Block Island has always been a wonderful spot to go birding, not only because the island is an important stopover during migration, but due to the many species that live here.
At the Block Island School, we are following the tradition started by Elizabeth Dickens, who began the bird program at the School in the early 1900s. We are grateful to Kim Gaffett for continuing it.
Each year, Mrs. Szabo includes a bird unit in her fourth grade class, and asks her students to choose a bird they think will best make the “Block Island Bird of the Year.” Through nature walks, bird banding with Miss Gaffett, and research, each student chose a bird they believe best represents Block Island.
This is the fourth in a series.
The great osprey lives mainly in coastal areas, along rivers and lakes, which is why you may see them on Block Island. This awesome bird can also be found in Alaska, Canada, and in most of the northern hemisphere. The osprey is very smart and unique, and capable of catching fish with a special technique called a power dive. You may see them diving for fish when waiting on the
