The Audubon Shop is the original birding store in Connecticut, established in 1986. Owned and operated by Janet and Jerry Connolly, we are located in an historic home on the Post Road in Madison, a town situated on Long Island Sound. A stone’s throw east of us is Hammonasset Beach State Park, one of the best birding sites in the state and one of the most significant breeding and migratory bird stopover areas on the Atlantic Coast. Our seasonal bird walks are listed under Bird Walks and talks on our home page.
Backyard birdwatchers will find a vast array of bird feeders (squirrel proof? – yes they exist!), bird seed that attracts the widest variety of birds, nesting boxes, artwork and gifts for any occasion, puzzles, books and field guides, wind chimes and outdoor thermometers, and so much more.
The Audubon Shop is widely known by birders throughout the state and the country as the place for binoculars and telescopes, tripods, international travel and field guides, and expert advice. Jerry has given optics talks for CT Audubon, CT Ornithological Association, The Linnaean Society of NY, and numerous nature centers and bird clubs.
The Connollys are avid birders, leading weekly local field trips in Spring, Fall and Winter, as well as trips far a-field to places such as: Brazil, Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as points in Asia and Africa.
In 1995, Jerry was invited to join Swarovski Optik’s 12 person Birding Advisory Council. He was the sole retailer in an elite group of ornithologists, authors, and tour leaders. The council met with an Austrian design team to test and evaluate all of the current binoculars and spotting scopes and to brainstorm ideas for new products. The gathering of that association resulted in the “EL” series, widely regarded as the world’s finest series of binoculars.
Since moving into our new “digs” in 2002, with twice the square footage, we have been able to expand our lines of bird feeders and seed, bird houses, local and international travel guides, maps and field guides, artwork, and nature gifts.
Lastly, we look forward to seeing you at the shop. Come see exciting new innovations in bird feeders, including squirrel proof and easy-clean features. We’ll be glad to share our expertise with you and help you find what you’re looking for to make enjoying nature an even better experience. Happy Birding!
Janet & Jerry Connolly