BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Project Imo - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://projectimo.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Project Imo
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20240310T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20241103T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250927T120000
DTSTAMP:20260421T172637
CREATED:20250904T201914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250904T232535Z
UID:10000108-1758963600-1758974400@projectimo.org
SUMMARY:Birding on Bicycles
DESCRIPTION:Birding on Bicycles\nSpend a morning exploring our local trails by bike while learning to notice the birds that share these spaces with us. We will start from Base Camp and roll east on the Airline State Park Trail toward North Windham\, with a stop to view the bog near the Natchaug and time to appreciate the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve. The ride blends easy-going cycling with simple birding techniques so you can enjoy both movement and observation. \nWhat this ride is about\nThis is not a race. It is a relaxed\, social ride that makes room for curiosity. We will keep a conversational pace\, pause at natural viewing points\, and practice how to look and listen while on the move. You will learn simple ways to identify birds by shape\, size\, behavior\, and habitat\, rather than memorizing long lists. The goal is to come away with a few new skills and a fresh way of seeing the trail you may already know well. \nRoute and rhythm\nWe will follow the Airline State Park Trail east from Base Camp\, a mostly flat\, packed-surface route that is friendly for a wide range of riders. Our turn-around point will be near North Windham. Along the way we will visit wetland edges and open stretches where birds are easier to spot. Expect short stops to scan the bog and nearby tree lines\, and gentle regrouping after each stop so no one feels rushed. Cycling skills are essential for comfort and safety on shared paths. \nWhat you might see\nEarly fall in our area often brings active wetlands plenty of active environments for this experience. Keep an eye out for familiar residents like red-winged blackbirds\, swallows working over open spaces\, and hawks circling high. At the water you may catch sight of herons hunting the shallows or ducks resting in quiet coves. In the trees and shrubs\, small songbirds flit from branch to branch. We will focus on patterns that help you notice these birds in real time\, even if they are on the move. \nHow we will learn\nWe will lead simple\, practical exercises at a few stops along the route. We will practice scanning from near to far\, using landmarks to relocate a bird\, and picking one field mark to remember rather than trying to note everything at once. You will hear tips on how light\, distance\, and background affect what you see\, and how to use behavior and habitat to make a good first guess. The goal is to help you feel more confident noticing birds on any future ride or walk. \nWhat to bring\n\nA bike that is in good working order (if you need one see note below).\nA properly fitted helmet. Helmets are required for all riders.\nWater and a small snack.\nLayers suitable for morning temperatures and light wind.\nIf you have binoculars\, bring them. A lightweight strap helps while riding.\n\nA limited number of bikes may be available upon request. If you need one\, please reach out when you register so we can confirm availability in advance. \nSafety and trail etiquette\nWe will ride single file when needed and give audible signals when passing other trail users. At viewing stops\, we will pull fully off the path to leave room for walkers and riders to pass. Please check your brakes and tire pressure before arriving. If anything feels off during the ride\, let the group know so we can pause and assist. \nWho should join\nThis ride is a good fit for people who are comfortable riding a bike on multiuse trails and who want a gentle introduction to birding in motion. You do not need prior birding experience. Curiosity and a willingness to slow down at stops are all you need. Families with teens who ride confidently are welcome. \nWhat you will take away\n\nA simple framework for noticing and identifying birds while you ride.\nPractice using habitat and behavior as quick clues.\nA fresh appreciation for the wetlands and preserves along our local trail.\nA relaxed morning outdoors with people who enjoy learning together.\n\nJoin us for a ride that blends fresh air\, gentle movement\, and attention to the living world around us. You will head home with a few new skills\, a calmer mind\, and a better sense of how to fold nature observation into everyday time on the trail.
URL:https://projectimo.org/event/birding-on-bicycles/
LOCATION:Base Camp & Idea Forge Studios\, 54 North Street\, Willimantic\, CT\, 06226\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Special Events,Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Birding-on-Bicycles.webp
ORGANIZER;CN="Project Imo":MAILTO:teamimo@projectimo.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR