The Binocular Site
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, Rhode Island
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge is located in Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States. As such, it's a very small refuge, taking up just 127 acres. It was established in 1973, and is located on Block Island, approximately 12 miles off the state's shore. It is one of five wildlife refuges in the state.
Block Island Refuge is located in the Atlantic flyway, making it a stop for more than 70 species of migratory songbirds that visit the island every fall. The refuge is recognized internationally as one of the most important migratory bird habitats on the east coast. Hundreds of birdwatchers visit the island each year.
The refuge is also home to the larges gull colony in Rhode Island. Other species that can be observed during migration are the cattle egret, yellow-crowned night heron, lesser scaup, common merganser, and the peregrine falcon.
See the Block Island National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.
The state bird of Rhode Island is the Rhode Island Red a breed of chicken and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Rhode Island here.
Photo credit to Don & Suzan, used with permission under the creative commons license.
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