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Birdcraft Museum & Sanctuary
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| Location: | 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, Connecticut |
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| Built: | 1914 |
| Architect: | Unknown |
| Architectural style: | Other |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: | 82004371 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP: | June 23, 1982[1] |
| Designated NHL: | April 19, 1993[2] |
The Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary, also known as Birdcraft Museum & Sanctuary or simply Birdcraft Sanctuary, in Fairfield, Connecticut is the oldest private songbird sanctuary in the United States. It was established in 1914 by Mabel Osgood Wright.[3]
The 6-acre (2.4 ha) site was originally planted as a refuge to attract, harbor and feed migratory and resident birds. The Audubon Society has documented sightings of more than 120 species of birds at this site.[4]
"Connecticut Audubon Society volunteers, licensed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have operated a bird banding station here since 1979."[4]
The natural history museum contains mounted preserved animals displayed in dioramas depicting Connecticut's wildlife as it existed at the end of the 20th century, as well as the Frederick T. Bedford Collection of African Animals.[4]
The Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993.[2][3]
The museum is one of 7 nature centers and 19 wildlife sanctuaries operated by Connecticut Audubon, which is not part of the National Audubon Society.
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