Glad you’re back. This week: a recap of our dinner club at The Lost Fox, a dawn chorus worth waking up early for, and a few things around Litchfield County worth leaving the house for.
Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger
A Dinner Club Recap
The storm cleared just in time, the room filled, and by the time dinner landed, the whole place settled into that good, happy restaurant hush.
To see the full video + recap, click below:
Courtesy of Shirlay Donald
THE WOODS ARE AT THEIR LOUDEST RIGHT NOW
If you step outside around 4:45–5:30 AM this week in Litchfield County, you will probably hear more birds singing than at any other time of year.
This is the peak of the dawn chorus — the short window in late spring and early summer when breeding birds sing most intensely at first light. By mid-July, much of it will have faded.
What is the dawn chorus?
The dawn chorus is the burst of birdsong that begins before sunrise and usually peaks between first light and about an hour after sunrise.
In Litchfield County this time of year, some of the most common singers include robins, wood thrushes, ovenbirds, song sparrows, red-eyed vireos, veeries, wrens, and warblers. Depending on where you live, you may hear dozens of birds singing at once.
Why do birds sing so much at dawn?
Male birds sing to defend territory and attract mates. In June, nearly every breeding bird in the region is either paired, nesting, or raising young, making this one of the busiest times of year acoustically.
Early morning also helps. Before sunrise, temperatures are cooler, winds are lighter, and sound travels farther. There is also not enough light yet for efficient feeding, so singing takes relatively little time.
When does it end?
The chorus begins fading shortly after the summer solstice in late June.
By then, many birds have already found mates and established territories. Singing becomes less important as energy shifts toward feeding nestlings and fledglings.
Many species also begin molting — replacing worn feathers — an energy-intensive process during which birds often become quieter and more secretive.
By August, the loud multi-species dawn chorus is mostly gone, even though individual birds are still active and calling.
How can I hear it?
The best time is 30 minutes before sunrise through about 6:00 AM, especially on calm mornings.
A few birds to listen for:
• Wood thrush — a flute-like song from the middle canopy of deciduous woods.
• Ovenbird — a loud teacher-teacher-teacher call from the forest floor.
• Red-eyed vireo — short phrases repeated constantly from high in the trees.
• American robin — often one of the first birds singing before sunrise.
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Thank you for reading!
Patrick, Founder
EVENTS
Tuesday the 16th
75° / 58° • 🌤️ Partly Sunny
Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Kick off the summer reading season with an evening of literary discovery and conversation during Staff Picks: Favorite Reads from the Gunn Staff. Library staff will share books that have inspired, challenged, and delighted them, offering attendees a thoughtfully curated reading list for the months ahead. 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM DISCOVER
Wednesday the 17th
68° / 57° • 🌧️ Rain
Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Learn practical techniques for creating a healthier, more sustainable garden during this presentation from the Northwest Conservation District. Soil scientist and horticulture expert Cynthia Rabinowitz will cover composting, water conservation, beneficial insects, soil health, and other environmentally friendly gardening practices. 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM GROW GREENER
Thursday the 18th
79° / 61° • 🌤️ Partly Sunny
South Farms, Morris – Gather on the lawn for an evening of live music, great food, and community during The Social at South Farms. Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner from South Farms Kitchen, wood-fired pizza from Milestone Pizza, desserts, drinks, and a live performance by the Mike Willson Band in a relaxed countryside setting. 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM GATHER & GROOVE
The Abner Hotel, Litchfield – Spend an evening immersed in the rich sounds of Spanish guitar as Tony Silva returns to The Courtroom Sessions at The Abner Hotel. Set within one of Litchfield's most distinctive historic venues, this intimate performance offers the perfect blend of exceptional music, atmosphere, and community. 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM ENJOY LIVE
Tenmile Distillery, Wassaic – Travel back to the 1970s during this unique pairing experience that explores the evolution of hard rock, progressive rock, glam, punk, and arena anthems alongside the changing world of whisky. Guests will enjoy an engaging discussion, curated music selections, and a tasting featuring Tenmile's Double Mature expression, highlighting the layered complexity of both sound and spirit. 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM SIP & CHILL
Friday the 19th
82° / 64° • ☀️ Mostly Sunny
Alain White Field, Bantam – Browse fresh produce, artisan goods, baked treats, and locally crafted products at this beloved weekly farmers market. Meet local growers and makers while supporting the region's agricultural community. 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM SHOP LOCAL
Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Spend a summer evening outdoors with Potter's Field as part of the Summer Sunset Free Concert Series. Enjoy a lively mix of favorite covers and original songs, along with food from Meraki Food Truck, while relaxing with friends and family. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and favorite beverages for this family-friendly community tradition, rain or shine. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ENJOY THE MUSIC
Wassaic Commons, Wassaic – Bring your own project to Friday Night BYOP, a casual weekly creative night for sketching, painting, printing, carving, stitching, knitting, quilting, weaving, and more. 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM MAKE TOGETHER
White Memorial Conservation Center, Litchfield – Experience the wonders of the night sky during this astronomy program hosted by local amateur astronomy organizations. Weather permitting, participants will enjoy guided stargazing and opportunities to learn more about planets, stars, and celestial events. 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM GAZE AT THE STARS
Saturday the 20th
81° / 62° • 🌤️ Partly Sunny
Saturday the 20th
Cornwall COOP Farmers Market, Cornwall – Pick up baked goods, coffee, vegetables, meat, syrup, eggs, and more at the Saturday market in Cornwall Village. 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM STOCK THE PANTRY
Litchfield Farmers Market, Litchfield – Explore a wide selection of farm-fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, flowers, and handcrafted items from local vendors. This popular market is a great place to support small businesses while stocking up on seasonal favorites. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM SHOP THE HARVEST
Washington Farmers Market, Washington – Browse local produce, flowers, baked goods, prepared foods, and more at the June market at The Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM SHOP LOCAL
Bantam Cinema & Arts Center, Bantam – Bring the family for Saturday Family Films, with Tahlequah the Whale and Princess Mononoke listed for June 20. Check the cinema’s website for showtimes and ratings before heading out. FAMILY FILMS
Village Center for the Arts, New Milford – Get your hands dirty and create lasting memories during Dirty Date Night, a fun pottery experience designed for couples. Participants will learn to throw a piece on the pottery wheel, return for trimming, and later glaze their finished creation, all while enjoying a relaxed evening with their favorite beverages and snacks. 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM SPIN & SIP
Cornwall Market, Cornwall Bridge – Kick off the Cornwall Music Bowl Summer Concert Series with live performances by Wavy McGrady and Kate from Baltimore. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy lawn games, food, drinks, and fresh Maine oysters while celebrating the start of another season of outdoor music and community fun. 5:00 PM ROCK THE BOWL
Sunday the 21st
80° / 61° • ☀️ Mostly Sunny
Common Place Craft Workshop, Millerton – Unleash your creativity in this playful, hands-on workshop as you design and build a modern hanging mobile using balsa wood and wire. Perfect for couples, families, and solo makers alike, this whimsical class encourages experimentation and imagination while guiding attendees through every step of the process. 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM CREATE & PLAY
Music Mountain, Falls Village – Experience an afternoon of world-class chamber music as the acclaimed Euclid Quartet performs works by Florence Price, Robert Paterson, and Johannes Brahms. Set in the historic Gordon Hall, this concert offers a memorable blend of artistry, acoustics, and musical excellence. 3:00 PM ENJOY CHAMBER MUSIC
The Station, Litchfield – Celebrate the summer solstice and the preservation of local open spaces with an afternoon of live music presented by the Litchfield Land Trust. Enjoy performances by The John Stey Band, Tim Cole, Al Cattey, and Jim Katzin, along with food from Meraki Food Truck in a relaxed outdoor setting. 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM CELEBRATE THE SOLSTICE
Monday the 22nd
79° / 60° • 🌤️ Partly Sunny
Rifugio Litchfield Hills, Litchfield – Little explorers can enjoy a nature-focused camp experience filled with outdoor activities, discovery, and adventure. Designed for younger children, the program encourages curiosity, confidence, and a love of the outdoors. 8:45 AM START EXPLORING
Big Barn Art Studio, Sharon – Young artists ages 9–12 can immerse themselves in a week of hands-on creativity during these engaging summer workshops. Participants will explore fiber arts, paper arts, woodworking, and other projects while developing artistic skills and confidence. 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CREATE & DISCOVER
