Narragansett varieties

‘‘What surprises people the most about the Norman Bird Sanctuary is how big it is and that it’s right on the ocean with views that will make your jaw drop,’’ says Rob Cardeiro, executive director of the Rhode Island preserve. The 325-acre property has more than seven miles of hiking trails and every habitat found on Aquidneck Island — forest, meadow, ocean, and freshwater ponds — giving visitors a chance to see a diversity of birds, all in Narragansett Bay.

Free guided walks are held year-round on alternate Sundays at 8 a.m. through Dec. 12 and resume Jan. 11. Just show up and join a core group of birders. Cardeiro says they enjoy helping beginners.

Norman Bird Sanctuary, 583 Third Beach Road, Middletown, R.I., 401-846-2577, www.normanbirdsanctuary.org, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., adults $5, ages 2-13 $2.

Two vacation nature camps (grades K-6): Homes for the Holidays, Dec. 22-23, $80 per child; Winter Is the Coolest! Dec. 29-31, $120 per child.

January Birding Weekend, Jan. 9-11: Two-day ecotour of Rhode Island and nearby states, including overnight at a local inn. For adults at all levels but especially for experienced birders. Package $110 per person, double occupancy.

Winter Rarities: A one-day trip in Rhode Island for serious birders, Jan. 10. Fee: nonmembers, $75.