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
Stay tuned for upcoming boat trips!
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.
November
Boston: A Day at Harvard’s Museums
Wednesday, November 20 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
One of Harvard’s most famous treasures is the internationally acclaimed “Glass Flowers” located in their Museum of Natural History. Take a private tour of this unique collection of over 4,000 models, representing more than 830 plant species, created by glass artisans Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka, a father and son team of Czech glass artists. We’ll also explore several other exhibits, including the Birds of the World, Arthropods: Creatures that Rule, and the newly designed Climate Change exhibit.
Leader: Andy Griswold.
Fee: $140. Members: $125.
December
Coastal Birding Holiday
Wednesday, December 4 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 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 Shore-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.
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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