Rhode Island

A hike for ospreys spotting

Published

3 years ago

April 17, 2022

Entry: Off Route 138 in West Kingston, head west on Liberty Lane at an indication for Nice Swamp. Comply with the highway for a few miles previous the DEM upkeep buildings and a capturing vary to a barred gateway.
Parking: Out there in a big lot.
Canines: Allowed, however have to be leashed.
Issue: Straightforward, principally flat roads.

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Two ospreys took flight from their nest on high of an influence line tower and soared excessive into the clouds above Nice Swamp.

With wings unfold broad, they caught the wind and rose virtually out of sight earlier than swooping down throughout the water, looking.

On earlier hikes, I’ve seen the ospreys spot prey, dive ft first into the water and emerge with a fish hooked of their talons earlier than flying again to their nest. However on this stroll at noon, the ospreys simply soared and glided majestically excessive above the swamp.

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I discovered the ospreys on the far finish of a loop path within the Nice Swamp Administration Space, which is managed by the Rhode Island Division of Environmental Administration. Alongside the way in which, the path additionally passes the stays of a World Conflict II-era seaplane hangar, indicators of beaver exercise and dense stands of oak and maple bushes combined with tall holly bushes.

From a trailhead off Nice Neck Street, a number of buddies and I got down to see the ospreys on my first group hike since earlier than the pandemic. It felt good to share tales and hearken to what caught the curiosity of my fellow hikers as we walked alongside.

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We began out on a raised gravel highway by way of a swampy space lined with inexperienced brier vines, bushes and small bushes. At one level, a 12-inch garter snake slithered throughout our path and into the comb. Farther on, we noticed gnawed tree stumps the place beavers had been at work. The beavers had additionally tried to clog drains below the highway with sticks and dust to again up giant swimming pools of water the place they dwell.

Ospreys, like this one spotted in Warren with a freshly caught herring, are a common sight at Great Swamp Management Area.

Off within the distance, we heard the rumble of Amtrak trains on tracks that run west of the protect, a counterpoint to the pure world round us.

The highway quickly reached a fork with a stone marker with a small identify plate honoring Dr. John Mulleedy, a late mountain climbing membership chief. We went left and handed a number of shiny, green-leafed holly bushes, which stood out from different bushes which have but to open their leaves. After passing below a string of energy transmission traces, we famous a big subject overgrown with bushes on the suitable. I realized later that it had been cleared of bushes and allowed to fill in with shrubs to create a pure habitat for cottontail rabbits, which at one time confronted extinction.

A dirt road runs across the top of a mile-long dike that circles half the Great Swamp, creating a wildlife marsh.

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We walked to a different fork with a stone pillar and plate marked for George McCahey, one other distinguished hiker. The left fork heads right down to the northern lip of Worden Pond, a 1,000-acre pure glacial lake. Prior to now, I’ve tried to take a aspect path off that highway to Stony Level, however was turned again by dense mountain laurel, brier bushes and a bathroom. You can too see the stays of a cement basis for a seaplane hangar alongside that highway, in addition to a brief channel that was dug to enter the secluded cove.

Gnawed trees and well-built lodges indicate beaver activity, visible just off the trail.

However we handed up that stroll and stayed proper on the highway to stay to our mission: to see if the ospreys had returned on their annual migration after spending the winter in Central and South America.

We hiked up a brief hill to the very best level (182 ft) of the three,349-acre protect after which walked down the opposite aspect by a subject. The highway led to the southern tip of the Nice Swamp, which the state acquired in 1950.

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Alongside the trail, a walker was sitting by a phone pole in a pure stone chair, peering by way of binoculars and looking out the swamp. He reported that he had noticed an osprey, and we continued on to attempt to get look.

The highway runs throughout the highest of a mile-long dike that circles half the swamp and was constructed within the Nineteen Fifties to create a wildlife marsh. Alongside the curving impoundment, jungle-like progress and the headwaters of the Pawcatuck River, together with Chickasheen Brook, mislead the west. The expansive 138-acre swamp is to the east.

Ospreys migrate north each spring after spending the winter in Central and South America and make their nests atop poles and transmission lines, like these photographed in Warren.

We handed a water depth gauge simply off the financial institution and a round metal and aluminum construction which will have included an underground gate to regulate the water ranges. I’ve seen DEM staff driving alongside the impoundment to patrol the world up to now.

Simply off the trail, a number of geese swam within the shallow water.

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The path took us below an extended, straight line of transmission towers that carry energy traces over the swamp and stretch far to the northeast and southwest. Two rows of rotted pilings within the water as soon as supported a boardwalk that ran out to the ability traces within the swamp, however the wooden is lengthy gone.

We noticed the stays of an previous osprey nest, constructed of sticks, twigs and grasses, on a tower about 50 yards offshore and a cumbersome nest on a tower south of the dike.

However the true attraction was on high of one other tower 150 yards offshore, the place we noticed two ospreys in a big, 3-foot nest in the midst of a horizontal plank on high of the towers. The ospreys return every spring to breed they usually keep till August.

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Ospreys live in nests atop transmission towers that run across the Great Swamp.

Whereas we watched, the fish-eating hawks took off and flew excessive over the west aspect of the swamp, staying distant from us. We might see that the ospreys have darkish brown feathers on their again, and white beneath. The pinnacle is white with a darkish face stripe. They will weigh 3 to 4 kilos and their wingspan can attain as much as 6 ft.

Ospreys have rebounded in RI after dealing with extinction

The ospreys as soon as confronted extinction, and from 1940 to 1970 the variety of lively nests between New York Metropolis and Boston decreased by 85%. A rely in Rhode Island in 1967 discovered solely two nests.

However after ospreys have been positioned on the endangered species listing and DDT and different pesticides have been banned, their inhabitants grew, and reviews present that there are actually greater than 150 nests within the state.

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Gliding on wind currents, an osprey soars above the swamp and high into the clouds.

I’ve seen osprey nests on hikes at Osamequin Nature Protect in Barrington and Napatree Level in Westerly. Different hikers have not too long ago reported that ospreys have returned to nests on the Slim River. For a webcam view of an osprey on its nest, go to narrowriver.org/ospreycam.

After learning the flight of the 2 ospreys, we continued alongside the dike, which bent to the north. All of the land in and across the swamp was as soon as inhabited by Native Individuals. The location of the Nice Swamp Bloodbath, the place fighters from a number of colonies killed many Narragansetts in December 1675 throughout King Philip’s Conflict, is simply to the west on the opposite aspect of the railroad tracks.

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We continued alongside the dike and walked rigorously round two turtles sunning on the dry path. Simply off the financial institution, we inspected a number of giant beaver lodges constructed of branches, twigs and dust. A lot of wooden duck packing containers stood on posts within the water.

A turtle rests in the sun on a dry, sandy path along the impoundment.

We additionally famous two tube-like canisters close to the highest of phone poles that lined the dike and puzzled in the event that they is likely to be bat packing containers.

The highway led to the top of the swamp and ran up a brief hill, below the ability traces and to the junction the place we had famous the Mulleedy marker on the way in which in. We handed a solo hiker in an orange vest who stated he had been to the Saugatucket River that morning and watched ospreys spearing herring. He was now headed for a take a look at the ospreys at Nice Swamp.

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From there, it was only a brief stroll to the place we had parked.

In all, we hiked 4.5 miles for slightly over two hours.

There are various distinctive sightings on the paths in Rhode Island. However one of the fascinating is the ospreys and their nests at Nice Swamp.

It’s at all times encouraging to me that they return each spring. And it appears to me that if they will make the lengthy flight again each April, I ought to be capable to take a brief stroll to revisit them yearly.

Rhode Island Mountaineering Path Tip

Throughout looking season, all customers of state administration areas are required to put on a minimal of 200 sq. inches of stable fluorescent orange, resembling a hat or vest, from April 16 to Could 31. Violators are topic to a $100 effective.

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John Kostrzewa, a former assistant managing editor at The Windfall Journal, welcomes e mail at johnekostrzewa@gmail.com.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Dec. 28, 2024

Published

1 hour ago

December 29, 2024

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

06-31-51-54-55, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

14-19-21-25-30, Lucky Ball: 09

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Midday: 5-9-3-4

Evening: 5-9-3-8

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

01-03-08-19-35, Extra: 20

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Lucky for Life top prize of $1,000 a day for life and second prize of $25,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Rhode Island

WBB PREVIEW: Billikens Open Conference Play at Rhode Island

Published

9 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

WBB PREVIEW: Billikens Open Conference Play at Rhode Island

SLU Women’s Basketball Game Notes & Information Game No. 14 Saint Louis (6-7) at Rhode Island (5-8) Date // Time Sunday, Nov. 29, 2024 // 12 p.m. (CT) Location Kingston, R.I. (The Ryan Center) Stream ESPN+ Live Stats StatBroadcast Listen SLUBillikens.com Game Notes Saint Louis Billiken Notables Saint Louis opens up conference play on the road against Rhode Island The Billikens move to 6-7 after three straight victories leading up to the holiday break. Tierra Simon is the reigning A-10 player of the week after posting three consecutive double-double including a career-high 16 points and 17 rebounds against Bellarmine. Four…

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Rhode Island

9 Timeless Towns In Rhode Island

Published

17 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Press Room

There are many amazing states to explore in the US, particularly within the New England region. Rhode Island is one of those states with the most historical influences and legacies one may discover as a newcomer to its small towns. It was one of the original 13 colonies and the first to declare independence. Known for its seaside beauty, family-friendly locales, and nourishing historical factors, the Ocean State is nothing short of alluring and breathtaking. These timeless towns in Rhode Island are the perfect destinations to consider for your next vacation.

Jamestown

The Beavertail Lighthouse in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

Located on Conanicut Island, Jamestown is a 16th-century historic town with lots of interesting splendors. The Historic New England’s Watson Farm is a 265-acre grassland haven with Indigenous history and Red Devon cattle heritage. Beavertail Lighthouse has a maritime Colonial influence with its vessel archives and coastal lighthouse vibes. Windmill Hill Historic District offers a 17th-century windmill sight for all who want simplistic beauty.

Fort Getty Park is a wildlife observation landmark full of rocky beach areas, public boating zones, and photographic pink skies. At Jamestown Arts Center, tourists can find educational and historic exhibit tours related to southern Rhode Island. Dutch Island holds old ruins from the 1860s, Fort Greble, that may appeal to American Civil War enthusiasts. For a fun-filled boating excursion, one can try the New England Sailing Center for sailing comfort and a mixture of natural and social outings. For pure intimate dining and custom seafood creations, visitors can try Beech’s iconic dining spot.

Narragansett

Commonly known as “Gansett” to the locals, Narragansett is a popular destination with a quiet farming history. The Towers is perhaps the most prominent aspect of tourism with its 1880s historical casino foundation and enchanting welcoming functions. South County Museum has native tribal knowledge and elegance of traditional craftsmanship. At Point Judith Lighthouse, seaside rocky lighthouse exploration and dog-friendly treks make for a timeless natural detour. There is also the Point Judith Fisherman’s Memorial, where one may discover various hilltop tributes to those who lost their lives at sea once upon a time; it is also an amazing place for sunset watching.

The Salty Brine State Beach is another coastal option for beachside amusement and gorgeous ferry sights. For a hidden gem in town, one can check out the Port of Galilee, a famed afternoon stop with busy fishing ports and East Coast scenery.

East Greenwich

Also known as the “Birthplace of the Navy,” East Greenwich is a central part of Rhode Island history with its community vibrance and scallop recognition. The Varnum Memorial Armory is a tourist-friendly, 19th-century militia estate with revered military weapon collections and World War II operational foundations. The New England Wireless & Steam Museum houses various radio displays and steam-powered trinkets that were crucial to the late 1800s and mid-1900s.

Vacationers at The Greenwich Odeum will find plenty of entertainment options and nightlife galore within a 1920s vaudeville locale. For nature lovers, the Audubon Davis Memorial Wildlife Refuge is an ideal place to be with its relaxing hiking trails, Hunt River stopping points, and canoeing or kayaking pleasures. Those in the mood for golf and outdoor recreation may also enjoy East Greenwich Country Club’s vast green plains and grassy fairways. For an inviting and down-to-earth excursion, newcomers can dine at Siena Cucina, an authentic Tuscan diner with rich Italian cuisine and timeless farmhouse ambiance.

New Shoreham

Originally a 15th-16th century destination, New Shoreham keeps strangers on their toes with amazing sights and historic maritime appreciation. The Block Island North Light is an 1860s standpoint with an internal museum and lots of oceanic upbringing related to the first settlers. Tourists at the 1661 Far & Garden may find appealing camels, llamas, goats, kangaroos, and other species; it is also a conservation site for wildlife enthusiasts. The Great Salt Pond is a casual landmark with shallow waters and marina scenery worth checking out.

At Rodman’s Hollow, a 230-acre outwash basin and Block Island cultural landscapes make it easy for travelers to enjoy maritime shrublands and New Shoreham tranquility. Settlers Rock is both a historical and natural option for anyone who prefers rocky coastal allure and stone walking areas. The South East Lighthouse is known for its early 18th-century shipwreck history and impressive family legacies. An underrated stop in town, the Sacred Labyrinth has magical meditation community charm, crabapple tree resting spots, and fun statue glimpses. The Beachead Restaurant is a beachfront escape for seafood dining comfort and island satisfaction.

Newport

Dating back to the 1630s, Newport is also the “City by the Sea” and “Sailing Capital of the World.” At The Breakers, visitors can experience 1890s Gilded Age history and fancy eminence within a summer cottage estate. The Marble House is another historic estate that brings to life transformative wooden colony housing and opulence in a fine manor that attracts people from all over. The Rough Point Museum generates modern attention with its urban storytelling exhibits and various significant houses, such as the Vernon House and its 17th-century pasttime relics.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame may inspire lots of newfound members with its honorary tributes to tennis athletes and championship players. Bowen’s Wharf is a casual stop with fireplace ambiance, breathtaking waterfront views, and wharf nightlife to suit all types of itineraries. For a 17th-century literary escape, one can try the Redwood Library, a research center and museum that is devoted to the rarest books and Neoclassical finds. At Hotel Viking, guests can check out comforting amenities while exploring downtown rooftop bars and luxury spas. Chanterelle Restaurant is great for attractive strawberry dishes and homemade French pastries within a classy resort.

North Kingstown

North Kingstown, a laidback 16th-century destination with lots of undiscovered wonders, sends travelers back in time with cool locales and landmarks. The Seabee Museum & Memorial Park creates a wartime stop with Naval Battalion history and guided tours of Pacific conflicts. Wickford Village offers historical and commercial tourism with its tempting beach shops, festival events, and harbor vantage points for curious minds. At Smith’s Castle, 1670s interpretive tours and costumed roleplayers help make vacationers feel right at home while learning about colonial state history.

Compass Rose Beach makes for a fun Quonset Point beach excursion with its dog-friendly atmosphere and calming waves. Gooseneck Vineyards allows travelers to enjoy romantic evenings with smoked salmon appetizers, white wine festivities, and pomegranate social cocktail hours. Wickford Harbor provides a quaint and serene experience for anyone who loves coastal waters and chill boating vibes. John H. Chafee Rome Point Preserve creates a meaningful itinerary with its harbor seal spottings, offshore trails, and beachfront relaxation. After exploring the town, head to Wickford on the Water, where you can find clam chowder and spicy aioli to make any afternoon near beautiful waters more splendid.

Bristol

Bristol is a 1740s historic town full of fascinating highlights. It is also “America’s Most Patriotic Town.” The Herreshoff Marine Museum encompasses lovely tours of yachting displays, Rhode Island coastline history, and over 60 unique boat exhibits. At Coggeshall Farm Museum, visitors may find 48 acres of tenant marsh farms and heirloom gardens; it is also a fun stop for animal lovers. Bristol Art Museum usually has foot traffic thanks to its main gallery artworks, architectural magnificence, and celebrity curator events.

Linden Place has the most endearing porch hangout spot and special arts programs to keep outsiders and residents happy. At Blithewolf Manor, Gardens & Arboretum, vacationers can enjoy Narragansett Bay views and romantically inspiring gardens that will leave a smile on everyone’s faces. For stunning natural views and uncommon detours, the 127-acre Mount Hope Farm provides shoreline amusement around Mount Hope Bay and has pretty farmlands that have been around for a long time. Bristol Town Beach is perfect for sandy adventures and public volleyball activities. The Beehive Cafe is one of the coolest spots in town for homey atmospheres, thoughtful coffee crafts, and wholesome chit-chat.

Little Compton

Formally incorporated in the 1680s as Sakonnet, Little Compton is a special destination that nobody easily forgets about. Little Compton Historical Society provides 1930s educational knowledge about old settlements and Wampanoag upbringing. Within the Little Compton Historic District, also known as Little Compton Commons, there are also some splendors to take in, such as Sakonnet Lighthouse, a stopping point for timeless sights.

Sakonnet Vineyard is commonplace for tourists who have a penchant for gorgeous wine-tasting pastures and beautiful New England coastlines that have been recognized since the 1970s. South Shore Beach is a mesmerizing surfing landmark featuring less crowded tourism and cozy bridge walks for casual travelers. The Young Family Farm has welcoming apple-picking activities and family-friendly farm history for all to appreciate. Donovan Studio is a hidden gem for local artistic talents and unique Sakonnet watercolor paintings. Anyone who dines at The Common’s Lunch will have no complaints when it comes to laidback American cuisine and clam cakes.

Westerly

Westerly is not one to be discounted on any travel list as it boasts many exciting locales and landmarks. Babacock-Smith House Museum is quite historic with its 1730s Georgian granite architecture and local research workshops to help visitors learn more about the Colonial and Victorian eras. At the Living Sharks Museum, outsiders can check out prehistoric and modern shark exhibits with scientific demonstrations and Jaws memorabilia. The Watch Hill Lighthouse is a southeastern hotspot for peninsular history, charming coastline photography, and pivotal Rhode Island memories.

Napatree Point Conservation Area is a nature preserve with Little Narragansett Bay programs and beach cabanas for relaxing moments. The Granite Theatre has restored Greek Revivalism and downtown Broadway-esque entertainment for all ages to fall in love with. Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island caters to social outings and talkative tourists with its group-oriented brew tours and New England hospitality. Manfredi Farms is one of the most colorful locales in Westerly, and it has delightful seasonal produce and friendly animal petting sessions. For a hearty meal, the Cooked Goose has culinary appeal with its housemade deli salads and top-notch customer service.

These small towns in Rhode Island demonstrate true timelessness and unparalleled beauty. With awesome commercial locales and natural or historical landmarks that make for an unforgettable trip, tourists will never want to leave. No matter how familiar or unfamiliar one is with travel, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Ocean State. The New England region awaits anyone who wants to get out and see what history lies in newfound places.

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