Thursday’s storm packed a pretty good wallop and what might be a lot more snow is expected over the next few days, beginning Sunday, so keep an eye to the sky. Hearty souls and eagle lovers can still take advantage of tours, talks, and exhibits – this is the best time of year do this. There are also other opportunities to learn about the wild side of the area, including Long Island. For those who prefer tamer activities, there’s music tonight and looking ahead, the best of craft beer!
Saturday, Feb. 11
Transatlantic mix at Branford Folk
Branford Folk Music Society welcomes master old-time fiddler Jane Rothfield as part of Coracree, a group that melds a transatlantic mix of traditional Celtic, old-time Appalachian, European, and original music with a playful, improvisational style on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8 p.m. in the auditorium of the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main St., on the Town Green.
In addition to Jane Rothfield, Coracree (pronounced korah-kree) features the driving swing of Bill Quern on tenor banjo, mandolin and melodeon, Sarah Gowan’s inventive guitar stylings and the melodic and rhythmic stand-up bass playing of Allan Carr.
Two Coracree members, Rothfield and Carr, have performed on the Branford Folk stage in previous years as members of the Red Hen String Band that also featured former Branford resident Dave Kiputh.
Admission is $20 for non-members, $17 for members and $5 for children age 12 and under. For more information, call 203 – 488-7715 or access the society’s website at www.branfordfolk.org/.
28th Annual Eagle Watches on the Connecticut River
Audubon Shop owner Jerry Connolly will again lead the popular land-based excursions to view Bald Eagles along the Connecticut River, on Saturdays, Feb. 11, 18, 25, and March 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Bald Eagles make their way down the Connecticut River from Canada every winter in search of ice-free fishing. Participants will observe these majestic birds from a variety of locations along the river. Ticket prices are $25, which includes a soup & sandwich luncheon at Otter Cove Restaurant in Old Saybrook following the field trip.
Reservations must be made in advance by calling 203 – 245-9056. Carpool from the shop at 907 Boston Post Road in Madison at 7:45 a.m. or meet at first stop (Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam) at 8:30 a.m.
Winter Wildlife, Bald Eagles
If you prefer to view Bald Eagles from the river, Connecticut River Expeditions of Haddam will offer cruises to view winter wildlife and nesting Bald Eagles through March 19.
Departures on Fridays are at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; on Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., leaving from the Connecticut River Museum dock in Essex.
RiverQuest has a heated cabin, but participates are urged to dress in warm layers since the best views will be from the open decks. Bring cameras and binoculars, which will also be available on board. Cost is $40 per person.
For more information visit www.ctriverquest.com or www.ctrivermuseum.org.
Bird Photography Workshops
On Saturday, Feb. 11 and March 11 at 2:30 p.m., award-winning photographer Stanley Kolber offers his annual Bird Photography Workshop at the Connecticut River Museum, 67 Main St., Essex.
Kolber has been photographing birds for years, and enjoys sharing his experience with aspiring photographers of all levels, through anecdotes, slides, and question and answer. In addition to helping skills development, his greatest pleasure in giving workshops is the opportunity to kindle and encourage his audience’s interest in the natural world. For details, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860 – 767-8269.
Or venture out to your backyard as Eagle photographer Bill O’Brien did this week.
Sunday, Feb. 12
Rave On! Concert
Rave On!, a concert featuring the music of Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and other legends of early rock-n-roll, will take place at the Blackstone Library, 759 Main St., on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. This is the music that paved the way for rock-n-roll and influenced The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and countless other artists.
Sunday, Feb. 19
Birds of Prey Show
A Live Birds of Prey Show will be offered on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. at the Centerbrook Meeting House, 51 Main St., Centerbrook, sponsored by the Connecticut River Museum and Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation Organization.
The show features a bald eagle and several other species of raptors. Visitors will be able to get an up close look at the birds while learning more about the lifecycle and ecology of these magnificent animals. This event is free to the public.
For details, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860 – 767-8269.
Nature/Archaeology Hike
Friends of Hammonasset will sponsor a Nature/Archaeology Hike at 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, from Meigs Point Nature Center led by Gary Nolf and Don Rankin, representing Friends of the Office of State Archaeology and Friends of Hammonasset.
It is hoped that seals will be spotted sunning themselves off Meigs Point. No pets are allowed on the hike.
Archaeology exhibits will be available in the Nature Center from noon to 3 p.m.; folks can bring their own artifacts for interpretation. The atlatl will be demonstrated. Folks participate at their own risk and should dress for wintry conditions. For more information, call 203 – 245-9192.
Wednesday, Feb. 22
Photo by Jen Payne
What is the Long Island Sound Blue Plan? Photo by Jen Payne
Learn about the Long Island Sound Blue Plan at the Branford Land Trust’s February Lecture to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. at the Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford. Nathan Frohling, director of the Connecticut Coastal and Marine Initiatives at The Nature Conservancy, and Brian Thompson, director, Land and Water Resources Division at Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will discuss the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, a new State and stakeholder initiative to better guide future uses of the Sound.
The Blue Plan is intended to protect the Sound’s natural resources and its traditional human uses such as boating, fishing, recreation and maritime commerce. Come learn about the Blue Plan process, watch a short documentary film, Ocean Frontiers II, and join the conversation about what the Plan will accomplish.
Visit www.branfordlandtrust.org for details on additional dates and speakers in the Winter/Spring Lecture Series presented by the Branford Land Trust. All are free to the public.
Saturday, Feb. 25
BCC Food, Supply Drive
The Branford Compassion Club Feline Rescue & Adoption Center, 2037 Foxon Road, will celebrate its sixth shelter anniversary with a winter food and supply drive to benefit shelter and feral cats on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Unopened canned and dry cat and kitten food, paper towels, kitchen trash bags, Tidy Cat clumping litter, laundry (HE) and dish detergent are especially needed. Join the volunteers for cake and refreshments.
For more information on the kitties’ wish list, visit the website at www.branfordcompassionclub.org.
Winter Animal Tracking Classes
An Animal Tracking class, sponsored by the Branford Land Trust’s Nature Explorer Program, will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 25. The class will be led by naturalists Tom Cleveland and Chris Woerner, who will help participants learn to recognize animal footprints and other signs of their passage through the woods.
The free event takes place at the Lake Saltonstall Preserve. Meet at the Regional Water Authority parking lot on the north side of Hosley Avenue, down Hosley Avenue 0.3 miles from Brushy Plain Road. Expect moderate terrain, some sloping trails and inclines, rocky underfooting. Parents should be prepared to carry younger children if they get tired. Wear appropriate dress and comfortable, supportive walking shoes, and bring water. Walking sticks welcome.
Visit www.branfordlandtrust.org for details, and watch the land trust’s Facebook page for possible schedule changes. For questions, call Tom Cleveland at 203 – 981-9040.
Friday, March 3
Art & Craft Beer
Sample some of Connecticut’s best craft brews at Guilford Art Center’s Art & Craft Beer event, scheduled for Friday, March 3, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Guilford Art Center, 411 Church St., Guilford.
Guests are invited to try a selection of beers from area breweries, including 30 Mile Brewing Company, Black Hog Brewing Company, Stony Creek Brewery, and Thimble Island Brewing Company. There will be bar food; wine and non-alcoholic beverages also will be served. Live music will be performed by One & Done, a local trio.
Additionally, there will be a silent auction of brewery tours, growlers (large glass jugs for beer), and bar accessories designed by GAC staff and students. The GAC blacksmiths will be conducting live demonstrations in the blacksmith forge.
The Art Center gallery will feature the Faculty & Student Exhibition: In Honor of 50 Years, a show of works by instructors and students across all media from the past two years.
Reservations, which are limited, are $50 per person, with proceeds to benefit Guilford Art Center’s educational and community programs. Call 203 – 453-5947 or pay for reservations online at www.guilfordartcenter.org.
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