WEEKAPAUG, R.I. — From the window of my room at the Weekapaug Inn, I watch a seabird in the salt pond thrashing its wings against the water, rising, then diving noisily beneath the surface, repeating the sequence over and over. I think: I must ask the naturalist what kind of bird that is.

If employing a naturalist seems unusual for an inn, consider that the inn occupies a site rich in natural beauty, on the edge of Quonochontaug Pond with the Atlantic visible just past the barrier beach. “The overarching idea is that what’s special and unique about this property is that it’s one with the natural surroundings,” said Mark Bullinger, whose official title is naturalist and director of recreation.