Bird Watching with Larry Flynn
How would you like to have a National Geographic type of wildlife experience right in your own backyard this summer? It’s as easy as joining the Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) for one of its amazing, up-close, educational bird tours.
Join Larry Flynn, Master Wildlife Conservationist, on a 2.5-hour cruise of the Norwalk Islands to explore and understand the importance of the many migratory bird species that visit Long Island Sound. Flynn will also point out bird behavior that will help understand how they relate to this unique environment. In addition, participants will be on the look out for nest sites and nesting colonies of ospreys, egrets, American oystercatchers, herons, terns, gulls, cormorants and many other species. Participants will be able to admire many of these bird species at a safe, yet awe-inspiring distance.
This cruise is always exciting because every day is different. Just when you think you have it all figured out, these birds will do something that surprises you. Participants have seen stand-downs between large gulls or falcons attempting to prey on smaller birds and sometimes larger birds and their chicks. It’s truly amazing what you can see, learn and experience on these tours.
Bird watching cruises on the 45-foot C.J. Toth Quest catamaran are scheduled on June 16, 17 and 30; and July 1, 28 and 29 and depart at 8:00 a.m. from the Seaport Dock adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk.
About Norwalk Seaport Association
Norwalk Seaport Association was established in 1978 and stewards the Sheffield Island lighthouse, which celebrates 144 years as the jewel in Long Island Sound. During the summer, its C.J Toth ferryboat takes visitors to Sheffield Island for tours of the historic lighthouse, special events and enjoyment of a walking trail through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge. NSA provides environmental education programs that use Sheffield Island and offers diverse special events and community projects, including the annual NSA Oyster Festival, now in its 35th year. This event attracts up to 50,000 people during three days in early September and provides $300,000 in fundraising opportunities for more than 20 other local non-profit organizations. In addition, the Seaport Association helped create Norwalk’s Coastal Area Management Plan; establish the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk; and revitalize historic South Norwalk. For more information, visit www.seaport.org
