Diario de mfeng

We set out for Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge early in the morning, eager to find some coastal waterfowl. The refuge is located in Middletown, RI and is a peninsula in the Rhode Island Sound. It consists of three major habitat types, a shrubland with thorny brambles, native grassy fields, and low lying shrub, sandy coastlines, and the rocky intertidal zone which is divided between the rough, wind exposed waters and the wind protected side of the peninsula where calmer waters are found. Observations began at around 10:48 am and continued until 1:00 pm. It was 53 degrees F, 80% humidity, and sunny with slight southerly winds.
The walk began on the south west side of the peninsula, facing the wind and rougher tides. Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Common Eiders, and Black Scoters were seen in groups of four to nine individuals just off the rocky coast, diving and dabbling for food. Great Black-backed Gulls were circling above in the skies. Inland on the peninsula, there were mostly Song Sparrows perched within the bramble singing and calling. One Northern Cardinal and four American Crows were also spotted in this habitat type. As we crossed the outer most tip and on to the opposing side of the peninsula, there was less wind, calmer waters, and more shallow, rocky tide pools and out crops with many periwinkle snails and blankets of seaweed. This was the habitat type with the largest concentration of birds. Common Eiders were foraging for food and seemed to be nesting on the rocks in mating pairs. A large flock of Harlequin Ducks were diving for food farther away from the coast line. Surf Scoters and Double-crested Cormorants were standing on the edges of rocks. Groups of mixed Black Ducks, American Black DuckxMallard hybrids, and Common Mergansers were foraging for food closer to the shore. Finally, the Northeastern side of the peninsula turned to calm sandy beaches, where a large flock of mixed gulls all seemed to be foraging along the shore.