Bent Of The River Audubon Center Introduces Hiking Programs

SOUTHBURY — Audubon Center at Bent of the River will introduce a new series of introductory hikes, also offer one of its regular hikes, and present a special program to open October.

The center is offering an “Introduction to The Audubon Center at Bent of the River Hike” on Tuesday, October 7, at 9:30 am. This hike is to introduce visitors to the center through a leisurely hike along the tranquil Pomperaug River to the center’s historic barn. Experience the splendor of the giant sycamores that grow along the river. Gaze over the open meadows of wildflowers. Enjoy watching birds and butterflies from the observation deck at the barn. Find out about current programs and projects offered at the Audubon Center.

This program will be offered every Tuesday through November 18, and also on Sunday, October 19, at 2 pm. Meet at the kiosk near the visitor parking lot off East Flat Hill Road.

An Adult Nature Walk will take place Wednesday, October 8, at 9 am. Participants will follow one of the center’s naturalists for a leisurely hike on one of the sanctuary trails.

Highlights will include sunny meadows and moist woodlands where mushrooms can be found and trees beginning to change color. Birds are migrating now, so bring binoculars if desired.

Participants should meet at the kiosk near the parking lot off East Flat Hill Road at 9 am. Suggested donation for this program is $5.

A special slide program, “Birds of Panama,” will take place Thursday, October 9, at 7 pm with social time beginning at 6:30 pm.

Renowned photographer Sam Fried will present slides from his many trips to the tropical lowland jungles, mountain peaks, and cloud forests of Panama. This tiny nation hosts almost 1,000 bird species, far more than North America. Colorful birds such as resplendent quetzal, toucans, motmots, and hummingbirds as well as interesting animals such as monkeys and coatimundi are found there. Visitors are asked to bring a flashlight for the walk to and from the center’s barn. Suggested donation for this program is $5.

Audubon Center at Bent of the River is at 185 East Flat Hill Road, off Route 172 in South Britain. The trails of the center are open to visitors every day, dawn to dusk. For more information call 264-5098.