May is the Best Time of Year for Birds and Birders!

Birding enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of colorful songbirds each spring in the Ocean State. These Neotropical migrants include warblers, tanagers, vireos, and others that visit Rhode Island in the summer and head back south for the winter. “It is awe inspiring that tiny, feathered jewels, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird which weighs just 4 grams, can make their way from the subtropics to New England and back again every year,” said Lauren Parmelee, Audubon senior director of education. “It is a joy to experience spring migration, when we welcome so many birds back to Southern New England.”

Each year approximately 25 species of warblers can be regularly spotted in Rhode Island, but that number rises if you are lucky enough to observe uncommon or rare species. The Ocean State is not only a summer home to many colorful warblers, but our area also serves as a stopover for several species that are making their way to northern forests. The greatest diversity of spring migrants usually peaks in mid-May, and that’s why many birding enthusiasts refer to this season as their favorite time of the year.

Audubon invites all Rhode Islanders to get out and discover the joy of birding! FREE birding walks are offered throughout the month of May at locations across the state. Novice birders are welcome. Just grab your binoculars, join an Audubon expert, and search for spring migrants on the trails! Programs are free, but advance registration is required at asri.org/calendar.

SUNDAYS
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave., Seekonk, MA.
May 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024; 7:30 – 9:30 am

MONDAYS
Emilie Reucker Wildlife Refuge, Seapowet Road, Tiverton, RI.
May 6, 20, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI.
May 13, 2024; 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAYS
Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge (Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium)
1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI.
May 7, 14, 21, 28; 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAYS
Locations determined weekly. Please register online. Locations will be confirmed with registered participants.
May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 2024; 9:00-11:00 am.

THURSDAYS
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024; 8:00-11:00 am.

FRIDAYS
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI.
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 2024; 8:30 – 10:30 am

SATURDAYS
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI.
Wings By Sight: Birding for the Hard of Hearing Community (HH)
May 4, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA.
Wings By Sight: Birding for the Hard of Hearing Community (HH)
May 11, 2024; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI.
May 18, 2024; 9:00-11:00 am.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
May 25, 2024; 9:00-11:00 am.

Register early through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.