Enjoy the beautiful, historical town of Greenwich, Connecticut. Since 1642, Greenwich has been an amazing vacation destination with all the charm of the New England countryside. As the oldest city in Connecticut, there’s plenty to do here to keep both families and history buffs endlessly entertained. As the largest town on Connecticut’s ‘Gold Coast’, Greenwich offers easy and abundant access to the four beaches of Long Island Sound, giving travelers a great place to enjoy boating, fishing, or swimming! Between the Bruce Museum and the many historical inns, Greenwich offers a lovely vacation destination.
And while you’re visiting Connecticut, don’t forget to check out the Audubon Annual Fall Fest & Hawk Watch! Occurring on September 15 and 16, this celebration is the perfect way to welcome fall while you’re visiting Connecticut, and offers a wonderful educational opportunity for the entire family. Learn about the amazing raptors of America’s skies and get up close and personal with many species of predatory birds during this amazing family friendly event. Learn all that you can about nature and the predatory birds that wing over the United States. ResortsandLodges.com had a chance to sit down with Eli Schaffer of the Audubon Society for more information on this amazing event.
RAL: Tell us a little about the event. How long has the event been running?
ES: This year marks our 20th annual Fall Festival and Hawk watch! This year, we also celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Audubon Center in Greenwich. In 1943, this center became the first nature education center in the National Audubon Society. We have been counting birds of prey as they fly over our site since the 1970’s.
RAL: How many annual attendees do you draw?
ES: Our festival has continued to grow in recent years. Last year we welcomed over 3,000 people to our wildlife sanctuary in back-country Greenwich.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract?
ES: While our Hawk Watch site brings bird enthusiasts and community scientists from throughout the area, our festival attracts families, children, and nature lovers of all ages. We welcome people from Fairfield and Westchester counties as well as from NYC and beyond!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
ES: Each year, from August to November, we count over 20,000 hawks, eagles, falcons, and other birds-of-prey from our official Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch site. To celebrate this annual migration, we gather during peak migration when birds counted in a single day can number in the thousands. Few festivals in our region can boast that they occur on a 285-acre wildlife sanctuary.
RAL: What kind of activities can I expect as an attendee?
ES: Our festival features live raptor shows, a climbing wall, games and activities, music, food trucks, local vendors and exhibitors. Each day ends with the release of a rehabilitated hawk or owl as attendees get to watch the bird of prey take flight from below. From learning about local animals from our expert naturalists and seeing these animals up close, we have fun for everyone. For the first time this year, Canon will have professional-grade photography equipment available to borrow for special bird walks and flying demos.
RAL: What is the atmosphere like?
ES: The Fall Festival and Hawk Watch is an exciting family celebration of nature. Attendees can expect to engage with local organizations and sponsors offering fun activities and games. Additionally, crafts, animal shows, and nature games will keep everyone entertained for two full days of fun!
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
ES: This festival gives people the opportunity to experience nature up close. Our live bird shows feature amazing birds of prey from across the continent flying and eating right before their eyes. In between shows, attendees can get within just a few feet of these majestic creatures and take pictures with them to capture the amazing moment.
For more information about this unique event, please visit the festival website.