HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of tree swallows swarm over Goose Island on the lower Connecticut River, every night from late August into October.  The phenomenon is nothing less than spectacular as dusk approaches and the numbers of birds over the island builds.  Peregrine falcons can often be seen "working" the edges.  Right at dusk, the birds drop down into the reeds for the night, in smaller groups, each forming a tornado-like vortex as they plunge vertically at speeds estimated to be 50-60 mph.  

The CT-DEP put-in site is small and does not accomodate many cars.  There are kayak rental places in the area, but you'd still need a way to get the kayaks to the put-in.   Canoes work, too.  

We'll arrive at 6 pm so we can paddle around the island and perhaps up Eight Mile RIver (a National Wild and Scenic River) to watch immature bald eagles practice their fishing skills.  

Afterwards, we can rendezvous at a local diner. 

Bad weather (rain) will reschedule this trip. 

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From the east:  I-95 South to Exit 70.  Right onto Lyme Street.  Left onto Halls Road/US-1.  Follow for 0.6 miles.  Turn right onto Route 156/Neck Rd.  Pilgrim Landing will be on the left. 

From the west:  I-95 N to Exit 70.  Left onto Route 156/Neck Rd.  Pilgrim Landing on the left. 

Detailed info on DEP launch site:  http://www.lisrc.uconn.edu/coastalaccess/site.asp?siteid=107&maptool=4