Avondale - Westerly

This 50 acre parcel of land was saved from development by the Westerly Land Trust in 1998. The trust manages the land to remove exotic vegetation and to restore native grassland. In the fall and winter, several species of sparrows feed on the native vegetation. It is also a popular flyover spot for migrating raptors. In its short time as a birding destination, it has produced some nice rarities.

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Location

Westerly, RI

Owner/manager

The Westerly Land Trust.

Directions

From Watch Hill Road (1A) in Westerly, turn NW onto Quail Run and park at the intersection of Quail Run and Grassland Way.

Habitat

Grassland and brush.

Description

Grassland Way is a paved loop around the preserve. There are also a few mowed paths through the fields. The location of the paths and the types of vegetaion planted varies from year to year.

Best Seasons to Visit

Fall and Winter.

Birds Most Likely to Be Seen

It is often challenging to identify the sparrows as they pop up and then disappear into the grasses. Sparrows that can be found here include, American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Field Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Lincoln's Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and White-crowned Sparrow. Palm Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers can be plentiful and Bobolink, Indigo Bunting and Eastern Meadowlark also show up in the fall. During migration, Rusty Blackbirds can occasionally be found.

A variety of raptors hunt over the fields, especially during migration. Norther Harriers are regular and Red-tailed Hawks, Red-shouldered Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, American Kestrels, Merlin and Peregrine Falcons are all possible.

In its short time as a birding destination, the preserve has produced several rarities, including: Yellow-breasted Chat, Clay-colored Sparrow, Blue Grosbeak, Sedge Wren, Northern Shrike, Le Conte's Sparrow and Dickcissel.

Birds that May be Seen in Other Seasons

In the spring, some migrating warblers pass through. American Woodcock can also be found here at that time.

Potential obstacles

• Deer ticks live in the grasses.

External Links

• Westerly Land Trust