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
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.
December 2025
Coastal Birding Holiday
Wednesday, December 10 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Join Andy Griswold, EcoTravel Director and expert birder, for an annual favorite as your birding group searches for early winter migrants and coastal birds from Madison to Groton. After this pre-holiday adventure, your group will stop for dinner at one of the fine eateries in the area. Bring a friend to help kick off the holiday season! Meal is not included in price.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.
January 2026
Shawangunk Owls
Saturday, January 17 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. WAIT LIST
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 Shore-eared Owls, Northern Harriers, and other winter specialities. 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. Date is subject to change depending on weather, including wind.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $110. Members: $95.
Harlequins of Newport
Thursday, January 22 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 some in Rhode Island, where a large percentage of the dwindling North American population spends the winter. Look for Harlequins and other winter ducks at the point, and take a tour of additional spots around Newport. Stop for dinner at a favorite local eatery before heading home. Meal is not included in price.
Leader: Jim Sherwonit.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.
February 2026
Birding the Rhode Island Coast
Wednesday, February 11 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, when wintering birds are abundant. These two locations are always full of birdlife, including Snowy Owl.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $100. Members: $85.
April 2026
Ducks of Jamaica Bay
Saturday, April 4 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.
Early Spring Migrants
Thursday, April 30 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Late April is the beginning of the intense migration period when birds head north to summer haunts. With favorable weather and winds, some species get a head start and we plan to greet them! Visit places known for their great diversity of migrants to see them in nuptial plumage and listen to their spring songs before the leaves make them more difficult to spot.
Leader: Matt Bell.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.
May 2026
Annual Lyme Loop
Thursday, May 7 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 neotropical migrants. While the main focus will be on warblers and learning their songs, vireos, thrushes and other breeders can be present. Target species include Hooded, Worm-eating, and Cerulean warblers.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.
Wood-Warblers of Cockaponset State Forest
Thursday, May 14 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. The focus will be species setting up breeding territories, and other species still continuing their journey northward to boreal breeding grounds.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $90. Members: $75.
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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