Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park launched a Bird Walk series on Friday, July 5th, and Blackstone Heritage Corridor staffers Bonnie and Kerri helped kick it off. Gianna, this summer’s Fish and Feathers Intern with the Park, led the walk. She was joined by NPS Ranger Tyler and National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks volunteers Beth and Paul Milke.

The walk took place at Blackstone River State Park in Lincoln, RI, and departed from the Kelly House Museum. The walk followed the Blackstone Canal Towpath and met up with the Blackstone River Bikeway. There was a brief stop at the Native Pollinator Garden, where a resident woodchuck came out to greet participants. Ranger Tyler shared that volunteers from the Rhode Island Wild Plant Society, who planted and continue to maintain the garden, have planted Black-Eyed Susans in front of the woodchuck’s den to deter them from eating plants in the garden.

The one-hour walk started at 10:30 a.m. on an overcast morning, and Beth was the first to identify a Chimney Swift near the Kelly House. As the group walked along, other birds identified included Robins, Blue Jays, Catbirds, English Sparrows, and what appeared to be a juvenile Cormorant perched on a dead trip limb on the edge of the Ashton Dam. Along the way, Beth also focused on the ground, pointing out Indian Pipes, Spotted Wintergreen, and other wildflowers. The walk provided an excellent way to connect with nature above your head and at your feet.

If you don’t have binoculars, the park has an ample supply so participants get the full experience.

On a side note, the Kelly House Museum is open this summer, Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It was closed during the walk and will reopen on Wednesday, July 10th.

Here is the schedule for the July Bird Walk programming:

Birds Along the Blackstone: Fridays, July 5 through July 26, Starting at 10:30 AM. Meet in front of the Kelly House, 1075 Lower River Rd., Lincoln, RI

Birding in an Urban Landscape: Saturdays, July 6 through July 27, Starting at 11:30 AM. Meet in front of Slater Mill, 67 Roosevelt Ave., Pawtucket, RI.