Scanning the Sky: Thirty Years of Hawk Watching on Napatree Point
Tune in to discover how every observation, every hawk overhead, contributes to the future of this extraordinary place. For over three decades, Joe Zbyrowski has scanned the skies above Napatree Point, tracking migrating raptors and quietly building one of Rhode Island’s most unique community science datasets. His meticulous observations offer rare insight into the health of birds of prey and the fragile coastal ecosystem they depend on. Created by Julie Maurer, M.S., University of Rhode Island, and edited by Jaclyn Witterschein, URI Coastal Institute, this podcast brings Joe’s story to life—blending his reflections with the voices of conservationists and scientists. Brought to you as part of the Coastal Institute Climate Response Demonstration Site Initiative, the series reveals how one person’s dedication to hawk watching is helping safeguard Napatree Point, a vital rest stop for migrating birds and a beacon of climate resilience. To learn more, please visit: https://ci.uri.edu/initiatives/ongoing-initiatives/demonstration/
