Rhode Island is home to a growing population of bald eagles. The iconic American bird was driven to the brink of extinction in the 20th century, but thanks to conservation efforts, bald eagles have made a remarkable recovery across the country and in the Ocean State. There are several spots in Rhode Island where birders and nature lovers can look for bald eagles throughout the year.
Peak Viewing Times
The best times to look for bald eagles in Rhode Island are during the winter months from November through March. The bald eagle is primarily a fish eater, and when rivers and lakes freeze in the interior northern states, many eagles migrate south to find open water for fishing. Several areas along the Rhode Island coast provide good habitat for wintering eagles.
Late fall through mid-spring is also breeding season for bald eagles. Some mature resident pairs nest in Rhode Island year-round and raise their young here. Eagle nests are massive structures built high up in large trees, usually within a mile of open water. The nests can often be spotted from shore using binoculars or a spotting scope.
Key Sites in Rhode Island
Here are some top places in Rhode Island to look for bald eagles:
Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Centers
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island manages several wildlife sanctuaries around the state that are accessible to the public and provide good opportunities to look for eagles:
- Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter – Several eagle nests are visible from trails here.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in North Kingstown – Eagles forage in the wetlands.
- Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield – An eagle nest is visible from a viewpoint.
- George B. Parker Woodland Trail in Coventry – Eagles frequent the adjacent open waters.
Barrington and Warren Waterfronts
The shorelines of Barrington and Warren provide excellent eagle watching opportunities. Mature nesting pairs reside along the wooded stretches of shoreline, and migrating eagles frequent the open waters of Narragansett Bay and Mount Hope Bay searching for fish.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
Located on Aquidneck Island in Middletown, Sachuest Point NWR includes 240 acres of protected coastline and wildlife habitat. Bald eagles nest within the refuge and feed on fish, waterfowl, and carrion along the shore.
Blackstone River Valley
The Blackstone River watershed provides habitat for both nesting and wintering bald eagles. Eagles can often be spotted along the river and adjacent reservoirs from locations like River Bend Farm in Uxbridge, MA and Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI.
Block Island
Offshore Block Island is a stopover point for migratory bald eagles and also home to a few year-round nesting pairs. The eagles frequent the inland ponds, open grasslands, and shoreline of the island.
Tips for Eagle Watching
Here are some tips to help you spot bald eagles in Rhode Island:
- Use binoculars or a spotting scope to carefully scan treetops and shorelines.
- Look for large stick nests high up in trees, usually within a mile of water.
- Listen for the distinctive, piercing cries of eagles.
- Watch for aerial acrobatics as eagles court and play in late winter.
- Time your visit for a few hours before or after high tide when fishing is optimal.
- Visit viewing sites early in the morning when eagles are most actively hunting and soaring.
Ethical Eagle Watching
When observing bald eagles, please respect these rules to prevent disturbing the birds:
- Keep your distance and use binoculars or a zoom lens for closeup views.
- Do not approach active nests. Nests should be given at least 330 feet of space.
- Limit your viewing time to reduce stress on the eagles.
- Speak softly and move slowly to avoid startling eagles.
- Do not play audio recordings of eagle calls.
Conclusion
With an attentive eye and patience, bald eagles can be seen across Rhode Island from late fall through spring. Some of the best spots to observe these majestic birds include the Audubon wildlife sanctuaries, the Blackstone River, waterfront parks, and offshore Block Island. Following proper ethics when watching eagles will help ensure they can continue thriving in the Ocean State. So grab your binoculars this winter and head out in search of bald eagles!
