the same trail to admire these
sometimes subtle, yet crucial shifts. From bursting buds on trees to flowers blossoming, we’ll
take time to notice nature and it’s wonder through observation.
FULL MOON WALKS
The beginning of 2018 will bring an astronomical anomaly of five full moons — none of which
will happen in February. This only occurs four times during a century. January will have two
full moons including a supermoon to begin the New Year and a blue moon to close the
month. A supermoon is the full moon closest to the Earth making it appear larger and
brighter. Folklore indicates that a bright first moon brings a bountiful harvest. Please note that
full moon hikes occur even on overcast nights and are suitable for adults and older,
interested children.
Full Worm Moon
Members: free, Nonmembers: $10
Thursday, March 1 5:30 pm
Hewitt Preserve Moderate
Full Wolf Moon / Supermoon Blue Moon
Monday, January 1 5 pm Saturday, March 31 7 pm
Peace Sanctuary Easy, but hilly Manatuck Moderate
Blue Moon Full Pink Moon
Wednesday, January 31 5:30 pm Sunday, April 29 8 pm
Coogan Farm Easy Connecticut College Easy
Arboretum
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Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center - 162 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic CT - 860.536.1216
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People become birdwatchers for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you enjoy
exploring the outdoors and want to learn more about birds or sharpen your
identification skills. Or do you want to meet people who share your birding
passion? Join us for our birding programs and walks suitable for the beginning to
the experienced birder.
Waterfowl Identification
Tuesday, January 16 6:30-8 pm Members: $12.75, Nonmembers: $15
Connecticut is home to an incredible diversity of ducks and waterfowl. Join us for this class to
learn important identifying markers, preferred habitats, migration patterns and more. From
dabbling to diving ducks, geese and other waterfowl, we’ll help you identify who they are and
where they live, so you’ll be better prepared to identify waterfowl in the wild.
Winter Birding Adventure
(Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge)
Friday, January 26 9 am-4:30 pm Members: $42.50, Nonmembers: $50
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge is well-known for it’s winter population of Harlequin
ducks and many other species of birds. We’ll spend our morning searching for a myriad of
wintering waterfowl including eider, harlequin, grebe, goldeneye and more. We may even
spot a snowy owl. We’ll wind our way back through Jamestown and Newport, RI with a stop
for lunch.
Life on a Wing: An Ornithology Series
Tuesdays: Feb 13, 20, 27 and Mar 6, 13, 20 6:30-8 pm
Members: $61.20, Nonmembers: $72
Ready to take your birding to the next level? Join us for this ornithology series and learn about
our feathered friends with one of the Nature Center’s knowledgeable birders. Inside and
warm from winter’s chill, this six week course covers bird evolution, biology, dynamics of
flight, behavior and identification. Cost of this series also includes one Downtown Birding
program or Woodcock Walk.
Woodcock Walks
Wednesday, March 21 (Manatuck Preserve, Stonington) 6:30-7:30 pm
Friday, March 30 (Coogan Farm, Mystic) 6:30-7:30 pm
Members: $8.50 per hike, Nonmembers: $10 per hike
Join us in search of the elusive male American Woodcock, as the normally quiet,
well-camouflaged, worm-eating bird transforms into a master of dazzling aerial displays for
the sake of impressing the females.
Birding by Ear
Tuesday, April 10 6:30-8 pm
Members: $12.75, Nonmembers: $15
Learn to identify local birds by sound. You’ll become more familiar with vocalizations and
know how to recognize them to identify birds in your backyard and beyond. This class will
include practical tips for remembering who’s who and even who’s doing the hooting.
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Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT - www.dpnc.org
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DOWNTOWN BIRDING SERIES
Where do you go for some of the best winter birding? Maybe not where you think.
Head to the heart of our communities with the Nature Center birders and explore
various downtown locations to look for resident and migratory birds.
Stonington Borough
Tuesday, February 13 8-9:30 am
Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10
New London
Tuesday, March 13 8-9:30 am
Members and Nonmembers: free and sponsored by the Frank Loomis Palmer
Foundation
Mystic
Wednesday, April 11 8-9:30 am
Members: $8.50, Nonmembers: $10
Come visit the Avery Welcome Center and
Nature Store at Coogan Farm!
We have gifts for
Nature Lovers of all ages
• jewelry
• kitchen accessories
• local honey and syrups
• kids toys and games
• bird books and houses
Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center
162 Greenmanville Ave., Mystic
860.536.1216
Open Daily
Hours: January - March, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April - December, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Please see CANCELLATION POLICY page 2
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Coogan Farm Nature & Heritage Center - 162 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic CT - 860.536.1216
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Beekeeping 101
Two Sessions to choose from, Saturdays or Mondays
Saturdays: Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3 (make up class if needed) 9:30 am-12 pm
Mondays: Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb 5 (make up class if needed) 6:30-9 pm
Member and Nonmembers: $110 per session
This four-part workshop on Saturdays or Mondays takes participants through the
steps of keeping a bee colony and will be led by Stuart Woronecki, owner of Stonewall
Apiary in Hanover, CT. Stonewall Apiary has approximately 240 colonies located
throughout eastern CT. During this coursework, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a
Stonewall Apiary bee yard to purchase equipment. Package bees can be reserved.
Session 1: Getting Started with Equipment Basics– wooden ware, frames, tools, protec-
tive clothing, ordering and assembling equipment.
Session 2: The Honey Bee: The Queen, Workers and Drone– changes throughout the
season; the brood cycle.
Session 3: Pests and Diseases– mice, wax moths, small hive beetles, foulbrood, chalk-
brood, nosema, tracheal mites, varroa destructor; integrated pest management.
Session 4: Odds and Ends– wrap up unfinished topics; pollinator friendly plantings,
honey harvest and processing, time permitting.
Landscaping for Wildlife
Tuesday, March 6 6:30-7:30 pm
Members and Nonmembers: free thanks to a generous grant from
the Frank Loomis Palmer Fund and in collaboration with the Connecticut College Arboretum
As open spaces shrink, wildlife becomes dependent on our yards for survival. No matter
where you live or the size your yard, it can become an important animal home. Attracting
pollinators, birds and butterflies will all be covered.
The Arctic and the Antarctic: Poles Apart
Thursday, March 8 7-8:30 pm
Led by Wildlife Photographer Charles Kingsley Members: $10.20, Nonmembers: $12
Few areas of the globe stimulate the imagination as much as the polar regions do. Polar
scenery ranges from serene beauty to awe-inspiring savagery. Polar wildlife is the result of
successful adaptations to incredibly harsh ecosystems against apparently insurmountable
difficulties. The human history of both the Arctic and the Antarctic is simultaneously tragic
and inspiring. The two environments, similar in many ways, are very different in other ways.
The Arctic and the Antarctic are quite literally poles apart.
Please see CANCELLATION POLICY page 2
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Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center - 109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic CT - www.dpnc.org
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