Goose Couple

A pair of Canada geese swim in the waters of Ash Creek in Fairfield in search of food 

at high tide on Thursday.

Photograph by Brandon T. Bisceglia.

Fairfield Sanctuary: An Immersion in Local Wildlife

Photograph by Brandon T. Bisceglia.

 Southwestern Connecticut may be known as one the most developed regions of the state, but it is still home to numerous enclaves for nature fans to explore.

The Roy and Margot Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary in Fairfield, Conn., is one such spot. The sanctuary, which is managed by the Connecticut Audubon Society consists of over six miles of trails on 152 acres of land. Hikers can encounter several types of habitat, including marshes, meadows, and ponds.

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Around sunset in the spring, green frogs (Rana Clamitans) and bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana)line the edges of the ponds, croaking amorous songs to one another. The frogs hide in the shallow greenery for protection, only their heads protruding from the water.

Photograph by Brandon T. Bisceglia.

Along the trail, plaques help visitors identify some of the plants that grow in the sanctuary, including red maple, witch hazel, and skunk cabbage. This tree trunk formerly belonged to a white pine that was approximately 100 years old, according to the plaque nearby. It was felled by lightning.

Thousands of birds take advantage of the trees and bodies of water. Some live there year-round; others stop over during migrations. This bird perched on a branch by Farm Pond to feather itself before taking off again.

Photograph by Brandon T. Bisceglia.

According to the USDA Forest Service, Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is native to Europe, but has become naturalized in some parts of the U.S., including Connecticut. It is best known for its role as the Christmas tree. The secondary branches of a mature spruce, such as this one, become droopy. They can grow to between 100 and 200 feet in height.

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Birds may not be able to see one another through dense leaf-cover, so they often rely on sound to connect over long distances. In this clip, two birds engage in call-and-response.