EcoTravel Day Trips
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Boat Trips
Our most popular offerings, our boat trips along the Connecticut River in search of a wide variety of birds and wildlife are a great way to experience the incredible state we call home! From observing breeding Bald Eagles and Osprey to staring in awe at the famous Tree Swallows in the fall, you’re sure to have stories to share with friends and family. We even sometimes offer a trip to view the lighthouses of Eastern Long Island!
All Trips are Non-Refundable
Eagle/Osprey Boats
Image Andy Morffew.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025
5:00pm to 8:00pm
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. The boat has an open-air cabin, restrooms, and three decks for optimal viewing. Tours are approximately three hours in length and depart 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:
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
Swallow Boats
Sundays, August 31 (4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
September 7 (4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
September 14 (3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
September 21 (3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
All times are approximate.
Witness one of the most spectacular avian events when thousands of Tree Swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River at sunset to settle in on a giant communal roost during their fall migration. Birds come from miles away, creating a ballet of synchronized flight before settling down for the night. Renowned ornithologist and artist Roger Tory Peterson wrote that “the tornadoes of Tree Swallows eclipsed any other avian spectacle I have ever seen.” Join Connecticut Audubon naturalists and journey from Essex, CT first by train and then by boat to see the awe–inspiring display. Enjoy picturesque scenery from the 70–foot Mississippi–style river boat’s three decks. Food, a full bar, and restrooms are available on board. If you take only one trip this fall, make sure it’s this one! Tours are about three and a half hours in length and vary in departure time from 3:30–5pm depending on date chosen (the later in the month, the earlier the departure time).
Fee: $55 for members and nonmembers.
For reservations, click here:
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
Lighthouse Cruise
Saturday, October 11, 2025
3:00pm to 6:30pm
Board the Cecelia Ann, a 143–foot catamaran, in New London for a tour of the Sound’s eastern lighthouses, including lights at Old Saybrook, Little Gull Island, Race Rock, Plum Island, and the famous Bug Light near Greenport, New York. The vessel has two comfortably appointed interior passenger areas in addition to a full outdoor sundeck. Interior areas include panoramic windows to enhance viewing. The vessel has lots of space and cruises very smoothly on its double hull. The addition of a computer–controlled ride control system enhances passenger comfort. Included in the celebration are catered hors d’oeuvres, interesting narration, complimentary parking, and a cash bar. Call or book your reservation on our website.
Fee: $75 for members and nonmembers.
For reservations, click here:
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE.
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.
May 2025
Annual Lyme Loop
Thursday, May 8 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Travel through Lyme and Nehantic State Forest in search of neotropical migrants. The habitats of the state forest include wetlands, streams, and ponds, all excellent places for the morning chorus of warblers, vireos, and other songbirds. The focus will be on learning bird songs.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.
Wood-Warblers of Cockaponset
Thursday, May 15 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 a great habitat for migrating songbirds and provides for a busy morning of warblers, vireos, thrushes, and more.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.
Connecticut Audubon’s Croft Preserve
Sunday, May 18 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located in Goshen, Connecticut Audubon’s Croft Preserve is within one of the largest continual forest blocks in the state. The fantastic mix of habitats found throughout the preserve is home to uncommon and rare breeding species, including Ruffed Grouse and American Goshawk. Since the property is managed primarily for wildlife, the trails are steep and challenging to navigate.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.
Fishers Island: Spring Migration WAIT LIST
Monday, May 26 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Spring is an excellent time of year to witness migrants arriving 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 boreal breeding grounds.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $130. Members: $155. The meeting place is Westbrook or New London. Times may change depending on the spring ferry schedule.
Hunt for the Golden-winged Warbler
Saturday, May 31 5:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Although just across the border in New York, Sterling Forest State Park is home to a wealth of species that are uncommon in Connecticut. Hooded, Cerulean, and Golden-winged warblers are all common breeding species at the site and should all be seen on this adventure. The expansive forest has a wealth of different habitats, making it a paradise for birders.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.
June 2025
Rhode Island’s Woodlands
Wednesday, June 12 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
With over 14,000 acres of mostly forested land, Arcadia Management Area is Rhode Island’s largest recreational area. With miles of trails, this little-birded corner of the state is ripe for discovery. Search for breeding warblers, thrushes, and other neotropical migrants as they defend their territories. Other destinations may include George B. Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge and Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.
July/August 2025
Summer Whale Watches
Saturday, July 26 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Saturday, August 23 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Head to Plymouth, Massachusetts, to catch a Whale Watch, looking for Humpback, Fin, and Minke whales. Sightings last year were excellent, and we hope for similar results this year. There’s also the chance of seeing various other sea animals including Basking Sharks and Atlantic White-sided Dolphins. We’ll be looking for some of the pelagic bird species, including Great and Sooty shearwaters, and Wilson’s Storm-Petrel. A few Cory’s and Manx shearwaters are also possible, as well as jaegers, Northern Gannets, and various terns.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $170. Members: $155. Times may change based on the boat schedule. Includes transportation and boat tickets.
September 2025
Long Island Shorebirds
Saturday, September 6 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Each fall, shorebirds flock to Long Island on their journey south. Large flocks gather both at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge and Jones Beach State Park, depending on the water levels. Jamaica Bay, located within Brooklyn and Queens, is one of the most important urban wildlife refuges, hosting a variety of habitats, including salt marsh, several fresh and brackish pools, and an open expanse of bay and islands. Jones Beach is home to staging areas for hundreds of American Oystercatchers, ducks, and more! Join us as we enjoy the signs of fall.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.
November 2025
Boston: A Day at Harvard’s Museums
Wednesday, November 19 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
One of Harvard’s most famous treasures is the internationally acclaimed “Glass Flowers” located in their Museum of Natural History. Take a private tour of this unique collection of over 4,000 models, representing more than 830 plant species, created by glass artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son team of Czech glass artists. We’ll also explore several other exhibits, including the Birds of the World, Arthropods: Creatures that Rule, and the Climate Change exhibit.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $140. Members: $125.
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.
