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FALL NEWSLETTER
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CONSERVANCY
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The Pheasantry
A Progress Report
With gratitude for the generosity and vision of our beloved donors, and with funds raised at the 2021 Annual Benefit, our soon to be newest exhibit is taking shape at the western edge of the lower field. We thought you might like to see how this project is coming along as we look forward to a Spring 2023 Grand Opening!
It's been a process, and despite materials delivery delays, tough, rocky, and very dry ground, paired with step by step construction needs (watching and waiting for concrete to set and dry), we have been steadily at work, bringing this unique enclosure and exhibit to fruition.
The Ripley Pheasantry, once completed, will house up to 10 species of these rare and exotic birds, each inhabiting their own enclosure, designed with safety, comfort, and breeding in mind. We look forward to sharing this adventure with you and here's what's been happening...
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STAGE 1 - Laying the Foundation
1) Break ground
2) Discover ground is tough, rocky, and hard to dig
3) Keep digging (in bank run gravel)
4) Dig and prepare post holes 6' deep
5) Dig a 4' deep trench along each enclosure wall to sink fencing below ground (pheasants like to dig)
6) Set posts and pour concrete footings
7) Attach 3' tall wire mesh at the bottom of all enclosures to keep predators out and pheasants in
8) Bring in topsoil to back fill posts and trenches and to amend for spring planting
9) Rake and clean up
Stage 1 is done and the most laborious tasks have been completed! On to the next...
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STAGE 2 - Power, Walls, Roof, etc.
1) Electrical trenches were dug
2) Electrical lines installed
3) Above ground work continues, as wire mesh fencing is secured to the framing, creating the walls and roof for each enclosure
4) Gates and doors to be framed and hung
5) Site barrier installed
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Now that the framework is in place, Stage 2 will continue through the winter, as weather permits
STAGE 3 - Curb Appeal
1) Electrical outlets and lighting to be installed
2) Enclosures to be outfitted with living plants, rocks, stumps, and trees to enhance each habitat
3) Perching areas, feed stations, and nesting locations will be carefully selected and installed
4) Species and interpretive signage will be added to enhance the visitor and learning experience
Like any good project, all that's left are the finishing touches as we strive to create a successful and comfortable home for these exquisite and rare birds.
We will be needing to purchase plants, landscape materials, and some final finishing touches.
If you would like to contribute to the completion and beautification of the Pheasantry, please:
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Meet Director of Aviculture
LOGAN CONNOR
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My name is Logan Connor and I am the Director of Aviculture at Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy in Litchfield, Connecticut.
I first began as a volunteer at Ripley in 2012, as a freshman in high school. Although I did not have a long history of working with waterfowl, I had an interest in working with birds and wanted to learn more. My passion for raising birds started at a young age when I began raising chickens for exhibition alongside my grandfather and uncle. At the time, I started off with a half-dozen or so Bantam Rhode Island Whites, but I spent countless hours researching genetics, working on coop designs, and contacting other breeders. As I got older, I began introducing new breeds and selectively breeding my birds to fit the standard of perfection for show, which meant lots of breeding and incubating. Although chickens do not pose nearly as many challenges as waterfowl, I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of raising chickens and was excited at the opportunity to expand upon that at RWC.
Throughout high school, I spent almost every day after school and most weekends at the Conservancy helping where I was needed and trying to learn as much as I could. Whether it was feeding birds or moving rocks from one aviary to the other, I was happy for the opportunity to be close to the birds and to spend my time at such a unique place. In 2015, I was hired part- time and I began getting more in-depth, hands-on experience with the breeding and husbandry side of aviculture. Like most, I enjoyed spending countless hours watching breeding behavior, making improvements in aviaries to encourage nesting, and learning the nesting preferences of each species. At the time, I did not have my sights set on anything specific after High School, but my time at RWC and my interests in wildlife, specifically waterfowl, encouraged me to attend Unity College where I received a degree in Wildlife Biology. Going to school in Maine meant less time at the conservancy, but I was always eager to come back on holidays and spring/summer breaks to work.
In 2019, I graduated from college and was hired full time as Ripley's aviculturist. It is amazing to look back on how much I have learned and how far I have come as an aviculturist, since my early days as a volunteer. What I enjoy most is the potential to learn something new every day. There is a lot of unpredictability when it comes to raising and breeding waterfowl, which in my opinion is what makes it so interesting and rewarding. Every year, as spring approaches, I am eager to build upon last year's breeding successes and failures in hopes of expanding RWC’s collection of rare and endangered species.
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Hatching an Idea
We are offering a fun, educational, interactive, and exciting opportunity for families, classrooms, home schoolers, and anyone who would like to experience the process of hatching eggs.
Rent a Ripley 'Incubator Kit' and we'll provide everything you need to set-up, incubate, monitor, and tend to (6-12) fertilized chicken eggs as they develop and hatch. Instructions are provided and the chicks are to be returned to Ripley after hatching.
Recently, the Marcus-Neubauer family successfully hatched four chicks and provided photos of their journey. From candling eggs to hatching, meet: Amethyst, Amber, Ruby, and Sapphire (pictured). The family thoroughly enjoyed their experience and recently returned for another Incubator Kit to hatch again.
Incubator Kit rental is 30 days / Incubation period is 21 days (+/-)
Rental fee is $100 (all-inclusive) / Call: 860-567-2062
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Horse Show Meadow Update! |  | |
We are excited to announce that the Conservancy has successfully acquired 40 acres of open space and wetlands, which is an important habitat for roughly six species of flora and fauna, some of which are under threat of potential extinction. Conserving this land will protect these species as well as the water quality of Butternut Brook and the Bantam River and watershed. The parcel which is called Horse Show Meadow (named after the Litchfield Horse Show, held annually from the 1920s through 1975) is adjacent to Conservancy land at the intersection of Duck Pond Road and Brush Hill Road.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, which includes the State of Connecticut, The Seherr-Thoss Foundation, and our beloved members and neighbors, we have been able to raise a total of $775,000. We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to this vision, and we hope to close on the acquisition in November. Thank you!
Stay tuned for announcements and future plans for this land which we expect to open to the public with interpretive signage, hopefully in 2023. The property’s inviting open field and water-edged woodlands will be available to the public for walking, fishing, bird watching, cross-country skiing, painting, and other passive recreation once the necessary permits and infrastructure are in place. Located only 1.5 miles from the center of Litchfield, we hope this site will eventually include trails and possibly a boardwalk.
It took many gifts, both large and small to make this happen. Your support will help connect people to nature through public land access, reinforcing the mission of Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, inspiring passion and education for generations to come with our leading-edge aviculturists, educators, stunning rare birds, and peaceful wetland habitats.
We are very appreciative to all involved and look forward to sharing Horse Show Meadow with the Litchfield County community and with nature and bird lovers everywhere. Thank you donors!
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Ichabod Crane - Congratulations!
Congratulations to Kim Beal, Ripley's Office Manager & Director of Outreach and to Randy Missimer, Volunteer Extraordinaire for their creation and 2nd Place winner for Funniest Scarecrow at Litchfield Historical Society's "Scarecrows in the Meadow" in Litchfield.
Ripley Conservancy was well represented in an impressive gathering of scarecrow creations! Thank you Litchfield Historical Society for sponsoring this fun event.
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Fall & Winter Programs!
We hope to see you at one of our events this season. Your participation plays a vital role in sustaining Ripley's mission. Even if you're not able to attend, please consider sharing these events with anyone who may be interested or purchasing as a gift!
We are truly grateful for your support!
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DATE: Friday, November 11
TIME: 6:00-7:30 pm
Build & Paint a Bird House
A great gift idea for the bird lover in your life!
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Enjoy an evening out as we guide you through assembly of a wooden bird house, suitable for backyard use. Each home sports a 1.125" entry hole, great for small birds as well as a pitched and lapped roof. Ventilation gaps help nestlings remain cool, and an included cable makes it simple to hang.
After assembly, customize your bird house with Green Bird Real Milk Paint Powders, a traditional and environmentally friendly choice. Dairy based, with lime and earth pigment, milk paint is a natural, non-toxic, option that applies beautifully and is long lasting. We'll al be sharing tips to help you create a successful backyard bird habitat. Fee includes everything needed to build and paint, the bird talk, and light refreshment.
BYOB permitted. Limited to 12.
FEE: Members: $30 / Non-Members: $35
TICKETS: REGISTER NOW!
INFO: 860-567-2062 / info@ripleyconservancy.org
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DATE: Saturday, November 19
TIME: 1:30 - 5:00 pm
FALCONRY DEMO: 2:30pm
End of Season Celebration!
Special Guest: 'Sky Hunters in Flight'
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Come to the Conservancy and celebrate the close of our 2022 season. With self-guided tours and aviculturists on hand to answer your questions, enjoy a fire, cider or cocoa, and fellow bird lovers, as you walk through the aviaries to wish the birds well before winter settles in!
As a very special feature, master falconer, Brian Bradley of "Sky Hunters in Flight" will demonstrate the special powers of raptors, and how these avian athletes play an important role in our environment. See these powerful creatures up-close and in action, in an exciting and informative program for all ages.
If you're not able to make it to this event please consider a donation toward future programs at Ripley.
FEE: Members: $25 / Non-Members: $30 / Ages 4-14: $10
TICKETS or DONATION: REGISTER HERE
INFO: 860-567-2062 / info@ripleyconservancy.org
CLOSING DAY for public visitation is SUNDAY, NOV 20, 2022
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DATE: Friday, December 9
TIME: 6:00 - 7:30pm
ADDITIONAL DATES: Jan 13, Feb 10
Owl Prowl is back!
Returning to Ripley for Winter 2022-23
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Spend an evening with Director of Aviculture, Logan Connor and learn about local owl species. Meet a Ripley Avian Owl Ambassador then hike along Duck Pond Road to search and listen for wild, nesting owls. Gather around a fire with hot cocoa, spiced cider, and s'mores and enjoy this fun and informative evening with the birds. Group size is limited!
FEE: Members: $10 / Non-Members: $15 / Ages 4-14: $5
TICKETS: REGISTER HERE
INFO: 860-567-2062 / info@ripleyconservancy.org
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NEW! Private - Group Owl Prowls!
Schedule your group for a fun, exploratory, and educational experience!
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Bring your scouts, students, bird lovers, hikers, friends (up to 25 participants) to explore and prowl for owls with Director of Aviculture, Logan Connor here on Conservancy property.
Learn about our captive bred and local nesting owls. Hike along Duck Pond Road to listen for nesting species, then gather around a warm fire with cocoa, spiced cider, and s'mores, enjoying an educational evening with Logan and the birds. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, and binoculars are encouraged. Call to discuss dates and any questions you may have, and schedule your private prowl experience.
Weekend or weeknight evenings available / 6:00 - 7:30pm
CALL TO SCHEDULE: 860-567-2062
FEE: Group Rate: $50 flat fee
Plus an additional fee per person: Adult $10 / Senior $8 / Student $8 / Child $5
Fee includes (2) chaperones (with no additional fee)
Children under 3 & Ripley Members no additional fee / Group size: Minimum 10 / Maximum 25
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Trick or Tweet - Thank YOU!
Many thanks to everyone who came to our "Trick or Tweet" Open House. It was a beautiful day with lots of super heroes, princesses, goblins, tourists, and bird lovers.
Thank you to Averill Farm for their generous donation of delicious cider & donuts!
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Be sure to visit us on Facebook & Instagram | |
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