Connecticut River Swallow Spectacular!

HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of tree swallows swarm over Goose Island on the lower Connecticut River, every night from late August until about mid-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 around dusk, large clusters of the swarm begin to coalesce and consolidate, and as a group drop down into the reeds for the night. As each of these clusters makes its descent, it forms a tornado-like vortex, and the birds plunge vertically downwards at speeds estimated to be 50-60 mph. 

It’s best if you come with your own kayak or canoe (or come with someone who can share). Kayak rentals would be problematic, because you'd still need a way to get the kayaks to and from the launch site, and the kayak rental place would be closed by the time we’re back in.

We'll arrive at 5 pm so we can paddle around the island and perhaps explore up the 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.

Note that the CT-DEP put-in site is small and does not accommodate many cars. Shuttling from a nearby park-n-ride may be necessary, but not a big deal.

For directions to the Pilgrim Landing launch site in Old Lyme, visit: http://www.lisrc.uconn.edu/coastalaccess/site.asp?siteid=107&maptool=4