One of nature's most amazing shows happens right here in Old Lyme every fall. Rent a kayak, paddle out at sunset, and watch the sky come alive.
The greatest show on the river
Every year in late summer, something amazing happens on the lower Connecticut River. As the sun goes down, hundreds of thousands of tree swallows gather over the water, swirl into one giant cloud, and drop into the reeds for the night. People travel from all over to see it. But the best seat isn't on land. It's in a kayak, floating on calm evening water with the whole sky above you.
That's where we come in. With a Swallow Murmuration Rental, our crew delivers a single or tandem kayak to Pilgrim's Landing in Old Lyme at 5:00pm, ready to paddle. You launch, find your spot, and take in the show. When it's over, paddle back in, leave the kayak at the launch, and head home. We'll pick it up in the morning.
What is a swallow murmuration?
A murmuration is when a huge flock of birds flies together as one, twisting and turning through the sky like a single living cloud. Here on the lower Connecticut River, the stars of the show are tree swallows. From late August into early fall, these little birds stop here on their long trip south. Each evening they pour in from miles around to roost in the tall reeds along the river, and on a good night, as many as half a million swallows fill the sky.
Just before dark, the flock rises and swirls over the water, stretching into shapes that seem to go on forever. Then, all at once, the birds funnel down into the reeds like a living tornado, and the river goes quiet. No two nights are ever the same. Roger Tory Peterson, the world-famous birder who lived right here in Old Lyme, watched wildlife wonders all over the planet. He said the swallows on the Connecticut River topped them all.
Location
Pilgram's Landing Public Launch
Pilgrim Landing Rd
Old Lyme, CT, 06371
Swallow Murmuration Rentals run from early September through early October, while the swallows gather on the lower Connecticut River. The show usually peaks in September.
Choose a single kayak (one paddler) or a tandem kayak (two paddlers).
Your kayak is delivered to Pilgrim's Landing in Old Lyme at 5:00pm, ready to paddle.
Your kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included.
The show starts as the sun goes down. Plan to be on the water about an hour before sunset.
When you're done, leave your kayak at the launch and head home. Our crew will pick it up the next morning.
Pilgrim's Landing is our primary launch. If the swallows move to a new roost, our crew may choose a different launch nearby. We'll confirm your launch spot when you book.
Bring a water bottle, a dry bag, a camera, and a warm layer. Evenings on the water can get cool!
Rain or rough weather in the forecast? Give us a call and we'll help you reschedule your evening.
