Audubon Greenwich welcomes families to its 18th Annual Fall Festival and Hawk Watch this weekend. The fun-for-all-ages nature festival will be held (rain or shine) Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. at the Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd.
“Every year we celebrate the fall season and annual migration of magnificent raptors through our area, which is part of the Atlantic Flyway that stretches to the Carribean,” said Michelle Frankel, Ph.D., Center Director for Audubon Greenwich. “Families come back year after year for the unique chance to view hundreds or even thousands of birds as they pass over the Audubon Center in Greenwich, which is honored to be one of BirdLife International’s Important Bird Areas.”
Since the hawk watch season began on Aug. 20, Audubon Greenwich staff with the help of citizen science volunteers have seen more than 900 birds of prey, including 40 bald eagles and 150 ospreys, fly over the sanctuary.
“We are expecting a big increase in the movement of hawks over the next several days, so this weekend should be an excellent time to come out,” said Frankel. “If conditions are right on Saturday, visitors could see as many as a thousand broad-winged hawks migrating overhead over the course of the day.”
Among the most popular activities during the Festival are the live Birds of Prey Flight Shows, during which visitors are able to learn about and gain an appreciation for birds of prey by seeing them up close as they are expertly and carefully handled by Audubon Greenwich staff.
The event also features workshops, eco-friendly exhibits and a variety of fun autumn- and bird-themed activities for kids and families, including:
• Live Raptor Shows (at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. each day)
• Rehabilitated Hawk Releases (4 p.m. each day)
• Petting Zoo (meet a kangaroo and bearded dragon, take a goat for a stroll and pet baby animals)
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Hayrides
• Face Painting
• Guided Hikes
• Games & Crafts
• Local Exhibitors
• Delicious Food
Children under three are admitted free. For older guests, admission is $10 at the door for members and $15 for non-members. A 10% discount is offered for online ticket orders at http://greenwich.audubon.org/news/18th-annual-fall-festival-hawk-watch. Annual memberships for Audubon Greenwich start at $50.
