Really? Yes, really.
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| Four Eagles Atop Trees along the CT River |
Every Winter, when their Northern feeding grounds freeze hard as iron, eagles from as far North as Canada come down to nest and feed along the Southern CT river where they find open waters and plenty to eat.
From late in January to mid-March eagle watching opportunities abound, and eagle watchers wander along the lower CT river valley and the CT shoreline area where the CT River meets Long Island Sound for a chance to view these magnificent birds.
Three Ways to Eagle Watch
We have found three different approaches to fulfilled eagle watching: the river cruise, the guided land tour, and the self-directed driving tour. So, we've also created three different overnight Eagle Watch Escape packages - one for each way to eagle watch. There's something here for everyone.
The Eagle Watch Cruise
Eagle Watch and Wildlife Boat Tours depart from the dock at the CT River Museum in nearby Essex CT. Come aboard Project Oceanology’s Enviro-Lab III, a 65′ modern research vessel equipped with a heated cabin and lots of deck space. A naturalist is on board to be your host and provides guided narration, pointing out the eagles and describing their behaviors and more. Free coffee is on board and the use of binoculars is also included. Your cruise ticket also gives you same day free admission to all the CT River Museum galleries featuring the Eagles of Essex exhibit.
Boat departures are on Fridays at 1:00 PM; and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Advance reservations are the best way to assure you'll have a spot on your choice of date and time. To reserve call the CT River Museum at 860-767-8269. You may also reserve online from the CT River Museum's web site.
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| Enviro-Lab III - from CT River Museum Web Site |
The Guided Land Tour
Jerry Connolly, owner of The Audubon Shop in Madison CT, will share his enthusiasm and passion for birding in general, and the majestic Bald Eagles, specifically, by taking you on a guided land tour to the area's prime eagle viewing spots. The tours are arranged in carpools departing from the shop bright and early on Saturday mornings in February and March and include a soup and sandwich lunch. With Jerry as your guide you'll both see the eagles and learn all about them. Somehow I think he's got some good eagle-watch stories to share too.
Advance reservations are a must and best done by telephone call to the shop at (203) 245-9056 during regular business hours, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Be sure to reserve binoculars, too, if you need to rent them for the tour.
The Self-Directed Driving Tour
If you prefer to go at your own pace, or if you've cruised and been guided in the past, you may feel more like taking yourself on a Self-Directed Driving Tour to the various nearby eagle viewing spots. Prepared for our overnight guests, you may ask the innkeeper for the printed Self-Guided Eagle Watch Tour, along with a map, when you are staying here at the inn. Follow the directions using the map or use your own GPS and you're on your way, on your day, your schedule, your pace.
No need to reserve your copy of the tour in advance, but do remember to bring binoculars or call The Audubon Shop in advance to reserve binoculars to rent for the day.
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| Photo by Jack Faller - from Audubon Shop Facebook |
Eagle Watch Cruise Escape Package -
Two Eagle Watch Cruise tickets, including admission to the CT River Museum; Gift Certificates for Lunch, The Audubon Shop, and afternoon coffee or tea; book about Eagles; printed Self-Directed Driving Tour for more eagle watching; map; snacks for the road. Add $180 to your reservation for a one, two, or more nights stay at our Tidewater Inn B&B.
Eagle Watch Guided Land Tour Escape Package -
Two Guided Land Tour tickets, including lunch; Gift Certificates for The Audubon Shop and afternoon coffee or tea; book about Eagles; printed Self-Directed Driving Tour for more eagle watching; map; snacks for the road. Add $105 to your reservation for a one, two, or more nights stay at our Tidewater Inn B&B.
Eagle Watch Self-Directed Driving Tour Escape Package -
Our printed Self-Directed Driving Tour; map; Gift Certificates for Lunch, The Audubon Shop, and afternoon coffee or tea; book about Eagles; snacks for the road. Add $95 to your reservation for a one, two or more nights stay at our Tidewater Inn B&B.
Choose your Escape Package, Choose your Room, Choose your Dates and Come! The Eagles are here for your to see.
Book by email to escape@thetidewater.com, by phone 203-245-8457 or through our web site, TheTidewater.com.
Victoria
By the way ... Nature lovers ... Seal Watch Cruises around the Thimble Islands are what to sse and do around here in March!
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