Springtime Shot
A shot of spring’s blooms as crocuses pop up through Autumn’s leaves. WestportLocal.com photo
Norwalk Aquarium Bird Cruises brings Public to Enjoy the Wildlife along the Shorelines
An Oystercatcher - a protected migratory bird that flocks to the Northeast shorelines for the warmer months. Contributed photoBirdwatchers and photographers can enjoy close access to a federally protected haven for resident and migratory species during two special Birding Cruises offered in early April by The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
The cruises will take participants out near the Norwalk islands of Long Island Sound to seek close access to osprey, oystercatchers, loons, mergansers, long-tailed ducks, egrets and other waterfowl.
The 90-minute cruises depart at 9:30 a.m. on Sat., April 2 and Sun., April 3.
“Early April is a great time to go birding on the Sound because that’s when we can see an overlap of migrating species,” said Nicki Rosenfeld, a senior education manager who also is one of the Aquarium’s boat captains. “Some birds that winter here haven’t left but others that migrate out for the winter will have started to return. Witnessing this diversity builds a great appreciation for the importance of Long Island Sound as a vital habitat for so many animals.”
A portion of the Norwalk islands chain is protected as part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a collection of coastal areas in Connecticut that provide important resting, feeding and nesting habitat for many species of wading birds, waterfowl, songbirds and shorebirds. One of the islands, Chimon Island, is known to have supported as many as 1,200 breeding pairs of herons, egrets and ibises.
Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and their own binoculars.
Cruises occur aboard The Maritime Aquarium’s R/V Spirit of the Sound, a 64-foot catamaran that runs quietly as the country’s first hybrid-electric research vessel.
“By running silently and offering two deck levels for viewing, she’s a great platform for observing the natural sights out on Long Island Sound and along the Norwalk islands,” Rosenfeld said. “The Birding Cruises will be a bonanza for birdwatchers and photographers, giving them safe and proper access to an offshore resource during a program intentionally created for their interests.”
Cost of each Birding Cruise is $31 ($27 for Aquarium members). Space is limited so advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
To reserve tickets, see the full spring cruise schedule or learn more, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 14 over Weekend; State Positivity Rate Down
The State Department of Public Health reported 14 more cases in Westport over the weekend. The State’s daily test positivity rate was down to 2.49% while hospitalizations were up 5 patients, with 97 patients total currently hospitalized for COVID-19 throughout the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 3,978 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 36 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 2.40% [down from 2.73%]
State Hospitalizations: 92 patients [-08]
Westport Kiwanis Club Continues to Support Community through High School Senior Grants, Ukraine Relief
The Westport Kiwanis Club announced its continued dedication to supporting young people through philanthropic activities that improve the lives of community members. The Westport Kiwanis tradition continues this spring as the club gears up for its annual grant program for high school seniors and contributing to the Ukrainian relief effort. Westport Kiwanis' annual family-friendly Mini-Triathlon at Compo Beach helps fund their long-standing student grant program and other local causes.
Over the past 38 years of the Westport Kiwanis Minuteman Triathlon, proceeds have assisted countless youth-focused initiatives in Westport. From the early days of Safe Rides and the Staples High School Key Club to contributions that support local playgrounds and gear for the EMS bicycle unit, the one-time student grants offer financial assistance to Westport's college-bound students. In March, Westport Kiwanians donated $5000 to Save the Children to support the humanitarian needs of children in Ukraine.
The annual 2022 Kiwanis College Grant application is now open for income-qualified Staples High School seniors to acknowledge their academic excellence and service to our community. Qualified applicants must demonstrate financial need and have performed significant public service through quantifiable direct service to the community. Applications must include one letter of support from the agency or individuals who have benefitted from their service, a transcript, and financial aid information. Online applications are available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KIWANIS22. The deadline for submission is April 15th, 2022.
Once again, Fairfield County Bank is the lead sponsor for the Westport Kiwanis Triathlon, a fun, family-friendly event open to all ability levels. The swim is point-to-point at beautiful Compo Beach. The short bike and run courses are flat through lovely Compo Beach neighborhood streets. The event is ideal for first-timers and families wishing to race together. To register for the September 11th, 2022 event or donate to the college grant program, go to https://www.trifitness.net/kiwanis.html
Westport Kiwanians work or live in the Westport community and are dedicated to "Making a Difference" in the lives of children. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization for individuals desiring personal involvement in the leadership and improvement of their community, nation, and world. As a group, we can achieve what individuals cannot do alone. Thus our motto and the cornerstone of Kiwanis is "We Build."