Barn Island Wildlife Management Area

Connecticut · Northeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is a productive birding destination in Connecticut, with 288 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/5/2026273 Boom Bridge Rd, North Stonington US-CT 41.42504, -71.815651 observed

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/2/2026Trustom Pond NWR1 observed

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

3/2/2026Stonington Town Dock & WWTP1 observed

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

3/2/2026Trustom Pond NWR--Moonstone Beach1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/2/2026Anthony Rd.1 observed

Tundra Swan

Cygnus columbianus

2/28/2026Trustom Pond NWR--Moonstone Beach2 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/28/2026Block Island-Point Judith Ferry (open waters only)1 observed

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Barn Island Wildlife Management Area for birding?
The best months to visit Barn Island Wildlife Management Area for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area?
Notable species at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area include Common Goldeneye, Hooded Merganser, American Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Red-bellied Woodpecker. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area?
Birding at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area?
Barn Island Wildlife Management Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.