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By Jared Boulet | July 27, 2026 Mature Bald Eagle along the Connecticut River- July 2026. Photo- Jared Boulet I was lucky to see a Bald Eagle as I was paddling along the Connecticut River recently. I spotted its quintessential white head tucked away in some branches, probably waiting to steal a fish from an unsuspecting osprey. Such is the way on the river. You have to be tough or clever to earn a meal. A few moments later, I spotted another bird. This one's head had less whi

The 2026 Perseid meteor shower is shaping up to be one of the best in recent years, largely because its peak coincides with a new moon, providing exceptionally dark, clear skies for viewing. Here are the best tips to help you catch the show: 1. Know the Timing Peak Nights: The shower officially peaks on the nights of August 12–13, 2026. Don't Limit Yourself: If the weather doesn't cooperate on the peak night, don't worry. The Perseids are active from mid-July through late A

By Janet Cunningham | July 28, 2026 Connecticut’s waterways are beautiful, but they face a growing threat from non-native, invasive aquatic plants. For paddlers who enjoy shallow, quiet coves, it is essential to understand these invaders and how to stop their spread. Notable Invasive Plants Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata): An aggressive submerged plant that grows up to an inch a day, forming dense, multi-foot-thick mats. It is highly resistant to control and spreads easily t

By Janet Cunningham | July 21, 2026 Floating Hearts on Messerschmidt Pond by Janet Cunningham, Wanderlust Ecotours Nestled within the quiet woods of Westbrook and Deep River, Connecticut, Messerschmidt Pond is a 73-acre sanctuary that serves as both a historical relic and a thriving ecological laboratory. Owned and managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), this peaceful waterway offers a rare, up-close look at the natural lifecycle o

By Janet Cunningham | July 19, 2026 Saltmarsh Sparrow, Public Domain Tucked along the scenic shoreline of Guilford and Madison, Connecticut, the East River Marsh (ERM) complex spans over 800 acres of tidal wetlands. It stands as the largest high-marsh dominated coastal ecosystem on Long Island Sound. Because of this unique geography, it plays host to one of the most critical breeding populations of a tiny, enigmatic bird: the Saltmarsh Sparrow. However, this little songbird i