Welcome to POTAPAUG AUDUBON SOCIETY.
Potapaug Audubon is a Chapter of National Audubon Society
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General information
Potapaug serves the towns around the mouth of the Connecticut River. They include: (starting east) Niantic, East Lyme, Old Lyme, Lyme, East Haddam, Salem, Colchester, Old Saybrook, Essex, Deep River, Chester, Haddam, Westbrook, Clinton and Killingworth.
Since 1978, Potapaug has been presenting a wide range of topics related to nature and environmental issues at their programs and special events. Audience members are treated to experts, authors, and artists who educate as well as entertain. Potapaug's new season starts in September and goes through June. All programs and field trips are always free (except for boat charters).
Facebook & Twitter
Potapaug is now on Facebook and Twitter. "Friend" us on Facebook and you will get our program announcements. Post your experiences. "Tweet" about your Potapaug experiences on Twitter.
Membership
Membership to Potapaug Audubon is through National Audubon. There are many ways to join! To become a member of Audubon:
- Join Online. Becoming a member of Audubon is easy! If you are joining online for the first time click here
to go to Nation Audubon's Membership Services page.
- Join by Mail. Send your $20 membership payment by check to:
National Audubon Society
PO Box 422249
Palm Coast, Florida 32142-2249
Make check payment to: National Audubon Society
In your check memo section, please indicate “For Audubon Membership ($7.50 for Magazine).” To be part of Potapaug Audubon use our chapter code, D60. - Join by Phone. Call the Audubon membership call center at
1-800-876-0994 from Mon – Fri (9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.) or Sat (9:00 p.m. –
6:00 p.m.) and one of their representatives can enroll you over the phone
immediately!
Bird Seed Sale
The Bird Seed Sale is Potapaug's only fundraiser and it takes place in November and provides fresh seed for backyard feeders. Seed is never from the year before. Our supplier is Anderson Farm Supply of Portland, CT. The choices are: Striped Sunflower Seed; Black Oil Sunflower Seed; and Wild Bird Seed - all 25 or 50 lb bags. Thistle and Safflower seed are sold by the pound. Suet cakes, bird seed wreaths, and suet feeders are available the day of the sale. Pre-sale forms go out end of September. Check back here at that time to download an order form.
Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count is an annual National Audubon event that takes place nationwide. Potapaug's count takes place on the first Sunday of the new year, or the last Sunday in December. Our Count is called "Old Lyme-Saybrook." Groups form in Audubon chapters across the country and are assigned to a specific area within the chapters' region. Then participants go out, usually at dawn (or some go out for the 4 a.m. owl-prowl) to look for as many species of birds as possible. They note each species and an approximate number of how many they saw of that species. At dusk they congregate and compile the species number into one list. The Bird Count administrator gives all the numbers to National Audubon where they compile all numbers nationwide. The purpose of the count is to get an overall feel for what bird species are doing well and have good numbers, and what species are not doing well, and could be endangered. The count can be a good indicator of the overall health of a specific geographical area as well. There is no longer a $5 fee to participate and therefore there is no longer a bird count magazine for the paying participants. Participants may choose to go out the entire day, a half day, or stay home and do a feeder watch. To participate with Potapaug email Potapaug at: potapaugaudubon@gmail.com.
