Connecticut Audbon Society
EcoTravel

EcoTravel

EcoTravel Day Trips

Eagle/Osprey Boats May 2024


Image Andy Morffew.

Saturday, May 4, 2024   
10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: The Becky Thatcher is undergoing its 5-year Coast Guard inspection. Date and/or departure times may change depending on circumstances out of our control.

Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel will again offer boat cruises to search for Bald Eagle, Osprey, and other bird species migrating and nesting along the Connecticut River. Bald Eagle can be found along the lower river, a habitat that hosts a transient winter population as well as nesting residents. Naturalists are on board the vessel to share information about the Connecticut River, the birdlife, and natural history. The vessel has a heated cabin, restrooms, and three decks for optimal viewing. Tours are approximately three hours in length and depart at 10am and 2pm from Eagle Landing State Park in Haddam. Appropriate for children eight years old and over. Enjoy the beauty of the Connecticut River in spring!
Fee: $55 for members and nonmembers.

 For reservations, click here:

MAY 4 – 10 a.m.     

MAY 4 – 2 p.m.   

RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE. 


Click here for a printable version of our Full Newsletter.

Classic Day Trips

A tried-and-true experience! If you’ve always wanted to travel with EcoTravel, this is a great way to test the waters. These full-day trips visit locations across Southern New England, Eastern New York State, and Long Island, searching for birds and other natural phenomena. There’s no better way to meet the staff and guides!

Classic Day Trips include transportation from a central meeting spot. Some trips can be followed in your personal vehicle as a Self-Drive Trip.

To sign up for a trip, please call the office at (860) 767-0660.

February 2024

Birding the Rhode Island Coast
Wednesday, February 7   9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spend the day cruising the Rhode Island coast, visiting Point Judith, Charlestown Breachway, and Napatree Point. Take the opportunity to see this summertime destination without the tourists. These two locations are always full of birdlife.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.

Hunt for Snowy Owls
Saturday, February 17   7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Snowy Owls are one of the most sought–after birds in New England during the winter months. During irruption years, it’s not uncommon for multiple birds to be found on coastlines throughout the region. Join us on an adventure to locate some of these tundra masters (observed from a safe and ethical distance). Locations may include Plum Island, Massachusetts or the south shore of Long Island.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $170. Members: $155.

March 2024

Birding the North Fork
Wednesday, March 6   7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Enjoy a trip to the North Fork of Long Island, New York, to enjoy the spectacle of large numbers of wintering waterfowl as they begin to move north with the coming spring. On the ferry ride across, look for alcids, gulls, and more. Take in the north tip of Long Island before tourist beach season begins. If you’ve always wanted to explore Eastern Long Island, you don’t want to miss this opportunity! There might even be a stop at one of the local vineyards.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $170. Members: $155All ferry fees are included in the cost.

Ducks of Jamaica Bay
Saturday, March 23  7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
A popular spot for shorebirds in fall, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is great birding year round. In early April, waterfowl migration is underway and late stragglers and new arrivals of multiple species use the pools as a stopover on their way north. Join us as we scour the flocks for the rare and unusual, welcoming migration back with open arms.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.

April 2024

Early Spring Migrants
Thursday, April 25  6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Late April is the beginning of the intense migration period when birds head north to summer haunts. With favorable weather and winds, some species get a head start and we plan to greet them! Visit places known for their great diversity of migrants to see them in nuptial plumage and listen to their spring songs. Trip departs from Essex.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

May 2024

Annual Lyme Loop
Thursday, May 9  6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Travel through Lyme and Nehantic State Forest in search of neotropical migrants. The habitats of the state forest includes wetlands, streams, and ponds, all excellent places for the morning chorus of warblers, vireos, and other songbirds. Focus will be on learning bird songs.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

Wood-Warblers of Cockaponset State Forest
Thursday, May 16  6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cockaponset State Forest, named after a Native American chief buried in the Ponset section of Haddam, is the second largest forest in the state forest system, encompassing over 16,000 acres. It offers great habitat for migrating songbirds and provides for a busy morning of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.

Fishers Island: Spring Migration      WAITLIST
Saturday, May 18  6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Spring is an excellent time of year to witness arriving migrants on this secluded New York island. Lying at the eastern entrance of Long Island Sound, Fishers Island is a connecting link between Rhode Island and Long Island that offers stopping places for a variety of songbirds on their journey north towards the boreal breeding grounds. Times may change depending on the spring ferry schedule.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $130. Members: $115.

Connecticut Audubon’s Croft Preserve
Sunday, May 26  6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located in Goshen, Connecticut Audubon Society’s Richard G. Croft Memorial Preserve is within one of the largest continual forest blocks in the state. The fantastic mix of habitats found throughout is home to uncommon and rare breeding species, including Ruffed Grouse and American Goshawk. This property is managed primarily for wildlife, and as such the trails can be steep and challenging to navigate with no infrastructure in place.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.

June 2024

Connecticut Audubon’s Bafflin Sanctuary
Saturday, June 1  6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Experience the rural beauty of Connecticut’s “Quiet Corner” as we visit the Center at Pomfret, which serves as the gateway to the adjoining 700-acre Bafflin Sanctuary with its vast rolling meadows, forest, stream, and fertile grassland habitats. Bring a picnic lunch and binoculars, and dress for the walk. This special preserve is home to breeding Bobolink, a species of Special Concern in the state.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.

 

Rarity Expeditions

Have you ever wanted to search for a rare bird in a nearby state, but couldn’t find directions or were concerned about going alone? Here’s your chance to join EcoTravel’s Rarity Expeditions! We’ll provide the transportation, driver, pleasant company, experienced leadership, and logistical arrangements. Expeditions range from a full day of chasing to the possibility of a one-night stay near the target bird. While there’s no guarantee the bird will be seen, the thrill of the chase and the camaraderie that comes with it make every trip an exciting experience!

Here’s how it works: first, use this form to sign on. Then, when a “bird of significance” is in the area, EcoTravel will contact you through text and email with the chance to join the adventure. You’ll have the option of coming along or waiting for the next big rarity. The fee will be determined by how far we’ll have to drive for each bird, and the number of people participating.

Wondering what a “bird of significance” is? The main targets will be species rare to North American, such as European Vagrants. Other species may include otherwise hard-to-see birds, including rare owls and regional species that are highly localized. For a list of species seen recently that fit the criteria, click here.

For Gift Certificates: 860-767-0660

Click here for a printable version of our Full Newsletter.

 

 

 

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