Rhode Island’s over 350 miles of Atlantic coastline features beaches, marshes, forests, and shrublands—ideal for migrating birds. So if you’re looking to catch sight of anything from peregrine falcons to the federally-protected piping plover, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so in the Ocean State. Here are the five best birdwatching hikes in the state!
There are approximately 25 miles of trails in the 134-acre Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, including Clayhead Trail, the Fresh Swamp Preserve, Rodman’s Hollow, and more. Established in 1973, the refuge began with the gift of 28 acres 11 miles off the mainland’s coast from the U.S. Coast Guard, so, as you can imagine, it is an important resting stop for migrating birds. In fact, thousands of birds reportedly congregate here every year in an extraordinary birding spectacle. From ruby-crowned kinglets to peregrine falcons, many varieties use this place as an important stopover, and it is not unusual to find loons, shorebirds, and gulls, as well as more exotic varieties, like the say’s phoebe, cave swallow, and the federally-threatened piping plover.
The centerpiece of this 787-acre refuge is Trustom Pond. This saltwater lagoon is separated from Block Island Sound. In addition, travelers will find forested land, fields, shrubland, and freshwater ponds. Miles of trails snake through the area and there are four viewing platforms set up to catch sight of a variety of bird species. At Trustom Pond, you’ll find birds like the willow flycatcher, warbling vireo, blue-winged warbler, black-and-white warbler, American redstart, yellow warbler, bobolink, and orchard oriole.
With 242 acres of coastline peninsula near Newport Beach, Sachuest Point is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Sakonnet River, and Sachuest Bay. With its salt marshlands, craggy shorelines, and observation platorms, there is plenty of opportunity for some excellent birdwatching. If you’re lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of the elusive harlequin duck which is commonly found there from November to April.
This three-mile, moderately-trafficked loop features an elevation gain of only 32 feet, so it is basically flat and accessible year-round. The 1.5-mile spit-of-land was caused by a glacial process known as longshore drift, and it is now a coastal preserve that is known for revealing dramatic sunsets views over the Atlantic, copious birdwatching opportunities, and quiet walks along the beach. On a bright day, you can see the Watch Hill Lighthouse and the Montauk Lighthouse. The Watch Hill Conservancy manages the beach, which is a breeding ground of the federally-protected piping plover, along with other native wildlife, and other notable sites include the 100-year-old remains of historic Fort Mansfield, dunes, and a tidal lagoon.
Established in 1949 as a protected area “for the propagation, preservation, and protection of birds,” the Norman Bird Sanctuary offers woodland, marsh, pond, rocky bluffs, and fields for birding. Although a small fee is charged to walk seven miles of trails through 325 acres, you are all but guaranteed to see bird activity. After all, it is a known site for nesting wood ducks, green herons, great horned owls, willow flycatchers, black-and-white warblers, American redstart, and more. In fact, well over 200 species have been recorded, and you may even see migrant raptors in the fall. Offering camps, public education programs and events like, “Birds and Breakfast,” Norman is an excellent resource for birding.
