Overnight Trip: Winter majesty of Rhode Island’s South coast

Note: this is a two-night trip that leaves Thursday morning, returning Saturday late afternoon

Leader: Peter Dorosh

Participant limit: 12; Members and drivers get priority.

Focus: primarily seabirds and fresh waterfowl, alcids, grebes, gulls, raptors, hardy shorebirds, and opportunistic land bird diversity

Winter birders are a special breed—the kind who relish the challenge of cold weather and are rewarded with the unique beauty that the season brings. With far fewer people outdoors, beaches and coastlines become quiet havens for adventure, exploration, and discovery.

After a long absence, the club returns to this beautiful region, one of the most renowned and bird-rich areas along the Eastern Seaboard. Aptly nicknamed the “Ocean State,” Rhode Island offers an extensive coastline where birders can enjoy views of seabirds, gulls, loons, and an abundance of other winter wildlife.

Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to five National Wildlife Refuges, including some of the best-known birding destinations in the state: Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge, and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge near Newport.

Beyond the coastline, the region offers a wonderful variety of habitats, including open spaces, farm fields, ponds, marshes, and other waterways that attract winter ducks, geese, and many other seasonal species.

More trip details are still being finalized and will be provided at the end of the registration period. Hotel information will be provided upon registration.

Registrar: Peter Dorosh Prosbird@gmail.com

Registration Period: October 1st-December 30th

Carpool fee: $100

Reference: https://ebird.org/region/US-RI