Swallow Murmuration Sunset Paddle - 2025

Let's paddle out to view the annual migration of tree swallows in Connecticut. Sunset will be at 6:37pm.
We will start paddling just before dusk to witness this incredible show. As the sun sets, the first of the tree swallows will arrive. Soon, so many swallows will appear that it will look like pepper on mashed potatoes in the sky! Hundreds of thousands of swallows show up. Clusters of swallows combine and they perform aerial acrobatics. They will all merge and then swirl upward, then off to the side, twirling and moving synchronously as though they are secretly communicating which direction to go in. At the end of the show, the flock will rise one last time before descending in a vast tornado-like cloud to nest in the reeds for the night.
Every night varies in response to the weather. So let's put in our kayaks, canoes, or SUP and leisurely paddle to view this aerial bird ballet and catch a glorious sunset.
Our group will paddle to a location to best view this spectacle. Then, we will stop and float in the water to observe this phenomenon. If you choose, you can bring a meal or snacks to eat and drink while watching the show.

Requirements to attend this paddle
· arrive 1/2 hour prior to posted launch time
· light
· whistle

1. 12 foot kayak for this paddle.

• Coast Guard approved PFD (inflatable PFDs are not allowed)
• Bilge pump
• appropriate clothing for the water temperature
• Event start time is in your boat, in the water, and ready to paddle! You will need to transport your boat a few hundred feet, from the parking lot.

Suggested
We strongly recommend that you bring along the following:

• drinking water
• food - dinner or snack
• sunscreen
• a change of dry clothes in a dry bag
• familiarize yourself with the area prior to paddling, check weather conditions for wind speed direction and tides

Any paddle sport is an assumed risk sport. Some aspects of canoeing and kayaking involve the risk of serious injury or death. Southern New England Paddlers (SNEP) although safety conscious, cannot guarantee your personal safety in our Meetup activities.

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