On Sunday March 24 my annual trip to Rhode Island enticed only 6 birders to attend.
We started out at Sachuest Point N W R located in Middletown just beyond Newport. It was a rough start as we had to contend with high winds, but we made the best of it and soon saw several waterfowl species including Buffleheads, Common Goldeneyes distant surf Scoters etc. We also noted three Horned Grebes including two that were transitioning into alternate plumage.
As we walked further and rounded the bend, we encountered the usual Harlequin Ducks that were accompanied by many Black Scoters. Here we also saw a Long-Tailed Duck which for some reason despite the good habitat we usually miss.
Further down the trail we encountered a large flock of Purple Sandpipers. Again, a species we usually miss. Soon someone spotted a Mink which came as a complete surprise! Unfortunately not everyone saw it including the leader.
Our next and final stop was Trustom Pond N W R where we always add more waterfowl species. Here we added Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Greater Scaup, Hooded Merganser and Ruddy Duck. Passerines were few and far between one reason being the feeders were empty!
Despite this we added Eastern Phoebe, Downy Woodpecker, Cardinal and White Throated Sparrow to the list. All in all it was an uneventful day with no surprises bird wise with only 40 species recorded.
Paul Desjardins, guide