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Wildlife Highlights is published by the Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division. Please share the newsletter with others to help spread awareness about Connecticut's wildlife!
2025 Kicks Off with Midwinter Eagle Survey
Earlier this month, dozens of volunteers braved the cold and wind to conduct the Annual Midwinter Eagle Survey at waterbodies and along rivers throughout Connecticut. This nationwide survey started in 1979 with the goal of creating an index to monitor the wintering bald eagle population in the lower 48 states.
While the index may not provide a total population number, it is useful for demonstrating eagle population trends. The Midwinter Eagle Survey remains a vital long-term baseline dataset, while also providing an important peek into an essential part of the eagles’ life history, as they prepare for the upcoming nesting season.
Thanks are extended to all the volunteers who woke up early and traveled to their assigned body of water to spend a few frigid hours counting eagles perched in trees and flying overhead.
Nesting bald eagles disappeared from Connecticut in the 1950s, largely due in part to the use of harmful pesticides such as DDT. Fast forward to better conditions for eagles in 2023, when our state boasted a record 86 reported nesting pairs!
Calling All Young Artists!
Connecticut students, kindergarten through grade 12, can support wetland conservation in Connecticut by entering the 2025 Junior Conservation (Duck) Stamp Art Competition.
To enter, all you have to do is create and submit a drawing or painting featuring native waterfowl (ducks or geese). There is no cost, and submissions must be postmarked by March 15, 2025.
This competition is intended to increase conservation awareness among young people. The “Best in Show” winner will have their art featured as the 2026 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp! The winning submission will also be entered in the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest.
If you are interested in the artwork below of the 2025 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, there are a limited number of Conservation Edition prints, all of which are signed by the artist, Alice Han. Three of the prints are remarqued, each in pencil, and depicting different poses. The prints are $200.00, and just like all other Duck Stamp purchases, the proceeds help fund the enhancement of wetland and associated upland habitats in our state.
Those interested in purchasing a print should contact DEEP Wildlife Division biologist Min Huang at min.huang@ct.gov or 860-418-5959.
The 2025 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp features a beautifully painted northern shoveler by local artist Alice Han.
Wildlife Action Plan Survey Results Are In!
As part of the revision of Connecticut’s Wildlife Action Plan for 2025-2035, the Wildlife Division is collecting input from the public, as well as various partner organizations. In March 2024, staff collected input on the revised list of Species of Greatest Conservation Need. Later in October, a survey was distributed to collect additional public input on the habitats these species rely on, the issues they face, and the actions that may help them. Thanks to everyone who provided
input! After an impressive 438 responses, the results are in.
When asked about which habitats should receive the most attention for conservation, respondents emphasized forests, rivers, and open uplands. Forest and river networks are abundant throughout Connecticut. These areas serve as a gateway for residents to connect with wildlife and nature. The results here suggest a prioritization of habitats that are ubiquitous and familiar; places where Connecticut residents most often appreciate our diverse wildlife resources.
This input, along with input from prior surveys, has been shared with the Wildlife Action Plan team of experts to consider as they reevaluate and prioritize species, habitats, issues, and actions for the revised Plan. Public input will be summarized in the updated Plan, which will also assess alignment among feedback from the public, experts, partner organizations, and agencies.
If you missed this survey, the next opportunity for input will involve commenting on drafted chapters for the updated Wildlife Action Plan. Details to follow!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent Wildlife Action Plan surveys.
Feeding Deer Does More Harm than Good
White-tailed deer depend on acorns and other natural food items to build up fat reserves to help them get through winter. Last October, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported a significant increase in acorn abundance in the red oak group, a phenomenon referred to as a “mast year” or “bumper crop”. With limited snowfall this winter, white-tailed deer, and other wildlife, have easy access to these natural food items.
This time of year, however, well-intentioned residents may be tempted to put out hay, corn, or other feed to provide wildlife with a readily available source of food. The reality is this practice does far more harm than good, especially when it comes to deer.
Over time, deer develop specifically adapted microbes that help digest food items that are part of their regular diet. When deer eat food that has not been part of their diet, the specific microbes are not present to help with digestion. Deer will eat any readily available handouts during winter and may fill their stomach with indigestible material. It has been documented on multiple occasions that deer have died with stomachs full of food (often hay or corn) that was placed out during harsh winters as an emergency food source.
The Wildlife Division discourages providing supplemental food for deer during winter. Instead, allow them to forage on natural food items they are accustomed to.
White-tailed deer photo courtesy of Matt Balnis.
2024 Connecticut State of the Birds
Recently, the Connecticut Audubon Society published its annual Connecticut State of the Birds report. This report helps raise awareness about the challenges facing birds in Connecticut and beyond, and most importantly, informs efforts to protect them.
The primary focus of the 2024 report is on neonicotinoid pesticides, or neonics for short, and the impacts they can have on birds.
Scarlet tanager photo by Paul Fusco.
Join Us Next Month for Winter Festival
The No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program, in partnership with Fish with CARE and the City of Torrington, will be hosting the 19th Annual Winter Festival Event at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, Connecticut, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
This event is all about what you can do and see during winter! There will be ice fishing (pending ice thickness and safety), guided hikes, story times, search and rescue dogs, ice sculptures, a bonfire with marshmallow roasting, furs and pelts, live animals, and much more. The DEEP Divisions of Wildlife, Forestry, Fisheries, Boating, and State Environmental Conservation Police will be in attendance, along with the White Memorial Conservation Center, IAIS Native American Museum and Research Center, CT State Forest Fire Service, Lutz Children's Museum, and others. Bring your family and friends and join us for a great day of winter activities and fun!
A Connecticut family enjoys some quality time on the ice.
