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.
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.
January 2025
Harlequins of Newport
Thursday, January 23 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Harlequin Duck, the fashion plate of the winter seas, is a rare sight in Connecticut. However, travelers are nearly guaranteed to see more than a few at Sachuest Point in Rhode Island, where a large percentage of the dwindling North American population spends the winter. Look for other winter duck species as you tour additional spots around Newport. Stop for dinner at a favorite local eatery before heading home. Meal not included.
Leader: Jim Sherwonit.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.
February 2025
Winter Gulls of New England
Wednesday, February 5 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Did you know that it is not just “gulls”? There is more than one species of gull that can be found in Connecticut at any time of the year and perhaps as many as eight or more species in the winter. We’ll search for large concentrations of gulls and then practice picking out birds of all different ages, keying in on features that separate the common from the uncommon.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.
Shawangunk Owls
Saturday, February 8 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
When the winter months get long and tiring, join us on an adventure to Shawangunk National Wildlife Refuge in New York as we search for Short-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and other winter specialties. If we’re lucky, we may even find a rare Gyrfalcon! Sundown is the best time to view these beautiful birds as they bounce over the open grassland.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.
Birding the Rhode Island Coast
Wednesday, February 12 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spend the day cruising the Rhode Island coast, visiting 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: $100. Members: $85.
March 2025
Birding the North Fork
Tuesday, March 4 9 a.m. – 5 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 in sign of the coming spring. On the ferry ride across, keep an eye out for alcids, gulls, and more. Take in the north tip of Long Island before tourist season begins and the beaches become crowded. 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: $155. Includes transportation and boat ticket.
April 2025
Ducks of Jamaica Bay
Saturday, April 5 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.
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
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.
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
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