Go on a Seabird Safari with Norwalk Seaport Association in June, 2021

For millennia, seabirds have made Long Island Sound off the coast of Norwalk, Connecticut their home. Birders and nature enthusiasts have spotted waterfowl, shorebirds, and seabirds along with migrant birds of all types in this rich natural environment. As the third smallest state in the country, amazingly, Connecticut boasts 430 different bird species; and one of the state’s birding “hotspots” are the Norwalk Islands.

On Sundays in June, on the 6, 13, and 20, the Norwalk Seaport Association is offering a specially curated Bird Cruise around the Norwalk Islands from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. These two-and-a-half-hour cruises will be led by Will Schneck, a passionate bird enthusiast that combines superb birding skills with an astonishing command of bird biology and habits. As a member of the esteemed Connecticut Young Birders Club, he will share his knowledge and expertise about local seabirds and their behavior. Schneck is an excellent communicator, has a great sense of humor, and is tireless in helping others spot the birds and wildlife of Long Island Sound.

Year after year participants on this special cruise agree that every cruise is different because you can never anticipate what bird species might fly your way, making this excursion an adventure in itself! Watching birds in action from the water, whether they are nesting or on the hunt for food is an exhilarating experience. Among the types of birds, you may see on this eco-adventure cruise are nest sites and nest colonies of ospreys, and long-legged egrets with their graceful S-curved necks and long dagger-like bills, as well as playful American oystercatchers, herons, terns, gulls, and cormorants, to name a few.

A unique highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island's rocky shoreline. The importance of the Norwalk Islands to wildlife, especially migratory birds is enormous, and the special Bird Cruises hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association give nature enthusiasts the chance to spot these magnificent seabirds up close with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide.

Bird Cruise Details

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. departure. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock that is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Norwalk Parking Garage. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here and are $30 for adults and $25 for children in addition to a small ticketing fee. All reservations must be made in advance, reserve early because these popular excursions sell out fast. Make sure you include your email when reserving your ticket. If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather the Norwalk Seaport Association will contact you via your email. Make sure to bring sunscreen, your camera, binoculars, and a mask in order to get the most out of this popular eco-cruise.

The Norwalk Seaport Association is also offering cruises to Sheffield Island on Tuesday- Sunday and Sunset cruises on Wednesday- Friday evenings departing at 6:30 p.m. For times and tickets click here. The Norwalk Seaport Association is also offering the vessel for private events and parties with friends, family, and associates, for details email info@seaport.org or call 203-838-9444.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Summer, 2021 Get Ready to Cruise to Sheffield Island Starting Memorial Day Weekend

The Norwalk Seaport Association is once again offering cruises to Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse this summer. “In the summer of 2020, out of an abundance of caution, we decided not to offer cruises to the island,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. “In 2021, with a robust vaccine program and restrictions loosening up, we decided to offer cruises that stop at Sheffield Island. This in-person experience is outdoors that makes it easy to social distance. We know people really missed going to the island last year, so this summer we decided to get back into the swing of things by providing our passengers with our wonderful Sheffield Island experience.” 

If you are a bird lover with a checklist of bird species that you want to see on Long Island Sound, don’t miss the Norwalk Seaport Association’s specially guided bird cruises on Saturday, May 22, and Sunday, May 23. The vessel will depart at 10 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. Bird cruises are also being offered on Sunday, June 6, 13, and 20; with the vessel departing at 8 a.m. and returning at 10:30 a.m. The beauty of the bird cruises is that each one is a unique adventure because you can’t anticipate what bird species you will see on each excursion. For tickets click here.

This year, the first Sunset cruise of the season will be on Wednesday, May 26 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Sunset Cruises will be offered Wednesdays – Sunday through September. There is something so special about seeing the sunset on Long Island Sound as you glide through Norwalk Harbor passing lighthouses and oysters boats while sipping a glass of wine. The Seaport’s vessel is roomy and comfortable with plenty of space to enjoy the fresh air of the Sound. Passengers are encouraged to BYOB and snacks, making this sunset cruise the perfect way to enjoy the summer of 2021. To reserve a spot click here. If you miss this weekend’s Sunset Cruises, no worries, the Seaport Association is offering them June – September, Wednesday through Sunday at 6:30 p.m. 

The fun continues with a series of cruises stopping at Sheffield Island on Saturday, May 29, at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 30, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The cruise includes an on-the-water adventure to Sheffield Island, a tour of the historic 151-year-old lighthouse, time to picnic in a beautifully situated wooden pavilion, look for shells on the beach, and to walk along the Nature Trail that is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. If the day is clear, the New York City skyline can be seen. An added bonus is the new telescope installed by the Seaport Association that is free to use and affords fabulous views of the Connecticut coastline. The cruise experience is approximately three hours long. 

All reservations must be made online in advance; masks are required while traveling on the Ferry. To make a reservation, click here https://www.eventbrite.com/o/norwalk-seaport-association-32255433505 The boat leaves from the Sheffield Island Dock located at the corner of North Street and Washington Street in South Norwalk. Parking is available in the parking lot and at the adjacent Norwalk Maritime Center Garage. Be sure to wear comfortable, close-toed shoes and bring your mask. 

The fun continues all summer long with cruises to Sheffield Island on Tuesday & Wednesday at 11 a.m. in July and August, on Thursday and Friday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in July and August, and on Saturday and Sundays, May through September at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunset cruises will be offered May - September, Wednesday through Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The Seaport is also offering private charters. For complete information visit the Seaport's website or call 203-838-9444. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.