For over three decades, Joe Zbyrowski has watched the skies above Napatree Point, tracking migrating raptors and quietly building one of Rhode Island’s most valuable community science datasets. His observations offer critical insight into the health of birds of prey and the fragile coastal ecosystem they rely on.

Napatree Point—designated a Globally Important Bird Area and a Coastal Institute Climate Response Demonstration Site—is a vital rest stop for migrating birds and a living laboratory for coastal resilience research.

This story chronicles Joe’s journey from science educator to one of Napatree’s most dedicated observers, whose 26 years of migration data inform research on species like the Sharp-shinned Hawk and Peregrine Falcon.

Explore the full article and companion podcast to discover how one person’s quiet dedication to scanning the sky is helping safeguard Napatree Point and the raptors that soar above it.

Created by Julie Maurer, M.S., University of Rhode Island, and edited by Jaclyn Witterschein, URI Coastal Institute. Produced as part of the Coastal Institute Climate Response Demonstration Site Initiative