Programs At Audubon Center

SOUTHBURY — The following programs are being offered at The Audubon Center at Bent of the River. The center is at 185 East Flat Road. In addition to special programs, the center’s trails are open to visitors every day from dawn to dusk. Call 264-5098 for details.

The center announces the return of its popular early spring woodcock walks. Join John and Carolyn Longstreth on Sunday, March 31, at 6 pm, at the Welcome Kiosk near the visitor parking lot.

Participants will hike to one of the Bent’s meadows to see and hear the amazing sky dance of the male American Woodcock. This mate-attracting, whistling flight is one of the natural wonders of early spring in North America. There are a number of woodcock at the sanctuary, and finding one or two performing their flight is fairly reliable.

This walk will only be held if it is not raining. Suggested donation for this program is $5.

Adults are invited to take part in a leisurely nature walk at the Audubon Center on Tuesday, April 1, at 9 am. Participants will learn to identify early spring birds and wildflowers, participate in Project Feeder Watch at the Bent’s bird feeding station, and look for animal tracks and other signs of animal activity.

The pace is generally slow, aimed at observing and learning as much as possible. Most of the participants are novices with a strong interest in natural history. Bring binoculars if desired.

This program is designed for the moderately active and is on mostly level ground with the occasional slope. The walk begins at 9 am at the Welcome Kiosk at the parking lot. Suggested donation for this program is $5.