Block Island

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THE LAST GREAT PLACE

BLOCK ISLAND

By Kathleen M. Mangan, Freelance Writer for Connecticut Audubon

There is little wonder that The Nature Conservancy designated Block Island one of just 12 "Last Great Places" in the Western Hemisphere. The diversity of habitats, the large percentage of protected land, and the significance of the small island to migrating birds make it a truly unique spot.

These elements also make Block Island a rich birding destination. During fall migration, it is known as one of the best birding sites in North America.

Located just 12 miles off the coast of Rhode Island, Block Island is a convenient trip for Connecticut-based birders. The two-hour ferry ride gets you into observation mode before delivering you to the vintage harbor town, a National Historic District showcasing fancy but weathered Victorian architecture.

The scenery includes two lighthouses, seaside bluffs, gently rolling hills crisscrossed by stone walls, grassy moors, hundreds of freshwater ponds, sand dunes, wild roses and barrier beaches. Almost one-third of the island is protected from development. The Greenway Trail System features 25 miles of walking trails.

This isolated ecosystem is home to over 40 rare or endangered species. The diverse array of habitats such as morainal grasslands, maritime scrubland, salt and brackish ponds, freshwater wetland ecosystems and beaches offer safe refuge for songbirds, shorebirds and waterfowl. Raptors like peregrines, kestrels and merlins enjoy the thermals from oceanside cliffs.

Unusual bird species include the northern harrier, American bittern, grasshopper sparrow, upland sandpiper, and yellow-crowned night heron. Other rare species include the American burying beetle and the regal fritillary butterfly, both found in only one other location in the country.

Most significantly, Block Island is a critical stopover for over 150 species of migrating birds traveling the Atlantic Flyway in the spring and fall. They drop down for a few days to refuel, finding abundant food and cover for their layover. Fog and high winds often swell the island's bird population.

There are many opportunities to see the diverse birds during migration. First, many birds drop down in a small area so the large population is dense on the small island. Second, the island features a great deal of open space, making it easier to spot even the tiniest of warblers.

The number of species is more impressive than sighting specific birds; most of those on the Connecticut Audubon trip came to see the songbirds. Highest on the to-see list: Connecticut warbler, western kingbird and cerulean warbler.

Our visit to Elise Lapham's bird banding station operated by The Nature Conservancy gave us an up-close look at numerous fragile little warblers, thrush and vireos, many hard to identify when looking through binoculars or spotting scopes. We thrilled at the colorful markings of a Philadelphia vireo, American redstart, common yellowthroat, swamp sparrow, red-eyed vireo, song sparrow, phoebe and others.

We also got nice views of a few dickcissels which are unusual in the northeast, a peregrine falcon, merlins cruising over the meadows, pine warblers, a yellow-billed cuckoo, common snipe and a swimmer who was in the buff on the bluffs. We had the spotting scopes smokin'.

The dates for the Connecticut Audubon Block Island Tour are September 26 – 28, 2003.. For more information on this and other tours offered by Connecticut Audubon, call 1-800-996-8747.

Founded in 1898, Connecticut Audubon Society is an independent, statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to providing excellence in environmental education, encouraging the conservation of the state's natural resources and advocating for enlightened leadership on ecological matters. Visit the Connecticut Audubon web site for membership and more information: www.ctaudubon.org or call 800-996-8747.