Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond

Rhode Island · Northeast

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

CoastalLake

Best Seasons

SpringFall

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond is a productive birding destination in Rhode Island, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Mute Swan, White-winged Scoter, and Black Scoter among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Mute Swan White-winged Scoter Black Scoter Bufflehead Common Goldeneye

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rough-legged Hawk

Buteo lagopus

3/5/202638 Marine Ave, Jamestown US-RI 41.49396, -71.383131 observed

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

3/4/2026The Narrows, Narragansett4 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/3/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/2/2026Veterans Memorial Way, New Bedford US-MA 41.65779, -70.919331 observed

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

3/1/2026King Farm (Private)1 observed

Red-tailed Hawk (abieticola)

Buteo jamaicensis

3/1/2026Lee River Drive, Swansea1 observed

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

2/26/20261350 West Main Road, Middletown, Rhode Island, US (41.536, -71.293)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mute Swan

53/3/2026

White-winged Scoter

33/3/2026

Black Scoter

113/3/2026

Bufflehead

63/3/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/3/2026

American Herring Gull

63/3/2026

Great Cormorant

13/3/2026

Northern Harrier

13/3/2026

American Crow

23/3/2026

American Robin

23/3/2026

American Tree Sparrow

23/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/3/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Rhode Island

Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge

Rhode Island's coastal refuge with wintering Harlequin Ducks and diverse seabirds.

Beavertail State Park

Forest birding hotspot in Rhode Island with 261 recorded species.

Block Island

Coastal birding hotspot in Rhode Island with 314 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond for birding?▼

The best months to visit Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond?▼

Notable species at Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond include Mute Swan, White-winged Scoter, Black Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond?▼

Birding at Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond?▼

Goosewing Beach Preserve & Quicksand Pond offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.