Block Island, making the Island a sort of superhighway for bird
species. Spend a few days and you'll see dozens of birds ranging from
prairie warblers to great crested flycatchers to Baltimore orioles. Spend
enough time here and you could see all 300 species that frequent the
Island at one point or another during the year.
shorebirds and raptors. Young birds blown off course during the fall
migration south find shelter in the Island's brush. In the spring, many
return sporting their best plumage in an attempt to impress the females
before mating season begins in the summer.
nearby grassland. Each fall the Audubon Society sponsors a bird-watch-
ing conference on the Island, and throughout the year the Ocean View
Foundation and The Nature Conservancy offer bird-banding demonstra-
tions.
the early half of the 20th century, Island resident Dickens became the
foremost expert on the Island's birds. Today she is remembered for her
journals documenting the Island's birds, and is lovingly referred to as
the "Bird Lady of Block Island."
considered an expert on the behavioral mechanisms and ecology of
bird migration. Also dropping in were University of Southern Mississippi
ornithology professor Frank Moore and Brown University professor Jeff
Parrish.
The largest hotel on the Island, the Ocean View, once
stood on this site until fire destroyed it in the summer of
1966. The pavilion is dedicated to the concept of expand-
ing the public's awareness of environmental issues. Visi-
tors must walk in from Water Street across from the ferry
parking lot and just to the left of the post office building.
The site is open from dawn to dusk.
The Greenway is a web of trails that connects stretches
of natural habitat and wonderful Island scenery. The
enchanted Forest, Turnip Farm, the site of the old mill,
Dodge Cemetery and Rodman's Hollow are only some of
the historic and natural features that can be explored on
this walker's escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
No vehicles, including bikes, are allowed on the trails.
The trail network was created in an effort to protect
broad tracts of natural habitat, essential to some species,
and to provide a low-impact opportunity for those who
admire the Island's open space. please be sure to stay on
the pathways, as some of the corridors run through the
private lands of owners who were kind enough to offer
easements for the trails. The nature conservancy, at (401)
466-2129, offers a detailed map of the Greenway as well
as a new Nature Guide.
The Nature Conservancy, on High street, provides a
wealth of information about the Island's wildlife and
plants. The nonprofit organization leads nature walks
and offers trail maps and bird checklists. staff can an-
swer questions about wildlife seen during your visit and
point you in the right direction to find it. The organiza-
tion also plays a key role in the effort to preserve the
Island's natural wonders for the enjoyment of the public.