Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge

Rhode Island · Northeast

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Rhode Island, with 297 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, and Great Blue Heron 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

Canada Goose

73/2/2026

Wild Turkey

13/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/2/2026

American Crow

63/2/2026

Common Raven

23/2/2026

Gadwall

23/1/2026

American Wigeon

73/1/2026

Mallard

83/1/2026

American Black Duck

63/1/2026

Northern Pintail

63/1/2026

Canvasback

43/1/2026

Redhead

123/1/2026

Ring-necked Duck

83/1/2026

Bufflehead

83/1/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/1/2026

Common Merganser

63/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

63/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

American Herring Gull

53/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Wild Turkey, Great Blue Heron, American Crow, Common Raven, American Woodcock, Brant, American Black Duck, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, House Finch, Mallard. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
Trustom Pond National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.