Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary facts for kids
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Birdcraft Museum & Sanctuary
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| Location | 314 Unquowa Rd., Fairfield, Connecticut |
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| Area | 6.5 acres (2.6 ha) |
| Built | 1914 |
| NRHP reference No. | 82004371 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1982 |
| Designated NHLD | April 19, 1993 |
The Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, often called Birdcraft Museum & Sanctuary or just Birdcraft Sanctuary, is a special place in Fairfield, Connecticut. It's the oldest private sanctuary in the United States made just for songbirds. This amazing place was started in 1914 by a woman named Mabel Osgood Wright.
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A Home for Birds
The Birdcraft Sanctuary covers about 6 acres of land. It was first designed to attract, protect, and feed birds that live there all the time or just pass through during migration. The Connecticut Audubon Society has seen more than 120 different kinds of birds at this site!
Bird Banding Station
Since 1979, the sanctuary has also been a bird banding station. This is where scientists carefully catch birds, put a tiny, lightweight band on their leg, and then release them. This helps experts learn about bird travel, how long they live, and their health.
The Museum and Its Collections
The sanctuary also has a natural history museum. Inside, you'll find preserved animals displayed in special scenes called dioramas. These scenes show what Connecticut's wildlife looked like at the end of the 20th century. There's also a unique collection of African animals, known as the Frederick T. Bedford Collection.
Sanctuary Features
The Birdcraft Sanctuary has several important buildings and natural areas. There's a museum building and a frame bungalow, which was once a home for the caretaker.
Outdoor Spaces
Outside, you can explore a peaceful pond, beautiful gardens, and open meadows. There's even a special chimney built just for chimney swifts to use as a nesting spot! Most of these features were created in 1914. The museum and bungalow have both been made larger over the years.
A Historic Landmark
The Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary is a very important place. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Later, in 1993, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's recognized as a place of great national importance in American history.
Saving Birds
This sanctuary played a big role in bringing back the bird conservation movement. This movement, which aims to protect birds, started in the 1880s but had slowed down. Birdcraft helped to restart efforts to save birds and their habitats.
Part of a Bigger Network
The Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary is one of six nature centers run by the Connecticut Audubon Society. This organization also manages 22 wildlife sanctuaries across Connecticut. It's important to know that the Connecticut Audubon Society is a separate group and is not connected to the National Audubon Society.
Images for kids
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Shore Diorama
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Part of the African animal collection
See also
