Narragansett Bay
Named for the indigenous tribe of people who inhabited much of Rhode Island prior to the first Europeans visiting the area in 1524, Narragansett comes from the Algonquian word Naiaganset, meaning “people of the small point.”
Narragansett Bay is the largest estuary in New England, covering 147 square miles. Estuaries are areas where fresh and saltwater meet, creating a dynamic environment teaming with marine life. They also provide a home and resting spot for many different species of birds. With over 40 islands dotting the bay, there are great opportunities for birding. The most notable is Block Island, where lots of species stopover on their fall migration route. But other islands such as Prudence Island (the third largest in the bay) and Rose Island (famous for its lighthouse and a designated wildlife refuge) are worth a visit. These undeveloped pockets of nature can provide a glimpse of birds that may otherwise be difficult to spot on the mainland.
The Algonquian peoples are a large group including many various indigenous tribes inhabiting parts of the Atlantic coast, extending into present day Canada and also settling along the Saint Lawrence River and the Great Lakes region.