There are many, many birds in southeastern Connecticut. Nearby Hammonasset Beach State Park and the adjacent Griswold Airport property are considered one of the premiere birding destinations on the Connecticut shoreline.
And, because of the large amount of open space that is protected in Madison, thanks to the town, the town's taxpayers, and groups like the Madison Land Conservation Trust, there are many large tracts of land that are ideal for bird lovers.
Today, why not see what kinds of birds you can see?
Look for the regulars - blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves and, of course, seagulls. Can you tell their calls apart?
If you live near a swamp or wetland area, you might see and hear red-winged blackbirds, too.
Everyone has the little brown and gray birds, the sparrows, house finches and titmice. Can you tell them apart?
At Hammonasset, depending on the time of year, you might see an American kestrel, a golden eagle, greater yellowlegs, lesser yellowlegs and many other bird species. See this list for more details on that.
If birds seem to be scarce in your yard, why not get a feeder? It's an inexpensive way to have a lot of fun and get a lot of education. Many birds like black-oil sunflower seeds, so you could get them, or a mix. Be sure to scatter some on the ground, too, as some birds will not eat from a feeder.
If you feel like getting more involved, buy a hummingbird feeder. You can make hummingbird nectar from 1 part sugar to four parts water; be sure to bring the mixture to a boil before filling the feeder. Chances are good that you will have hummingbirds in days.
When you see a bird, help the kids draw it. Click here for a good online birding site... there are plenty more.
In addition to drawing, you and the kids might want to start your life lists. See more about that here.
But be careful, you and the kids might find you just love this and you'll be off on a new hobby. If that happens, you can go to the local and they'll tell you everything you need to know to take next steps with this new hobby.
