The Ocean State Bird Club follows the ABA Code of Ethic and encourages all its members to do the same. To learn more about the code of ethics, please click here.
Saturday, October 7 All Day, rain date on the 8th
Bird Watcher’s Digest Big Sit!
Beavertail State Park, Jamestown
Join Ocean State Bird Club members as we see how many species we can record from within a 17ft circle (birders are in the circle, birds can be outside). If you want to be gung-ho, you can come predawn to help record land birds as they fly over head or try to redirect themselves and head north instead of flying out over the ocean. Or come at sunrise to look for warblers and sparrows in the thickets. Maybe stop by around noon for a picnic, hawk watch and sea watch. Visit any time during the day to hang out with other birders and help us rack up the species! This is a world-wide event, and the fourth year OSBC is doing an official count, so stop by anytime to help us make a good impression.
The circle will be located near Lot #3
Compiler: Dan Berard - [email protected]
Wednesday October 11, 6:30-8:30 pm (6:30-7:00 meet & greet)
Talk: Scott Comings of Rhode Island Nature Conservancy
Warwick Public Library
Since the 1970s, The Nature Conservancy has protected some of Rhode Island’s best loved bird habitat, from Clay Head to Goosewing Beach to Tillinghast Pond. The Conservancy continues to be a leader in land conservation, but its mission is now broader than ever: working with state and federal partners to enhance fish and bird habitat in South County’s salt ponds, advancing the removal of dams on the lower Pawcatuck River, and partnering with DEM to improve Rhode Island’s state boat ramps and fishing piers. Scott Comings, TNC’s Associate State Director and staff ornithologist, is a 20-year veteran of the organization and has been at the forefront of the Conservancy’s growth in Rhode Island. Join us as Scott shares his perspective on staying true to the Conservancy’s roots in land protection, while rising to new challenges facing nature and people in our state.
About the Speaker: Scott Comings, Associate State Director, The Nature Conservancy
Scott graduated from Earlham College with a B.A. in Biology (focus in ornithology) and a minor in outdoor education in 1993. After graduating he worked for Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center for 4 years studying birds throughout Central and North America (1993-1997). Scott started working for Rhode Island Chapter of The Nature Conservancy in 1997 running Block Island’s stewardship, volunteer and education programs and started running the Block Island program in 2001. In 2008 he added Director of Stewardship for Rhode Island to his duties and in 2011 became Director of Land and Freshwater for Rhode Island. In 2014 he was named Associate State Director and is currently over seeing land acquisition, stewardship, education and outreach, volunteer programs, restoration, and operations.
During his tenure with The Nature Conservancy Scott has closed over 200 real estate projects, managed over 40 cooperative agreements, managed over 200 contracts, overseen 20 large scale construction projects, and presented over 5,500 nature program to schools and the general public.
Scott has also been a master bird bander since 1996 and written two books about the nature of Block Island.
Saturday October 14, 8:00 am morning trip
Kempenaar Valley Walk
Middletown
Nestled behind a busy shopping plaza lies approxamently 40 acres of mixed habitat protected by Aquidneck Land Trust and the Town of Middletown. Islands of habitat surounded by development such as this one are the perfect place to look for migrants. The recent addition of a trail system, and a healthy helping of grassland make this a must stop sparrow spot mid fall.
Parking: Parking is located directly behind CVS on O'Neil blvd (click here for google maps directions)
Leader: Matt Schenck- [email protected]
Saturday October 21, 8:00 am morning trip
Dundery Brook Nature Trail
Bumblebee Preserve, Little Compton
According to the Rhode Island chapter of The Nature Conservancy "Dundery Brook Trail is the place to experience the myriad of wetland habitats which are endemic to coastal Rhode Island from the safety and comfort of a boardwalk path." With its divisersity of habitats including intact coastal forests this property boasts an impress list of nesting species and is an important migrant stopover as well.
Parking: We will meet at the parking area along Meetinghouse Lane (click here for google map directions)
Leader: Lynn Abby- [email protected]
Saturday, October 21st at Wild Birds Unlimited in Warwick
What is Bird Friendly Coffee?
11am-1pm
Did you know the coffee you choose to drink could help save Migratory Songbirds, even the birds you may see in your own backyard?
Steven Brenner, an ornithologist from the University of Rhode Island, has studied birds in Nicaragua for Birds & Beans Coffee. He will be at the store this Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm to share information on how you can support the important winter habitats of birds like Baltimore Orioles, Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrushes by drinking the right coffee. You may have heard of shade-grown coffee but they are not all alike. Only those that are certified by the Smithsonian Institution's "Bird Friendly" label are the ones that are carefully scrutinized to be helping our migratory birds. Find out more about Steve's research of South American birds in an informal setting inside the store from 11am - 1pm.
Birds & Beans Coffee® is available at Wild Birds Unlimited in Warwick! Look for the bird names! Scarlet Tanager is one of the most popular roasts!
For more information: https://warwick.wbu.com/local-events, https://birdsandbeans.com/,
List of Birds that benefit from certified bird-friendly coffee: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/bird-friendly-coffee-bird-list