A flock of Canada Geese fly across the sky in V-formation.

Wings in Motion: A Day of Discovery at the Bent of the River Audubon Center

Join us for an immersive, full-day experience all about migration on Saturday, September 20.

As summer turns into fall, birds migrate through Connecticut in the millions on their way to their wintering grounds.

Changes in weather, loss of habitat, window collisions, and light pollution all make this journey difficult, but the Bent of the River Audubon Center and partners across the hemisphere work hard to conserve the habitat and put in place protections birds need to migrate successfully.

On Saturday, September 20, we invite you to learn more about this essential work and become part of it at Wings in Motion: A Day of Discovery at the Bent of the River Audubon Center!

During this immersive, full-day experience, you’ll expand your understanding of migration and witness it up close with engaging workshops, live bird demonstrations, collective art projects, and more—all guided by expert staff and speakers from the National Audubon Society and local partners.

Whether you’re a seasoned conservationist or simply bird curious, this day of discovery offers something for everyone!

Event Highlights 

​​​​​​Bird Banding Demonstration—Get an up-close look at conservation science in action as we band birds and contribute to scientific research.

Bird Collisions in the Anthropocene Art Project—Become part of a nationwide collaborative art project that raises awareness about fatal bird collisions. (Learn more.)

Educational Talks with Experts

  • Motus and Bird Migration Explorer—Learn about cutting-edge bird tracking technology with Allison Middlemass, Senior Coordinator, Community Conservation Programs.
  • Lights Out and Bird Collisions—Learn how urban spaces impact migration and the solutions to the problems they pose with Ken Elkins, Advisor, Lights Out Connecticut.
  • Nature-based Solutions and More—Learn about pesticides, nature-based solutions, and Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan with Rob LaFrance, Policy Director, Audubon Connecticut.

Live Raptor Show—Enjoy the majesty of birds of prey up close!

Sponsored by the Menunkatuck Audubon Society.

7:30 AM
Arrival, Parking and Breakfast in the Barn

8:00 AM 
Welcome and Agenda Overview

8:15 AM 
Talk: Motus and Bird Migration Explorer

8:45 AM
Bird Banding Demo

9:45 AM
Break

10:00 AM
Intro to Bird Collision Art Project

10:15 AM
Talk: Lights Out and Bird Collision and Art Activity

11:00 AM
Break

11:15 AM
Talk: Rob LaFrance and Snacks

12:30 PM
Break

12:45 PM 
Raptor Show

1:30 PM
Event Concludes

Ready for an immersive migration experience?
Learn about this annual journey, the dangers birds face on it, and what you can do to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions, please contact Kate Pratt at kate.pratt@audubon.org or 203-405-9113.

Tickets for this event must be purchased through our online ticketing platform. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required for this event.

Ticket Fee: $55 per person

Purchase Tickets

A light breakfast of bagels, fruit,  juice, coffee, and tea will be provided. Water and snacks will be available throughout the day.

You are welcome to bring your lunch to eat during one of the talks or to enjoy a picnic on the property.

The schedule may change for some outdoor events depending on the weather. 

Wings in Motion: A Day of Discovery at Bent of the River Audubon Center will take place on Saturday, September 20 from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM. 

Due to the nature and length of this event, we recommend it for people ages 13 and up.