This trip is now full, but a waiting list is being held in case of cancellations.
On the lower Connecticut River we are fortunate to be able to witness many spectacular avian happenings. One highlight of the birding year on the river is the tree swallow concentration that can be found each fall starting in August and running through early October.
During fall migration, hundreds of thousands of tree swallows congregate in this area and at sunset settle in on a giant communal roost. The birds come from as far away as 30 miles and converge at dusk, often creating a “ballet” and “funnel” of birds before and as they settle down to roost on Goose Island.
The renowned ornithologist and artist Roger Tory Peterson was introduced to this phenomenon by Old Lyme Land Trust Steward Hank Golet. Peterson wrote, “I have seen a million flamingos on the lakes of East Africa and as many seabirds on the cliffs of the Alaska Pribilofs, but for sheer drama, the tornadoes of tree swallows eclipsed any other avian spectacle I have ever seen.”
The Old Lyme Land Trust is hosting a Connecticut River cruise to view the swallows in action on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 per person. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be provided. Bring your own picnic supper if you wish.
Contact Ted Mundy at 860-434-5674 for more information or to purchase tickets.
Alternatively, join Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel naturalists on Wednesdays or Sundays from Aug. 25 through Oct. 6 as they journey down river aboard RiverQuest to see the spectacular display. Bring a picnic supper and your favorite beverage to enjoy on the trip.
Tickets are $40. Call 860-767-0660 or 1-800-996-8747 or register online at https://ssl.charityweb.net/ctaudubon/event/eaglecruises.htm or visit www.ecotravel.ctaudubon.org and click on Day Trips. Scroll down to the link.
The Old Lyme Land Trust cruise on September 28th is sold out. We do have a waiting list. Thank you for your support.