HIKES & EVENTS
Connecticut River Swallow Spectacular V
Kayaking/Canoeing
DATE: Sep 13, 2014
END DATE: Sep 13, 2014
Hike/Event Location: Old Lyme CT
Trip Leader(s)
Delfino
West Haven, CT United States
Meeting Time: 4:00 PM
Max # People: 12
Hike Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Hike Difficulty Level:
Moderate
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Summary
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 slowly builds. Peregrine falcons can sometimes be seen "working" the edges. Right around dusk, large clusters of the swarm begin to coalesce and consolidate, shape-shifting into a tornado-like vortex as the birds plunge vertically downwards at speeds estimated at 50-60 mph.
You'll need to come with your own kayak or canoe (or come with someone who can share). There are various sporting goods stores that rent kayaks, and usually rent them out for 24 hrs; some even rent roof racks to transport.
We'll arrive at 4 pm so we can have time to paddle up the Eight Mile River (a National Wild and Scenic River), where we just might catch a glimpse of bald eagles practicing their fishing skills. Afterwards, we can rendezvous at a local diner. Bad weather will reschedule the trip, as will any threat of lightning. If possible, we'll reschedule to the following day, Sunday 14 Sept.
I'll be repeating this trip the following the weekend, on Saturday 20 Sept.
Note that the CT-DEEP 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
Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot
From the East: Go west on I-95 "South" to exit 70. Turn right onto Lyme Street. Then turn left on Halls Road/US-1, follow for 0.6 miles. Turn right onto Route 156/Neck Road. Pilgrim Landing will be located on your left.
From the West: Go east on I-95 "North" to exit 70. Turn left onto Route 156/Neck Road. Pilgrim Landing will be located on your left.
Trip Leader
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 09/27/2023 10:12 PM
- Member Since: 08/27/2007
- Approved By: PineRiverPonder
members signed up for this event
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 02/01/2024 09:59 AM
- Member Since: 07/27/2013
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
- Comment: Coming from Windham County. Think I'll rent if there's a good place nearby. LMK.
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 08/15/2021 01:44 PM
- Member Since: 12/14/2009
- I Need A Ride
- Comment: I am in NYC but i really want to go. Is there a bus I can take?
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 04/19/2024 04:39 PM
- Member Since: 08/14/2004
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
- Online Status: OFFLINE
- Last Login: 11/26/2023 10:13 PM
- Member Since: 01/27/2013
- Driving My Own Car
(Willing to give guys a ride)
Rescheduled due to high probability of rain this afternoon and evening. Rain-date is Sunday, 14 September. Same time, etc.