Charlestown Breachway

Rhode Island · Northeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Charlestown Breachway is a productive birding destination in Rhode Island, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Common Eider, Surf Scoter, and Black Scoter 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

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/6/202638 Marine Ave, Jamestown US-RI 41.49395, -71.383141 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

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

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/4/2026The Narrows, Narragansett4 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

Thick-billed Murre

Uria lomvia

3/1/2026Black Point Fishing Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Eider

52/28/2026

Surf Scoter

12/28/2026

Black Scoter

42/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

12/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

202/28/2026

American Herring Gull

4002/28/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

52/28/2026

Horned Grebe

42/28/2026

Common Loon

12/28/2026

Northern Harrier

12/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Charlestown Breachway for birding?
The best months to visit Charlestown Breachway for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Charlestown Breachway?
Notable species at Charlestown Breachway include Common Eider, Surf Scoter, Black Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Charlestown Breachway?
Birding at Charlestown Breachway is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Charlestown Breachway?
Charlestown Breachway offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.