Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

Located approximately 12 miles offshore on picturesque Block Island, this small refuge provides important habitat for wildlife, and a place for people to appreciate the natural environment of the island. It was established in 1973 with the transfer of 28 acres from the U.S. Coast Guard, and has grown to its current size of 134 acres. The refuge is administered as part of the Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which manages all six of the National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island and is headquartered in Charlestown, Rhode Island. Refuge lands on Block Island are most notable for the large concentration — over 70 species — of migratory songbirds which visit the area each fall. Located in the Atlantic flyway, many young, inexperienced songbirds overfly the mainland and stop over on Block Island before continuing their migration. The result is a cornucopia of young migratory songbirds from a variety of different species. Block Island is internationally recognized as one of the most important migratory bird habitats on the East Coast, attracting hundreds of birders to the island each fall. The refuge is also home to the largest gull colony in Rhode Island.