Spring Birding Walk
Rettich Preserve
Saturday, May 24 (Rain Date May 31)
8:00 a.m.
Join nationally recognized wildlife artist, birder, and MLCT Director Mike DiGiorgio for a walk to look for spring migrant and breeding birds. Rettich Preserve is a former farm along the Hammonnassett River donated to the Land Trust in 2014 by Fred and Rosa Rettich. We'll explore the fields, meadow and woodland trails. Birders of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring binoculars! Meet in the Rettich Preserve parking lot near 274 River Road. No dogs, please. https://madisonlandtrust.org/trails/rettich-preserve/
Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a common bird in the Land Trust forests. Its name is somewhat odd since the pinkish color on the breast area is seldom visible, but the red cap is prominent. Look for zebra-stripes on the back and flashes of white on the wings when it’s in flight. The male has the red all the way to the bill, but females only have a red crown and brown before their beak. The call is a quick quirrrr, and a ch-ch-ch-chirrrrrrr! Thirty years ago the Red-bellied Woodpecker would have been a rarity in Connecticut, but today it’s one of our most common birds.
Painting © Michael DiGiorgio