Art, coffee, wildlife festivals, wood carving, migratory birds—even trees! This is a happening month. Events at the museum are below, or check the special upcoming list for a few extras.
The Museum is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm. The trails are open sunrise to sunset, every day. The best access to to those on the south, the pond side of the property, thanks to flooding in July. Libraries have passes you can check out, and admission is always free for members (https://birdsofvermont.org/membership/).
=== OCTOBER EVENTS ===
“THE POWER OF PERSPECTIVE” ART SHOW
The Museum’s 2024 community art exhibit continues in October! What is the Power of Perspective? Explore, examine, and delight in art that speaks to both humans’ and birds’ perspectives and experiences. How might a change in perspective alter people’s understanding of the lives and needs of the birds who share our world?
Included with museum admission, no registration necessary
The Museum’s 2024 community art exhibit ends this month. Artists: please make plans to pick up remaining art, if you haven’t already. Thank you so much for sharing your work here!
More info: https://birdsofvermont.org/power-of-perspective-2024-october/
GREEN MOUNTAIN WOODCARVERS CARVE-IN AND ANNUAL MEETING
Saturday, October 5 @ 10:00am – 2:00pm
The Green Mountain Woodcarvers will be carving in the workshop. Stop in to watch a wood carver at work, ask a question, or learn about this carving club. Carvers are always happy to explain how they carve and to share their expertise with others.
Included with museum admission (free for members)
THE BIG SIT!
Sunday, October 13 @ dawn – dusk
How many birds can we identify… but only from a 17-foot diameter circle between sunrise and sunset? This is a great long-running community science project. Pledges and donations welcome.
Outdoors
Call or email to ask about joining the observation team. We are observing from Dawn to Dusk (only some observers stay the whole time). The Museum is open 10am – 4pm.
OCTOBER BIRD MONITORING WALK
Saturday, October 26 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
All birders (current, experienced, newbie and would-be!) are welcome! Join our monthly monitoring walk outdoors on the Museum’s trails in forest and meadow. Most fun for adults, older children. Please bring your own binoculars, and dress for the weather. Tick repellent and water bottles are recommended.
Free, suggested donation $10 – $15 • Max 12 people
Special guest leader: Ali Wagner
Register at https://sevendaystickets.com/events/october-bird-monitoring-walk-10-26-2024-182385 or call 802 434-2167.
Outdoors
TREE ID FOR BIRDERS AND FRIENDS
Sunday, October 27 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
Have you ever noticed a bird, then wondered what kind of tree it was in, or why it was there? Us too! Let’s take a walk and explore tree identification with Forester Kathleen Stutzman. Open to folks with any and all levels of familiarity with trees and/or birds.
Suggested donation: $10 – $30 • Max: 12 people
Register at https://sevendaystickets.com/events/tree-identification-for-birders-and-friends-10-27-2024
Outdoors
Find out more at our website, https://birdsofvermont.org/events/
October is also #MentalHealthAwareness month. Did you know going outside, forest bathing, and birding have been shown to be associated with improved mental health? Find out more at the links below—there’s a lot more out there, too.
- BioScience Doses of Neighborhood Nature: The Benefits for Mental Health of Living with Nature
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Physiological Effects of Nature Therapy: A Review of the Research in Japan
- Journal of Environmental Psychology Bird sounds and their contributions to perceived attention restoration and stress recovery
- Psychology Today Birding Your Way to Well-Being: Four potential pathways from birding to mental health.
- Science Advances Nature and mental health: An ecosystem service perspective
- University of Exeter Watching birds near your home is good for your mental health
We invite you also to review and make suggestions on the Museum’s accessibility, as we move toward our winter planning season. Use our online accessibility survey to share your thoughts.