Migration brings thousands of swallows to CT

This radar image from NBC Connecticut shows migrating tree swallows around the Connectict River in the area labled as non-meteorlogical. This radar image from NBC Connecticut shows migrating tree swallows around the Connectict River in the area labled as non-meteorlogical. Photo: / Photo: / Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Migration brings thousands of swallows to CT 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

Thousands of swallows are showing up in Connecticut these days during the birds’ fall migration to the Carolinas and Gulf Coast.

The Connecticut Audubon Society says the Connecticut River is one of the best areas to see tree swallow concentrations that can be found this time of year.

“During fall migration, thousands of swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River and at sunset settle in on a giant communal roost. Birds come from as far away as 25 miles and converge at dusk, often creating a ballet of synchronized flight before settling down to roost,” Connecticut Audubon posted on its web site.

The society and others estimate the number of swallows could reach 400,000.

Swallows have also been seen at other shore parks including Hammonasset in Madison, Silver Sands in Milford and Sherwood Island in Westport.

The lower Connecticut River, the society says, offers “one of most spectacular avian happenings” in the state.

Audubon has run several “swallow cruises” that include a ride on the Essex Steam Train and on the 70-foot Mississippi-style river boat, Becky Thatcher. The cruises that have CAS staff naturalists aboard, often sell out. Two more are planned on Friday, Sept. 18 and Friday, Sept. 25.

Tours are about three and a half hours in length. The cost is $40.

Connecticut River Expeditions and Riverquest has run swallow cruises. It often has waiting lists for people who want to witness this rare sight in Connecticut.

“As many as half a million (birds) may come in at dusk where they converge just before sunset over the island, often creating a spectacular ballet in the sky and eventually forming a funnel or rain. Then, just after sunset, they settle down into a communal roost in the phragmites (a type of reed) for the night,” Riverquest posted on its web site.

The cruises from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. It has a number of “pending” swallow cruises into early October. Cost is $40.

There are so many tree swallows that the often show up on weather radar.