Winter Waterfowl of RI – Up Close!
Class | Registration opens 7/27/2026 9:00 AM
Note the class schedule:
- Nov 10, Dec 8: In-person at the Shriners Center, 10 AM-12 PM
- Nov 17, 24, Dec 1: In the field, 1-3 PM
- Rain date: Dec 15
Our field sessions require participants to walk up to a mile and a half on trails in two National Wildlife Refuges (Trustom Pond and Sachuest Point). We will also visit salt and freshwater ponds in the South County area, depending on where eBird tells us the birding hot spots are. Late fall trails can be treacherous, so appropriate footwear is essential. Enrollees are strongly encouraged to attend every class.
Before enrolling, please check your calendar for any potential conflict of interest. There is usually a long waiting list of folks for this popular course.
Often the public thinks of nature as something that happens elsewhere, but here in Rhode Island, our southern shores and local ponds are a birding paradise in late fall and winter. Join me to learn more about loons, buffleheads, goldeneyes, mergansers, grebes and harlequin ducks, to name just a few. Participants will provide their own transportation (they are encouraged to carpool to sites in South County, Jamestown and Middletown, as comfort levels allow).
Format: Field trips and discussions. Presentations are not required.
Resources/Expenses: Binoculars are essential for a good experience. No other expenses.
Coordinator: Bill Carpenter is a birding enthusiast who enjoys sharing the benefits of this outdoor activity.