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Birds of a Feather: Nature convenes a gathering cloud of swallows

Take a ride up the bank of the Connecticut River on the romantic Essex Steam Train to a sequestered boat launch. From there sail downstream, with perhaps an eagle-spotting along the way, to Goose Island in the river’s broad estuary, where tens of thousands of migrating swallows gather during late-summer days. With a front-row seat to a unique natural phenomenon—a so-called murmuration—watch these tiny birds perform synchronized aerobics high overhead just as the sun is setting, only to descend in unison into the phragmites, their temporary resting place before they resume their instinct-driven, well-timed southerly migratory journey. The “swallow spectacle” will be narrated by a staff member of the Connecticut Audubon Society, followed by a return journey at dusk by boat and steam train to the railyard in Essex. A tailgate BYO parking-lot gathering will follow. Limited to 15 participants.

Sunday, 9/14. Meet at Essex Station, Time TBA$95