’Tis the season to visit Sachuest Point

The refuge is best known for its wintering population of harlequin ducks, a rare clown-like bird that can be seen in good numbers among the crashing waves near Island Rocks, just off the northeast side of the refuge. Only about 4,000 harlequin ducks are known to winter along the Atlantic Coast, and Sachuest is the easiest place to see them south of Maine as they dive in the surf to feed upon small marine creatures.
While watching the harlequins, you’ll no doubt see numerous other ducks cavorting in the waves, including common eiders, surf scoters, buffleheads and red-breasted mergansers. Loons are also a common sight, and brant geese can usually be found on the Third Beach side of the refuge feeding on eelgrass.
The southern point of the refuge is always a good place to watch for harbor seals basking on the rocks or diving for food. And if you are extremely lucky, you may see a fat black-and-white seabird called a razorbill bobbing in the water in the same vicinity.
On land, Sachuest is the best place in the state to observe two species of owls that are often active during the daylight hours. Snowy owls, the large white owl of the Arctic, occasionally move south in winter in large numbers in what ornithologists call an irruption. This is an irruption year, and several snowy owls have been seen at the refuge in recent weeks perched on posts and flying in search of food. Short-eared owls are also regularly observed at Sachuest, hunting for a meal in late afternoon throughout the winter months.
If you visit early in the morning, you will no doubt stumble across numerous Eastern cottontail rabbits hopping along the trails, and white tailed deer and red foxes are also common sightings before the trails become crowded. A Northern harrier, an uncommon marsh hawk, is almost certain to be seen hunting low over the grasslands during any wintertime visit.
When you go, be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars for the best views of the ducks.  And don’t forget to stop in the visitor’s center to view the exhibits and find out what unusual wildlife may have been spotted in recent days. It’s a trip your whole family will enjoy.


Todd McLeish is a science writer at the University of Rhode Island and a lifelong birdwatcher. Contact him at tmcleish@uri.edu.