Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary

The Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary is a bird conservation site in Fairfield with woodlands, wetlands, and gardens covering about 6 acres. The property combines a museum building with outdoor spaces where visitors observe different bird species in their natural environments.

The site was founded in 1914 by Mabel Osgood Wright and is the oldest private bird sanctuary in the United States. Wright created a place dedicated to protecting bird populations while also teaching the public about the wildlife of the region.

The museum displays mounted animals in dioramas showing Connecticut wildlife, reflecting how people here have understood and valued nature conservation. The collections help visitors discover the variety of native species that live in the region.

The trails on the grounds are accessible daily from sunrise to sunset, allowing flexible visiting hours. The museum building has more limited opening times, so it helps to plan your visit in advance if you want to see the indoor collections.

The grounds feature a special chimney structure built specifically for chimney swifts to nest in. This effort shows how detailed and focused the protection of individual bird species is at this location.

Location: Connecticut

GPS coordinates: 41.14430,-73.25870

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03