Audubon Latest News and Events
 

While humans may take their cozy homes for granted when winter sets in, the strategies that wildlife have developed to cope with the plunging temperatures, biting wind and lack of food are as creative and innovative as they are necessary.

Join naturalists from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and the Providence Parks Urban Wildlife for a FREE guided bird walk on Monday, December 30, from 9:30-10:30 am at the Save the Bay campus in Providence. Get the details, here!

Being outside, sitting quietly, lends itself to seeing more of what happens in nature. Learn how to tune into signs that a raptor may be around, in this edition of Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood, written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee!

FEATURED NATURE PROGRAMS | It's owling season! Fall and winter are great times for looking and listening for owls. Join Audubon at locations across the state to meet Audubon's live ambassador owls - or to hit the trail in search of these amazing birds!

Now through December, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium will be undergoing construction. We will remain open but visitors may be subjected to loud construction noise. We may also need to close or reduce hours on certain days, so please check the Center webpage before your visit in 2024. Thank you!

These mysterious birds of the darkness have come to be a staple in Halloween portrayals. They are a sign of goodwill to come, or a warning, depending on who you ask! Read on for identification tips and explore the different cultural lore around these birds.

Well over 1 MILLION birds passed over Rhode Island on the evening of September 10-11, 2024. The following morning, Audubon Director of Avian Research Dr. Charles Clarkson hit the streets in Downtown Providence to see how these birds fared.

In September, Audubon began constructing and installing three Chimney Swift nesting towers in an effort to support the nesting needs of these birds and to begin identifying the limiting factors the species experiences in Rhode Island.

Most of us know that trees pro­vide us with oxygen to breathe, wood for houses and baseball bats, pulp for paper, and fruit and nuts to eat. The complexity of a tree’s life is less well-known and there are many mysteries yet to be uncovered. Read all about it in this edition of Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood, written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee.

Nature comes to life during summer nights! Read all about in this edition of Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood, written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee.

A bird’s food may be small but it plays a clear and critical role in species survival, not to mention habitat conservation and ecosystem balance, both important for wildlife and humans alike. This effort to create a “Bird Food Baseline” is part of the overall RI Audubon Avian Research Initiative.

In this edition of the Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon's Lauren Parmelee talks all about the nesting season: from eggs and nesting behavior, to "altricial" versus "precocial" young and the fledging process.

On June 14, 1972– 52 years ago today– the Environmental Protection Agency issued the final order banning all DDT products. Audubon Society of Rhode Island helped advocate for this ban: and our fight against dangerous pesticides continues today.

In this edition of the Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon's Lauren Parmelee explores the sounds (and sights) you may experience during spring bird migration.

In May and June, turtles and other wildlife will set out to find suitable nesting sites to lay their eggs. Eggs hatch in August in September. For many, they'll need to cross busy roads to access their habitats and nesting sites. Learn tips on how to help them cross, and about the other threats they face.

Is your yard an ecological dead zone? In this edition of Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series, Lauren Parmelee discusses how to “rewild” some or all of your yard! Shrinking your grass doesn’t mean giving up the barbecue patio or the kids’ play area, but it does mean setting aside dedicated space and ceasing the use of herbicides and pesticides.

Rhode Island businesses are no longer permitted to sell pesticides containing neonicotinoids to untrained users. You can continue to support pollinators by holding accountable local businesses that sell landscaping products.

Birds' lives are tough and their work is nonstop. The very least we can do to ensure their success is to make their jobs as easy as possible…by protecting habitats and resources critical to their needs.

Welcome, spring! Birds are on the move, migrating to their breeding grounds. Want to help birds as they make their long journeys? Here are a few tips.

March has arrived as a gray, damp lamb rather than the roaring lion of folklore, but there are clues between raindrops that promise spring is on the way. In this edition of the Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education discusses the early signs of spring that can be found in the trees.

Twelve years after the opening of the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Audubon has embarked on what might fit in as the final detail in the story of Mays’ legacy—as an artist, a conservationist, a lover of wildlife, and a philanthropist.

Road access to Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge has been restored!

We are asking the General Assembly to add $16 Million to the Green Bond to ensure that we can continue to protect farmland, open spaces, and forests in Rhode Island! Please show your support by submitting written testimony and coming to the State House next Wednesday, March 6th at 4 pm!
RSVP for the hearing: https://bit.ly/GreenBondRI2024
Guidance for writing and submitting Testimony: https://bit.ly/3TjOode

Each year in the United States, as many as 1 billion birds die from flying into windows. Help us understand which birds are dying & and where: monitor & report window strike deaths to the Audubon Society of RI this spring.

We're excited to share with you that we have been awarded Accreditation! After a rigorous verification process by the Land Trust Accreditation, Audubon Society of Rhode Island has proven that we have sound finances, practice ethical conduct and responsible governance and can ensure lasting stewardship. A win for conservation and our community!

On Sunday, February 4, Audubon hosted its second annual “Birds Across New England” regional conservation symposium. Read the event recap by Dr. Charles Clarkson, Director of the Audubon Avian Research Initiative and access the event recordings.

Soil is the living, breathing component of habitats that support terrestrial communities worldwide. Natural scientists, gardeners and farmers appreciate soil, yet we still have much to learn about this crucial resource. Audubon practices soil conservation in many ways. Whether you are a gardener or a large landowner, you can adopt similar conservation actions.

We are delighted to announce two significant land donations that will further enhance our conservation efforts and provide vital sanctuaries for birds and wildlife. The first donation is a 5-acre parcel in Coventry, seamlessly merging with the existing Audubon Perched Boulder Woods. The second donation is an extraordinary milestone for Audubon - a 300-acre parcel in North Kingstown that will forever be recognized as Congdon Wood: an unfragmented habitat that protects the headwaters of the Saugatucket River and wildlife habitat with its contiguous expanse of forest and wetland.

In this edition of the Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon's Lauren Parmelee talks about the history of the Jamestown, RI Christmas Bird Count, along with detailing the 2023 count which took place on December 30.

In 2023, RI’s General Assembly passed the state’s first-ever solar siting legislation. As we head into the 2024 legislative session, see what Audubon has been up to and how you can get involved with forest protection this year.

Join Audubon this winter to search for waterfowl along the coast and owls in the frosty forest. Discover what species thrive in winter and learn how their adaptations help them to survive the cold.

Blue Jays are a type of Corvid — passerine birds in the family Corvidae that are known for their intelligence. Jays are not only smart; they are opportunistic. Audubon Senior Director of Education shares how jays and other birds can help keep the winter blues away in this edition of the Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series.

Through donor support of any kind, Audubon can fulfill its mission of educating five-year-olds about the wonders of wildlife, managing habitat for declining pollinator species, or permanently protecting forests, fields, and wetlands, it is connecting its founding legacy to what lies ahead.

There are so many ways to give great gifts while making a positive impact this holiday season! All proceeds support Audubon's work to protect birds, wildlife and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy.

Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee recently walked around Aquidneck Land Trust-conserved Town Pond Trail in Portsmouth. In this edition of the Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood series, she describes staghorn sumac, the calls of a tiny Golden-crowned Kinglet, and all the other flora and fauna she stopped to admire on her walk.

As the winter progresses, hundreds, if not thousands, of sea ducks will come to spend the winter in Narragansett Bay and the ocean off our shores. In this installment of Newport This Week's nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon's Lauren Parmelee talks about "the treasures that keep [us] going through the long winter months" – sea ducks!

Funds collected at the event from hole-in-one contests, putting challenges, and a gift basket raffle were donated to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. The event raised $27,000 which Audubon will use to fund summer camp scholarships for youth at wildlife refuges in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts. Thank you, Bank of America!

It's here! This comprehensive, but relatively easy-to-read publication, with its charts, maps and photos, is a wealth of information about breeding bird populations in the Ocean State. In the latest Newport this Week Nature in the Neighborhood installment, Audubon's Lauren Parmelee talks about the data collection process and summarizes some of the findings.

Recently, a Rhode Island resident was charged with violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for having allegedly shot at red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks in and around his property in an effort to protect squirrels. Predators like Cooper’s Hawks play an important role in the ecosystem by keeping the population of common birds and other small animals in check. Learn more about these amazing creatures in the latest Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood installment!

The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium will be shifting into fall/winter hours on Sunday, October 15th, 2023. They are as follows:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed to the Public, Wednesday - Sunday: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm. Trails will remain open daily, sunrise to sunset. You can always check the Nature Center and Aquarium webpage for special hours due to school vacation, holidays, inclement weather or private events!

In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee discusses Goldenrod and other native fall flowers.

There are at least 18,000 species of lichens known to scientists. They grow in almost every ecosystem on earth, and they have a fascinating life history. In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee discusses all things lichens and moss!

Volunteers are the Backbone of Audubon! Individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences share their time and talent to support Audubon. We depend on volunteers, from interns and educators to gardeners, trail monitors, office help, and more.

Upon hearing the acronym NASA, images of space stations, rockets, satellites, and incredibly powerful telescopes often come to mind. Generally speaking, most people would not associate the National Aeronautics and Space Administration with bird conservation. But, when you think about the stunning images of our planet that come from satellites orbiting overhead, the potential for earthbound-based datasets to be supplemented by information being collected by the world’s premier space agency is greater than you may think.

This spring, Audubon received a beautiful new raised bed for the Palmieri Pollinator Garden thanks to the talented middle school students of DownCity Design (DCD). DCD is a community organization that has served over 2,200 students since it was founded in 2009. Their team of educators empowers students to create solutions to community challenges using the principles of design.

October is coming, and so are the sparrows! Yes, we have some resident sparrows throughout the year in Rhode Island, but autumn is the time we see an influx of those hard-to-discern little brown birds. People often overlook this low bush, grass dweller. Some say they all look alike. However, with a little time and patience, you may just fall in love with these feathered friends.

Ecologically, fire is a natural and regenerative disturbance in many natural areas, including those found in Rhode Island. Most grassland and forest fires are ignited by lightning or other natural causes, though some are a result of arson and human accidents.

A powerful evolutionary and ecological force, fire alters but does not destroy habitats. There are, however, balances and tradeoffs. Fire helps cycle nutrients, breaks down excess debris, and raises soil pH, which favors beneficial bacteria, suppresses diseases and helps to control invasive plants. If fires are too frequent or too intense, however, nutrients can be lost to erosion. Some species may die, and invading species may colonize openings. This is why conservationists track the aftermath of fires.

It’s a muggy June morning, and Ryan Kopp, director of the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC), leans slightly over a railing, peering at the amber-colored surface of Roosevelt Lake at Roger Williams Park in Providence. There’s a faint skim of lighter-colored material beneath his gaze, and he gives it a nod. “See that? It could be the start of a cyanobacteria bloom,” he says. “Those blooms develop to look like someone poured bright green paint in the water.”

More than 50% of the air we breathe is produced by oceans – thanks to phytoplankton and the marvels of whale waste. The “Whale Poop Loop” kicks off the food cycle in the ocean, supporting global ecosystems. This is why Audubon has joined the collaborative See a Spout, Watch Out! boating education effort.

In the spring of 2023, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island joined over 1,800 conservation collaborators with the establishment of its first MOTUS tower. The tower itself will collect data on birds, bats and insects that have been fitted with coded tags as they pass overhead during periods of movement!

A bevy of swans has gathered on Green End Pond recently, inspiring a number of folks to wonder why? Why are they here so early in the summer? Why are there so many? Where are their young? In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee answers these questions and more!

Owls, hawks, and falcons will be featured in live presentations, educational programs, and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages at Audubon Raptor Weekend. Join us for this unique opportunity for visitors to get up close with these magnificent birds and learn about their adaptations and habitats in this engaging, family-friendly weekend event. Free flight presentations will return this year!

Armed with the knowledge from our recent baseline data gathering, Audubon will begin a monitoring and management scheme to reverse the declining trends in our birds. We will join forces with other entities in the state and region to increase our impact.

Audubon’s outreach recently extended across the globe as the organization connected with students at the Beverly School in North Kinangop, Kenya, one of four STEM-based* schools in that country. From the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI, Audubon Educator Ianna Leshin Szewczok presented a virtual bird banding program to the students on June 10, 2023.

In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about Beech Trees and the disease that is threatening local and regional populations.

With the alarming rate of avian decline, we all need to do more, talk more, and engage more in our communities to support bird conservation. Each of us should focus on conservation efforts that we can do in our daily lives, which will have lasting impacts on our bird communities.

This is the season when female turtles come out of the water to lay their eggs. In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about two turtle species you might see in your yard or encounter as they are crossing the road.

There is so much to discover at Audubon this summer! Come welcome new marine life in their aquatic exhibits, search for a dinosaur, or follow the StoryWalk® trail highlighting a new children’s book about Audubon Ambassador Zach the Raven. You never know what you may find, so bring the kids to Audubon this summer and discover nature today!

Several years of data analysis have pinpointed western Rhode Island as a hotspot for migratory stopovers. Although this may be the best time of year for us to break out our binoculars and hit the trails, the reality is that migration is an extremely perilous and strenuous time for birds. How can we help migratory birds succeed as they pass through our state?

The Stormwater Mural Project continues for a third year, this time with a focus on rain barrels! This unique partnership between Audubon, the Stormwater Innovation Center (SIC), and The Providence Parks Urban Wildlife Refuge Partnership brings stormwater education sessions to schools and offers students a chance to visit Roger Williams Park for field trips.

Why should you care about bumblebees? Like many native bees and butterflies, bumbles are excellent pollinators and humans need pollinators to produce about two-thirds of the world’s food crops. No pollination, no seed development, no fruit, no vegetables. In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about bumblebees.

It has been a year since Audubon Educator Kate Swain and Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee embarked on a new initiative, “Taking Root: Nature-based Learning for All.” This pilot program aims to fulfill Audubon’s mission of connecting all people with nature—in this case, specifically students with special needs. With input from teachers, parents, and the students themselves, the end goal is to develop a well-funded, robust, barrier-free program that will serve students throughout the state.

It is more critical than ever that the General Assembly hears from you on important climate and environmental proposals as your elected officials work to wrap up the current legislative session by mid-June. Audubon’s 2023 policy priorities enable effective climate and clean energy policy solutions. We urge you to take action today and let your Senator and Representative know that you support these steps toward climate action. Thank you for supporting climate action!

Audubon welcomes all individuals with open wings, and we focus on creating an inclusive environment. We work with communities across the state and recognize the importance of diversity in the conservation movement. As an organization, we are committed to create spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.

Audubon offers a dozen evening programs this summer – opportunities to seek out those mysterious noises with expert guides who not only know the winding trails by heart but can share their vast knowledge of natural history with visitors. Whether it is a family walk in search of fireflies, an evening hike under a full moon, or an excursion to observe the acrobatic skills of bats, the more you learn about what you see and hear, the more amazed you will be at the happenings in nature.

In this Issue: The Release of “The State of Our Birds, Part 2”; Responsibility Bird Monitoring; Neonicotinoid Analysis, MOTUS Tower Installation Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

More than half a century after the first global Earth Day celebration, one thing has remained constant: humanity’s dependence on the burning of fossil fuels such as natural gas, oil, and coal. A transformational shift away from fossil fuels—whether at the global, national, or state level—calls for change from society’s “status-quo” and economy-wide climate action.

In this installment of the Newport This Week "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks all about bird migration in Rhode Island

May is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year. Migration is in full swing, and the flowering trees bring back the Orioles! In Rhode Island we are lucky to have two different species: the Baltimore and Orchard Orioles. Attract these sweet, colorful birds to your backyard by planting flowering trees.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island has been instrumental in protecting these species through direct action as well as by saving habitat that supports them. In honor of Endangered Species Day (May 19, 2023), learn more about this landmark piece of legislation!

The Audubon “State of Our Birds Report Part II” begins to pull together the information needed to better understand when birds move across Audubon wildlife refuges, what they need to fuel their journeys, and how Audubon can best manage protected properties to bring their populations back.

In this installment of the Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about the beloved Ruby-throated Hummingbird!

Each spring in forests and fields throughout Rhode Island, several plant species appear early, just as the days warm, and disappear before the summer. Spring ephemerals are key forest community members, yet their brief appearances are often overlooked.

Hugh Willoughby served the Audubon Society as a volunteer in many capacities. He was a former Board member, property committee member, and an enthusiastic Chairman of the Field Trip Committee in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a long-time leader of Block Island Weekends and of numerous and varied natural history walks. He was known for his expertise in birds, mammals, dragonflies, wildflowers, and geology (and a long list of other fields of study). He was also known for still remembering the names of most, if not all, the participants on his many walks.

Welcome to the 2023 nesting season! Tune in to our livestream as a pair of Peregrine Falcons lay their eggs and raise their young on the ledges of the "Superman Building" in downtown Providence, RI.

From the start, the decline in the bird population (revealed from multiple international studies) was a given. From there, the Audubon initiative was launched as a fact-finding mission, to go in and find out more about how the Audubon Society of Rhode Island could help species in decline.

Lawns are ecological deserts, creating a monoculture with little to no food for wildlife. Every garden is an opportunity for us to rethink our manicured yards and consider restoring habitat for native plants and wildlife. But where to begin?

Did you know the Endangered Species Act is 50 years old in 2023? Bald Eagles are one local species that have benefitted from the act. Part of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series and written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee.

Walking through the quiet winter woods of Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, I hear several high pitch song notes. I stop to listen and watch. Here! It is as if the tree bark came alive. A tiny bird, feathered in browns, grays, and white, starts to creep, spiraling up a tree. The Brown Creeper. This spectacular small songbird lives in Rhode Island all year but rarely gets noticed due to its amazing camouflage ability and high-pitch call notes that are out of range for some.

You may have noticed a new structure recently built in the Audubon Marsh Meadows Wildlife Refuge in Jamestown. This camouflaged bird blind is being used by scientists from the RI Department of Environmental Management for the banding of ducks in the area, not for hunting. Audubon prohibits hunting on all of their conservation properties.

Newly appointed Executive Director Jeff Hall talks about keeping the forests— and the Audubon spirit—alive.

Audubon monitors forest health and is on the lookout for forest pests that may arrive. We also support the work of State and Federal scientists tracking insects and disease threats. Some simple helpful practices for forest landowners and visitors include not transporting firewood and forest products across state lines and reporting sightings of new forest pest insects and diseases.

Looking for tracks and signs of wildlife is a fun way to delve deeper into the stories of our furry, feathered neighbors. Part of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series and written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee.

Audubon unveils its first comprehensive report offering a full accounting of the current status and conservation actions for birds breeding and overwintering on Audubon Wildlife Refuges.

Christmas bird counts have been taking place in North America for 123 years. In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee details the history of this event in Rhode Island and the bird population trends we are seeing thanks to this and similar surveys.

At wildlife refuges across Rhode Island, Audubon manages hundreds of acres of open fields for birds and wildlife. Without proper management, most of these breaks in the forested landscape would revert to shrub thickets and eventually forest in the process of field succession.

The bridge on the blue trail at Ruecker Wildlife Refuge in Tiverton, RI has been washed out and the trail is currently impassable. Thank you for your patience as we fix it!

Restoration and community engagement are key for climate resiliency. Thanks to Restore America’s Estuaries Southern New England Program Watershed Implementation Grant, retrofits on existing green infrastructure in Roger Williams Park as well as community training sessions and other engagement opportunities are coming to the Stormwater Innovation Center in 2023.

With intentional investments and incentives to level the costs of building solar on previously disturbed land or “preferred sites”—such as gravel pits, landfills, commercially zoned properties, rooftops, and parking lots—forests can be protected and coexist with renewable energy and clean energy jobs.

Alfred Hawkes helped Audubon turn the lens from individual birds and species to the habitat they lived in and habitat protection. Today, Audubon continues With the growing climate crisis upon us, Audubon’s most critical fight to protect the environment, wildlife and people of Rhode Island, may have just begun.

In this Issue: Data analysis updates and The Audubon Regional Conservation Symposium. Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

The "Learning Inside Out Outdoor Classroom Initiative” will create, enhance, and support access to natural resources for all students, while promoting environmental literacy and community connection and addressing problems such as inequitable access to the outdoors, habitat loss and degradation, and climate change.

During the busy holiday season, a journey outdoors to any of the numerous conserved land spaces can provide a much needed time for quiet.

A little over a year ago, Audubon created our Avian Research Initiative. Data collection is nearly complete and the late fall and winter will be spent analyzing and writing, with the goal of releasing the first “State of Our Birds” report at the beginning of 2023.

As fall turns to winter, most Warblers have left Rhode Island for warmer climates. But there is one that returns to our state in large numbers this time of year due to their unique ability to switch their diets with the seasons.

A Generous Gift of $200,000 from the Helen Brackett Trust Brings Scholarships, New Education Materials, and Refuge Upgrades to Caratunk.

Do you have extra field guides on your shelves? Audubon Society of Rhode Island, Ocean State Bird Club, and Wild Birds Unlimited are partnering again – this time to collect gently used field guides for underserved youth in Rhode Island! Find a drop-off location.

Broadway in Newport is a busy place, but not just on the road or in the shops. In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about the birds she sees in her backyard in Newport.

To support the acquisition of vital natural habitat in Rhode Island, Barbara Walsh and Earl Simson have generously donated $111,000 to Audubon, allowing the organization to strategically expand already protected areas and acquire other tracts of land for conservation.

Reflecting on a career spanning from 1999-2022. Thank you for your leadership, Larry!

It's Native American Heritage Month and we encourage you to explore this incredible resource to learn about the First Peoples of the area now referred to as Rhode Island.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island Board of Directors named Jeffrey C. Hall as the new Executive Director of the organization on November 10, 2022. "Jeff brings a deep reservoir of knowledge, passion and experience to the position, as well as a strong vision on how to aggressively move Audubon forward as a leader in scientific-based climate change advocacy while respecting the organization’s history and mission." - Audubon Board President Dave Caldwell

Employees of the Bank of America/Merrill Call Center in Lincoln, RI held their annual employee charity golf tournament on Wednesday, September 14, 2022. Funds collected at the event were donated to Audubon. The event raised $25,000 which Audubon will use to fund summer camp scholarships for youth at wildlife refuges in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts.

We are happy to announce that the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center has received full funding for an exciting green infrastructure monitoring project that will commence in the spring of 2023.

In an effort to connect K-12 students with nature close to home, U.S. Senator Jack Reed delivered a $100,000 federal earmark to the Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Environmental Education for Urban Schools Initiative.

Analysis of Acoustic Recording Unit data has commenced. A great deal of information is now available on our migrating and breeding birds.

In this Issue: Research updates and a synopsis of the 2022 State of the Birds Report. Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

Audubon celebrated 125 years of environmental leadership when members and supporters gathered at our annual meeting on Sunday, October 23, 2022, at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, Rhode Island. Watch a replay of the gubernatorial forum, a video recap of Audubon 2022 accomplishments, and see other 125th Annual Meeting highlights!

"I wish I could witness the wild ocean from the perspective of a gannet in a storm, but in this life, I will have to admire them from afar." In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee details the life history of the Northern Gannet.

In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee reflects on how in nature, everything’s connected. Trees and birds are one great example of the synergistic relationships that make up ecosystems.

Audubon partners with Brown University's Professor Nancy Jacobs in her "Birding Communities" course, a seminar exploring culture, socioeconomics, and gender identity in the context of birdwatching.

Did you know that wildlife populations across the globe have declined by 68% since 1970? This simple solution can turn the tide in the battle to protect the dwindling bird population to create a safer ecosystem for all living creatures.

All living things rely on water to survive and it is a resource that no one should take for granted in the times of climate change. How does a drought affect these wildlife? A lack of water not only effects an individual animal, but causes stress throughout the food web.

The story of Audubon is the story of its educators. Since the beginning, Audubon has understood that awakening interest in nature in children is vital in the pursuit to protect bird life and other living things. Now, with the climate crisis upon us, science is now more important than ever.

Over the course of September and October, fall migration surveys will take place across Audubon’s 14 publicly accessible refuges and we invite experienced birders to participate in data collection as well. With proper training and protocol, you can contribute meaningful data that will be helpful in the creation of our baseline dataset.

Studies have shown that taking students outside has a range of benefits; Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee aims to create outdoor learning spaces in schools across Rhode Island. Read to learn more about how this project started.

While people are still enjoying the sun and surf at local beaches, the birds are moving on. In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee reflects on shorebird season as summer comes to close.

Rhode Island is home to many different breeds of Swallows. Laura Carberry details the spectacle of Tree Swallow migration methods.

The Providence Stormwater Innovation Center has been awarded a Narragansett Bay Estuary Program Grant for green infrastructure monitoring in Providence; plus learn about the ongoing Storm Drain mural project in Providence schools!

North Atlantic right whales are dying faster than they can reproduce. If we don’t act to protect them, in 20 years they could be extinct. Join Audubon for a screening of the award-winning documentary Last of the Right Whales and panel discussion with local biologists and experts on the plight of this endangered whale that summers off the Coast of New England.

In this Issue: Research updates and a recap of the American Ornithological Society Conference. Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

Audubon has a rich history of preserving land. Learn about the stories of multiple land donors who helped shape Audubon's mission of land conservation and wildlife protection.

In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee recounts the large colony of Least Terns in Middletown, RI.

Humans have a long history of persecuting predators, sometimes even eradicating species. Many native predators were eliminated from New England through hunting and trapping for furs, exaggerated fear, and habitat destruction over the past several centuries but the perils of removing predators from habitats are well known in the science community.

Some scientists estimate that the monarch butterfly has declined by 85 to 95 percent in New England since the 1990s. In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee reflects on the uniqueness of this endangered species and what you can do to help them.

By the time caterpillars are ready to form a chrysalis, they are 2,000 times larger than when they hatched! In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee describes this amazing natural process.

The fancy plumes, called ai­grettes, of egrets and other birds are the reason many Audubon organizations exist today. In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about herons, ibis, bitterns, and egrets.

Lawrence Taft, current Executive Director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, is retiring at the end of 2022 after a long career with the organization. The Audubon Board of Directors has recently contracted Development Guild DDI, based in Boston, to conduct the search for a new director in partnership with the search committee. A position description is now available and the application period is open.

Pollinator populations benefit from native plants, and birds do too. Discover a variety of perennials, annuals, shrubs, and tree to add to your backyard habitat.

Learn how Audubon tracks wildlife on their properties – allowing for both stunning photos and safety for the animals.

Have you wondered about the land conservation process? Do you have property that you are considering for land protection? Audubon' has a strategic approach for preserving land. Read about what factors go into the land conservation process.

Audubon has been monitoring the situation regarding Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Recently, a number of dead shore- and seabirds have been found along the Rhode Island coast - testing has not yet confirmed the presence of HPAI in these birds. Join us on Wednesday, July 13th at 6 pm for a Town Hall with Dr. Charles Clarkson where he will provide an overview of HPAI, the impacts to date on bird populations, and the outlook for the fall migratory season. A Q&A period will follow the presentation. Click to read more.

In this Issue: A Reminder of Why We Do What We Do; Research Updates; Next Chapters; Citizen Science projects. Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

Rhode Island has officially made major updates to our pesticide regulations for the first time in more than a decade! Representative Kislak's and Senator Miller's bills (passed in the House on June 7 and Senate on June 14, respectively) will take harmful neonicotinoid pesticides out of the hands of untrained users. The legislation was signed into law by Governor McKee on June 27, 2022! THANK YOU to everyone who helped us advance these bills by contacting their legislators; our partner advocates; and to the bill cosponsors.

Where do wild animals go in such storms? Where do they shelter and hide? How do they protect themselves from getting too wet or cold? In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee answers these questions and more!

The plants on your property can become a perfect habitat for wildlife. Dr. Scott Ruhren explains the process of how to efficiently and cost-effectively transform your yard, big or small.

Dr. Charles Clarkson notes that "few people know that Rachel Carson never lived to see the impact she had on this world." Rachel Carson's bold arguments inspired change, even if she never got to see them.

People seem to be in two schools when it comes to wild rabbits; either the bunnies are adorable or they are pests. In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee talks about rabbits, including the rare New England Cottontail.

With growing evidence that neonicotinoid insecticides impact so much more than their intended targets, it is incumbent on us to spend time and energy scrutinizing their use in our state.

In 1897, a group of concerned citizens founded the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, invoking the name of John James Audubon. Although the modern Audubon movement is far removed from the man of which it is named, we recognize that the views held by John James Audubon and early environmental leaders have left a painful legacy for so many.

Audubon has a long history of rising and meeting the challenges of the day.

In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee reflects on the spring International Migratory Bird Day count.

"The word 'frisson' popped into my head as I drove over to the park; that tingly expectation that something wonderful might happen." In this installment of the Newport This Week Nature in the Neighborhood series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee reflects on the excitement that May brings for birders!

The job of being a bird is arguably harder now than at any point in their long evolution and each and every one of us has the power to make a difference in the lives of birds - every day.

The case against harmful neonicotinoid insecticides grows as pollinator populations decline. Environmental groups, legislators, and supporters gathered on May 11, 2022, at the Roger Williams Botanical Center in Providence for a legislative breakfast and speaking event to rally support for legislation that would restrict the use of harmful neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) in Rhode Island.

Learn about the incredible recent history of the Osprey in this installment of the Newport This Week "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee!

CALL TO ACTION: Support the 2022 Climate Literacy Act! Right now, the Climate Literacy Act (S-2039 / H-7275) is being held in "committee" and needs to be voted out to the entire General Assembly if it is to have a chance at becoming law.

Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont all regulate the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. It is time to pass this legislation to protect not only our pollinators but all Rhode Islanders. We need YOUR voice to help move this important bill forward!

UPDATE: Nocturnal surveys wrapped up on April 20 across our 14 publicly accessible refuges. Data are still coming in, but to date a total of 25 owls, 1 nightjar (Common Nighthawk) and 1 American Woodcock were detected. Beginning in late-May we will begin surveying our properties for breeding birds.

April is a month of firsts in Rhode Island. Learn about how Audubon is welcoming the return of pollinators this spring in this installment of the Newport This Week "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee!

Join us for a conversation about the ongoing solar siting issue, and how we can take a step toward a legislative solution that enables the protection of core forests and supports renewable energy sources and clean energy jobs! Zoom Webinar; April 25, 2022; 1:30-2:30 pm | Click here to RSVP

The warmer weather is here - it's time to get outside! Audubon's Bristol, RI location is now open daily from 9:30 am - 4:30 pm through mid-October. As always, the trails and grounds are open daily, from sunrise to sunset. Remember, dogs are not allowed on Audubon Wildlife Refuges. Click here for admission information and plan a visit today. Note that we are closed April 17 in observance of the Easter holiday.

On April 12, 2022, Governor McKee and state and local leaders announced historic plans for the rehabilitation of Providence's Industrial Trust ("Superman") Building into residential units (20% of which will be affordable housing.) This is exciting news for the community and this iconic piece of the Rhode Island capitol's skyline. Read more about what this means for the Peregrine Falcons that call this building home and are livestreamed by Audubon each year!

In this Issue: Two new research initiatives coming to Audubon; and Nocturnal bird Surveys begin April 12. Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

In this installment of the Newport This Week "Nature in the Neighborhood" series, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee experiences the natural world around her from benches around town.

Pollinators play a critical role in our ecosystems and agriculture. This year, thanks to legislation reintroduced by Representative Kislak and Senator Miller, Rhode Island has the chance to protect bees, birds, and butterflies from harmful pesticides. Read our Boston Globe op-ed, written by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Priscilla De La Cruz and The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island's Climate & Energy Program Manager Sue AnderBois.

As the world awakens in the first days of spring, it is easy to see the interconnectedness of the natural world. A Newport This Week "Nature in the Neighborhood" series installment, written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee.

Leaving Audubon in your will is for the birds! Learn how charitable bequests benefit you and nature at an upcoming FREE Audubon Legacy Giving Virtual Workshop. Four dates to choose from.

In this Issue: Avian Influenza update; upcoming nocturnal bird surveys; general program updates.
Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

There is an avian flu advisory for commercial poultry producers and household keepers of backyard chicken coops in Rhode Island. The RI Department of Environmental Management's statement can be read here. The strain is highly virulent but appears to only be impacting domestic birds. Virus transmission has not been detected in humans and is not impacting wild birds. Members of the public wishing to report sick or dying domestic birds should contact RIDEM at 401-222-2781 or 401-222-3070.

Winter surveys are coming to an end, but more work is ahead!

In this Issue: Conservation in Action (a thank you to volunteers); Updates on phase two of our winter bird surveys at Audubon wildlife refuges; and some preliminary data on phase one of the winter surveys.
Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

The Climate Jobs RI coalition endorsed a report by Cornell experts outlining policy recommendations to build a renewable, equitable, and worker-centered economy in Rhode Island.

In this Issue: An update on the nonbreeding season data collection and coming this spring: nocturnal and breeding season surveys.
Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

On 1 January 2022, Audubon began collecting data across its refuge system on the wintering distribution of birds. As we approach the end of the first two weeks of field surveys, data are already rolling in from across our refuge complex.

The most common reason we hear owls hooting is that they are defending territories and searching for mates. But owls make a lot of other calls and sounds too!

In this Issue: Audubon’s Legislative Progress in 2021 and 2022 Emerging Priorities, Land and Water Summit Update, The Need To Act On Climate, Audubon in the News, and more! sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Please save the dates for the 2022 RI Land and Water Conservation Summit! Read this important update at https://www.landandwaterpartnership.org/

As of Monday, December 20, 2021, Audubon Society of RI members and guests ages 2 and over, are required to wear a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status, when visiting Audubon facilities and when participating in Audubon programming. Thank you for helping us keep our staff volunteers, and other guests safe!

We’re already experiencing the climate crisis - right here in the Ocean State. A rapidly warming climate makes it challenging for migratory birds to adapt to the irreversible altering of habitat, food chains, pollinators and blooming seasons, and species interactions. But there can be optimism.

In this Issue: Responsibility birds; a call for winter bird survey volunteers; and Citizen Science: The Era of Big Data. Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

Snowy owls nest on the arctic tundra, but almost every year a few will show up in Rhode Island during the winter, usually in places that resemble the wide-open spaces of their arctic habitat; airports, sand dunes, coastlines and fields. | From the "Nature in the Neighborhood" series by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee (published by Newport This Week.)

Guest Post | Sheila Dobbyn of Thrive Outside reflects on lessons learned when spending time in nature - specifically, on an Audubon Owl Prowl with her son!

Big conservation needs require big data sets.

Audubon begins a new chapter in avian research and conservation. | Cover story by Todd McLeish for the Fall 2021 Audubon Report Issue

Finding the relationship between birds and habitats is the first step in effective conservation.

Discover the impact Audubon has in your town or city with our 2021 Community Reports. The accomplishments listed in these Reports would not have been possible without our members and donors!

In this Issue: Introductions to Audubon's Avian Research initiative and the Bird research blog; update on baseline data collections; and more! Click here to subscribe to the Audubon bird research email newsletter!

Audubon and the Ocean State Birding Club collected 36 pairs of new and gently used binoculars from generous donors in 2021. Thank you to our supporters who made this program such a success!

The Providence Journal published a story about the completion of the state's second bird atlas and the use of the atlas data by Audubon as part of its new scientific research initiative. The story highlights what we know about some of the species in decline and others that are colonizing our state.

Bird Research is underway at Audubon and the first talk on topics related to the conservation of our bird populations will be given on November 21, 2021 from 1 - 2:30pm at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium located in Bristol.

With our new Bird Research Initiative, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island aims to ensure that our 9,500 acres provide birds with the resources they require to thrive in the face of habitat loss, climate change and a suite of other factors that are contributing to their decline.

Audubon welcomes Lincoln Dark, a TerraCorps member serving as a Land Stewardship Coordinator with our conservation staff. Lincoln will also assist our education staff in community engagement and programming.

On Sunday, October 17th, we elected new board members, awarded our partner and volunteers of the year, and shared highlights from the past year during the 124th Annual Meeting. This year's theme was "Resilience: Adapting, Growing, and Looking to the Future," and we invite you to watch if you haven't already!

October 9 was World Migratory Bird Day and subsequently, Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s “Big Day.” Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee celebrated with the Ocean State Bird Club’s “Big Sit”, held at Beavertail State Park. Read about the day in her Newport This Week's "Nature in the Neighborhood"

In this installment of the "Nature in the Neighborhood" series by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee (published by Newport This Week) discusses odonates, including the new book “Dragonflies and Damselflies of Rhode Island” written by Ginger Brown and published by Rhode Island Di­vision of Fish & Wildlife

Newport’s Intrepid Birdwatcher and Photographer: A quiet guy with a colorful and creative history, Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee recently took the opportunity to talk with Weaver, now 77, during a birding excursion in South County for the Newport This Week Nature column.

Middletown resident Dr. Charles Clarkson has been appointed Director of Avian Research for the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. In this new position, he will lead efforts in developing research programs to protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats on Audubon protected properties and other natural spaces in Rhode Island.

In this installment of the "Nature in the Neighborhood" series by Audubon Senior Director of Education (published by Newport This Week,) Lauren Parmelee recounts a raccoon encounter. Learn about raccoon adaptations and how to live alongside these wild neighbors!

In this role she will work to initiate and advance legislation and policies at the state and local level to protect birds, wildlife, and Rhode Island’s environment. Read more about Priscilla - and be sure to give her a warm welcome when you see her!

"Rather than shrinking from human development, gulls have learned to take full advantage of it...Gulls aren’t going anywhere, so it is best to take the time to admire their amazing adaptation for survival."
Article by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee and published by Newport This Week.

"The hard-packed gravel trails wind through beautiful fields of tall grasses mixed with flowers, like common milkweed, daisy fleabane, red clover, purple cow vetch and yellow hawkweed. The birds tend to nest on the edges, but they spend a lot of time feeding on seeds and bugs in these fields."
Article by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee and published by Newport This Week.

Meet Audubon's newest educational ambassador: a gray morph Eastern Screech-Owl. We would like your help to pick the winning name from the three listed below! Cast your vote here: https://asri.org/name/vote.html.

A mysterious illness has infected songbirds in areas of the Eastern United States with symptoms of swollen and crusted eyes, lethargy, and neurological issues. Even though the disease has not been reported in Rhode Island, Audubon is monitoring the issue and making recommendations that might help keep the disease at bay if it enters New England.

Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr heads for retirement in June after three decades of environmental leadership in Rhode Island.

I am sure that most beachgoers are not contemplating the biodiversity of the shoreline habitat, but once you start paying attention, it is quite amazing how much life is around you while you are tanning.
Article by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee and published by Newport This Week.

Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee discusses seashells and shell collecting, which is a traditional beach pastime for people of all ages, in this article published by Newport This Week.

In this Issue: Water Conservation; Offshore wind takes a bold step forward; At the Rhode Island State House (Act On Climate, Climate Literacy Act, Regulating Neonicotinoid Pesticides, The Forest Conservation Act, 100% Renewable Electricity by 2030; and other legislation we're following) sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

You may have heard the phrase, “If you care, leave them there.” Many young birds are unnecessarily “rescued” by well-meaning humans every year when they are just exhibiting normal growing-up behaviors. Learn WHEN you should intervene, and how to do so properly

Imagine you are a small feathered creature who has to weave together all sorts of stuff to make a round cup that will hold your eggs. You have no tools or thumb, just a few toes, a beak and a round body.
Article by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee and published by Newport This Week.

In this Issue: Let's Talk About Trees!; Good News for the Migratory Bird Act!; At the Rhode Island State House (Act On Climate, Regulating Neonicotinoid Pesticides, The Forest Conservation Act, Solar Siting: Closing the 10 MW loophole, and The Climate Literacy Act.) sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Spring migration is here! May is the peak month for the spring bird migration, with something different moving through each week. Get in on the best birding of the year with Audubon! Novice birders are welcome. Walks are geared for teen to adult. Masks and social distancing are required.

Spring is the season for bird songs and woodpeckers drumming. All this noise is how a male bird establishes his territory and shows his prospective mate just how talented he can be. Check out this article written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee, published by Newport This Week.

This has been Audubon's top legislative priority for the past three years. Finally, the government will respond to the negative effects of climate change with action based on science, and with accountability to all people of Rhode Island!

In this Issue: Spring is here! (information on composting) and At the Rhode Island State House (Act On Climate, Regulating Neonicotinoid Pesticides, The Forest Conservation Act, Solar Siting: Closing the 10 MW loophole.) sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Spring is a noisy time of year. It is when most animals breed, and to attract a mate the males of many species have to be loud. So, this is the season to open your ears and enjoy the chorus. Check out this article written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee, published by Newport This Week.

Rhode Island has never been this close to real climate action. But we're not done yet. The final step before Act On Climate becomes law is getting the Governor's signature. But Governor McKee has not yet taken a position on the bill, and advocates are concerned that fossil fuel interests have the Governor's ear. Here are three things you can do to make sure Act On Climate gets McKee's signature and becomes law.

Like clockwork in spring, the annual rites of nature commence. Songbirds return from migration. Mammals wake from their winter slumbers, and the thawed ponds and vernal pools suddenly are filled with life. Audubon properties and trails are magical places in the spring, but the newly hatched birds on and very young mammals can be particularly vulnerable.

Audubon's partnership with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports natural outdoor classrooms in Rhode Island schools for hands-on environmental education.

In this Issue: National Learn About Butterflies Day; Beach; Clean Water and Green Bond - thank you!; New Secretary of Commerce and Governor; At the Rhode Island State House; Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

An article for Newport This Week's Nature in the Neighborhood by Audubon's Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee. | As forests have regenerated on abandoned agricultural fields in southern New England, common raven populations have steadily increased over the years - illustrated by the nightly rituals of the hundreds of crows that frequent the treetops on Broadway street in Newport!

Audubon has always participated in and relied on science, and turned to research by experts to help inform our management practices, our stance in policy, and the kind of materials we offer in our educational programs.

During the final days of the Trump presidency, the administration directed the Fish & Wildlife Service to no longer enforce the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) in cases of incidental bird deaths. The Biden administration has put the implementation of this new interpretation of the Act on hold, and the Fish and Wildlife Service is taking comments on the law until March 1.

In this Issue: Rhode Island's new waste sorting game; Beach; Clean Water and Green Bond goes to the voters on March 2 - Please Vote YES!; Early Actions of our new President; At the Rhode Island State House; and the Climate Crisis Advocate Training. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Each year people from around the world come together to watch, learn about, count, and celebrate birds during the Great Backyard Bird Count. This year's count is Friday, February 12 - Monday, February 15, 2021. Audubon Society of Rhode Island naturalists and educators will be participating in the count at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI. Follow along!

After years of inaction by the legislature on our top legislative priorities, 2021 is looking to be a HUGE year for Rhode Island's environment.

This is the season to seek out the beautiful array of sea ducks and other waterfowl that migrate from the north to spend the winter in our coastal waters. Check out this article written by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee, published by Newport This Week.

As part of a Citizen Science effort and Audubon's work with the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, we joined 11th Hour Racing Team in their effort to educate sailors on marine conservation issues and whale conservation. Click to learn more about how you can help protect marine wildlife!

Rhode Island is holding a special election on March 2nd on a series of proposed bonds, including the Beaches, Clean Water & Green Bond. Mail ballot applications must be returned by Feb 9th!

In this Issue: A Few Sustainability Tips to Kick off the New Year, Beach; Clean Water and Green Bond goes to the voters on March 2 - Please Vote YES!; The Great Backyard Bee Count; Climate Change Legislation at the 2021 Rhode Island General Assembly. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Meet Camilla, Audubon fall 2020 communications intern!

Join a virtual birding workshop with Audubon and learn the basics about local bird species and where to find them in winter. Then head outside to practice your new birding skills on your own, or join an Audubon outdoor program designed with safety in mind.

We are excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Read More

Do you have one or two gently-used pairs of binoculars in your closet? Please consider donating them to a child! With a solid pair of binoculars in their hands, we can help create the next generation of Rhode Island birders!

In this issue: A Few Ideas for Making Your Holiday More Sustainable; Environment Council of Rhode Island’s Green Report Card; Rhode Islanders See Climate Change as a Top Priority; Things with Wings: Recent Highlights from the Xerces Society’s Bee City USA Initiative; Migratory Bird Treaty Act under attack by Trump Administration; Audubon’s Legislative Priorities for 2021.sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Today the reality of climate change can seem overwhelming but Audubon’s strategic plan encourages us to view the world with an optimistic lens and to stay focused and driven towards the goals outlined.

As the colder weather approaches, many birds shift their behaviors and even food sources to survive the winter. While many migrate south, several species have developed amazing adaptations to survive the winter months.

Wonderfully fragrant and lovely to behold, those snow covered pines, evergreen boughs, and festive branches covered with red berries are all protected on Audubon Wildlife Refuges.

Turkeys are imbedded in the psyche and traditions of New Englanders. Check out this article by Audubon Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee, courtesy of Newport This Week!

It's holiday shopping time - shop local and support Audubon! Members will receive 20% off Gift Shop purchases during Member’s Double Discount days: December 5th and 6th, 2020.

A few Snowy Owls are typically spotted in Rhode Island each year, and over the past few weeks a couple of these majestic birds have been sighted. As nature enthusiasts flock to the shore in hopes of glimpsing these birds, Audubon experts worry about the stress these owls are facing - caused by their long journey, shortage of food and human interference.

In this issue: The Election is Behind Us!; Quick Tips For Getting Your Yard Ready For Winter Birds
; Continued Good News for Menhaden; . To stay informed and take action with Audubon, Governor Raimondo Commits to up to 600 MW of additional Offshore Wind; Advocating for Balancing Offshore Wind Development with Protection of Birds and Wildlife; How Migrating Birds Could Warn Us of the Next Pandemic; Action You Can Take. sign up to receive the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Let an Audubon guide take your group of up to four people on a private two-hour natural history or birdwatching tour in Southeastern New England! Audubon guides specialize in birds, but they are also excellent naturalists who can focus on your interests, including trees, flowers, insects or geology.

The Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) released its biennial Green Report Card today which summarizes the performance of the administration and legislature on environmental priorities. In the midst of crises of public health, justice, and climate change, the General Assembly and Administration fail to act on environmental policy.

This year, the RI Resource Conservation and Development Council's Coverts Workshop is going VIRTUAL! The programs will be presented in two online, free ZOOM sessions on November 7th and 14th. RI Coverts Project is an education program designed to help forest landowners promote the development of critical wildlife habitats. Click to download the flyer for more information (PDF download may take a moment.)

Read the recent Newport This Week article written by Audubon's Senior Director of Education Lauren Parmelee, "Learning to Live With Coyotes"!

In this issue: Taking care of your fall leaves; Stand Up For Forests; Legislative Update - No State Bond Referendums on November Ballot; Vermont Passes Climate Bill; and National Audubon webinar - An Inside Look: Radical Climate Action. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Join us for our annual day of pumpkin fun! Activities, designed with social distancing in mind, will include some of your favorites from last year as well as new adventures. Note that some activities require advance registration!

A common question we receive around this year is: "I have noticed all the birds have disappeared from my yards and the woods. Where have all the birds gone?" Nature is an amazing thing and provides a couple reasons for why the birds seem to have disappeared. But that is unfortunately not the full story. Adapted from Ask Audubon: Wildlife FAQ's.

In this issue: Pick up a Rake This Fall; A Big Win for Birds; A Big Win for Atlantic Menhaden; 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond in Jeopardy; Things with Wings; Community Responsibility. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Urban natural environments face unique hazards and are often impaired due to excessive levels of contaminants from stormwater, such as bacteria, oil, litter, fertilizer and pet waste. Learn how the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center is facing these issues with nature-based solutions.

Environmental organizations like Audubon have been promoting the “Your actions make a difference. Please do the right thing” message for decades. The COVID-19 pandemic is reminding us of the importance of community responsibility.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Laura Carberry are back for the 2020-2021 season! Because of Covid-19, this season's walks will look a little different, including advanced registration due group size limits. Learn More

In this issue: Build a Vertical Garden; Things with Wings: Inside a Monarch Swarm; Update on the 2021 Budget: 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond; Congress Approves the Great American Outdoors Act. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

The Rhode Island legislature’s environmental work ended abruptly with the COVID-19 pandemic. Bills addressing climate change, plastics, other toxics like pesticides and PFAS, and solar siting that were introduced are not being considered this year.

Don’t get bored in our changed world, rise to the challenge and start looking at birds in a new way!

Audubon can’t wait to welcome you back! As of July 30, 2020, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium will greet visitors with a capacity-based entrance. Guests will no longer need to register for a time ticketed entry.

In this issue: Tips for a more Sustainable Summer; Recent News on Climate Change; Things with Wings: Learn about Pollinators; Advocate for the 2021 Budget: RI Department of Environmental Management & Coastal Resources Management Council of RI funding and 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) announced today the launch of the Community Solar Marketplace website at risolarmarketplace.com.

In this issue: Pollinator Week, reducing waste, and action items regarding RI Department of Environmental Management & Coastal Resources Management Council of RI funding; 2020 Beach, Clean Water and Green Bond; Migratory Bird Treaty & Protection Acts and the Great American Outdoors Act. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Welcome back! Register in advance for timed ticket entry to the Nature Center and Aquarium. Let’s all get back to nature!

On June 18th, representatives from the Department of Environmental Management, the Providence Parks Department, EPA Region 1, the Nature Conservancy, and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, as well as Mayor Jorge Elorza, commemorated the launch of the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center (PSIC).

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass the Great American Outdoors Act, which will fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This will allow investment in critical repair needs within national parks and other public lands while creating jobs and driving investment in local communities. Thank you Rhode Island Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed!

A statement from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

In this issue: Actions You Can Take; Legislation During COVID-19; Climate Change is Still Looming; Offshore Wind and COVID-19; Keep learning while you are home! To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

During the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions and statewide lock down, the Audubon wildlife refuges have been experiencing record-breaking levels of visitation, and it’s not surprising why.

Migratory birds are now flooding across the continent, as they return to their nesting grounds this spring. World Migratory Bird Day is on May 9, 2020, as people around the globe welcome birds back—and lend them a helping hand.

How many bird species can you spot? Head outside with the Big Days checklist between May 3 and May 17, 2020, go birding ethically and safely, then submit your results. You could win Audubon recognition and prizes if you see the most species in your category, but more importantly, you will be celebrating the birds of Rhode Island during spring migration. Register Here

Let's go birding with Laura Carberry! There is no easier way to connect kids with nature than birding. Pull out some binoculars and get the whole family interested in the world outside your window. Birds can be found year round, in any habitat, and the learning possibilities are virtually endless. All you need are a few simple tools. Learn more!

Does that baby bird or rabbit in your yard really need rescuing? Before intervening in any way with an animal that appears to be injured or orphaned, monitor it from a distance and make a few careful observations.

Though the coronavirus pandemic prevents us from gathering together on April 22nd for Earth Day, it won't stop us from celebrating as a virtual community, locally and globally. We've gathered up some important resources to help you celebrate the Earth all week long, while being proactive in addressing the other crisis we are facing: climate change.

In this issue: Legislation During COVID-19; 50th Anniversary of Earth Day; and Understanding Audubon's Top Three Legislative Priorities. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

It’s not a stretch to say we’ve all been a little on-edge lately, but some time spent outside in nature can be a simple bit of first-aid during these difficult times.

Now more than ever, the outdoors continue to provide countless physical, mental and emotional health benefits for our community. And while our buildings and programs have temporarily shut down, our our 13 public wildlife refuges are there for you to explore. Read more.

To ensure the safety and health of our community, we have cancelled all programming until further notice, including the Wednesday Morning Birds Walks. Audubon is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation and we are ready to revise our response and protocols as needed. Stay updated here: https://asri.org/covid19/updates.html

Let's go birding with Laura Carberry! Head out into the forest before spring arrives, as that is when most of the Golden-crowned Kinglets will head north. If you find a mixed flock of birds, look for the flickering wings of a tiny songbird and listen for their high pitched chirps. Learn more about this fun little bird!

Approximately 62,500 tons of plastics ended up in the landfill in Rhode Island in 2015. Half of it could have been recycled through one of the state's recycling programs. Learn More

Let's go birding with Laura Carberry! It’s almost time to head out and search for one of the strangest shorebirds of New England, the American Woodcock. Learn more about these unique birds and register for a Woodcock walk!

This event has been cancelled. Want to live a greener lifestyle? Join us at Spring into Energy on April 18th! We're working with Green Energy Consumer's Alliance to gather experts from RI to create a one-stop shop for all your clean energy and conservation needs.

The House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is meeting on Thursday, March 5, and Act On Climate 2020 (H 7399) is on the agenda! If enacted, this bill will require Rhode Island to reduce its climate-warming emissions to zero by 2050. It will also make the state's emission reduction goals legally-binding, promoting accountability and transparency. Learn about the three ways you can help!

The Value of Rhode Island Forests report spotlights the benefits provided by forestlands and recommends strategies to encourage conservation. A project of the RI Tree Council and Forest Conservation Advisory Committee, of which Audubon Society of Rhode Island is a member of.

Come have all your questions answered about solar energy and discover if it is right for you on Sunday, February 23, 2020; 3:30 – 4:30 pm at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. This is a family-friendly event. Children’s activities will be available from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.

Help improve urban water quality and wildlife habitat through the use of innovative green stormwater practices! Water quality monitoring training sessions will be offered Saturday, March 28, 2020; 9 am – 12 pm and Thursday, April 2, 2020; 6 – 9 pm. Learn More

In this issue: Climate Crisis Advocate Training, Public Comments on Migratory Bird Act Rollbacks, Recently Introduced RI legislation on climate change and plastics. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

An ecological art installation depicting future sea level rise now shares the diverse habitat at Audubon’s Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge in Warren, Rhode Island.

It's Feed the Birds Day! The Audubon Society of Rhode Island shares tips for providing healthy options for birds and dispels some of the negative myths about feeding our feathered friends.

You can help reduce plastic waste in Rhode Island - join the Audubon Advocacy team this week as we testify in favor of two bills aimed at reducing plastic and balloon pollution in our environment. Click for details!

The Fight to Ban Plastic Bags, Straws and Balloon Releases | By Todd McLeish

By Journal Staff Writer Alex Kuffner

Plastics are Filling Oceans and Choking Wildlife | A story for the Audubon Report by Todd McLeish.

In this issue: 2020 Legislative Coffee Hour, Action You Can Take This Month, Rhode Island Legislation, Ideas from our Readers, PFAS movies, Climate Change in Rhode Island, National Issues. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

LET'S GO BIRDING | This bird is absolutely amazing to observe with a crested head and a black mask. The Cedar Waxwing truly looks as though an artist may have pulled it from a painting. So where should you look to find them?

Weather radar detects change on a continental scale. Study done by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Colorado State University and University of Massachusetts.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island has earned GuideStar’s highest seal of transparency! The Platinum Seal allows donors to focus on progress and results.

In this issue: PFAS movie: Dark Waters, climate change – National Wildlife Federation’s Unnatural Disasters story map, national issues: preparing for floods, action you can take this month and ideas from our readers.
To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Come to Audubon on December 7th, 2019, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and pick a freshly cut tree from a local Rhode Island farm and have your child’s picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus (reservations required for photos - SOLD OUT!). Enjoy seasonal crafts and nature activities, natural history exhibits and aquarium, the Audubon Nature Gift Shop and wintry walks (accessible trails!) to Narragansett Bay.

Editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy 

In this issue: Climate Change Resiliency Planning in Rhode Island, Issue of Local Concern: PFAS, National Issues:
Electric Cars, Action You Can Take This Month and Ideas From our Readers. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

In this issue: National Issues: Decline in Birds and the Recovering America's Wildlife Act of 2019,Assessing Flood Risk, Climate Change: What's Rhode Island's Government doing?, Action You Can Take This Month and Ideas From Our Readers. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Audubon’s annual awards for Educator, Legislator and Volunteer of the Year were presented as well as the selection of officers and new members for the 2019-2020 Board of Directors and Council of Advisors. Ashley Householder, Associate Curator for Exhibitions at The Preservation Society of Newport County, gave a keynote speech on the current exhibit on display at Rosecliff: John James Audubon: Obsession Untamed.

Fun Fall Activities | The Audubon education team has years of experience engaging kids in outdoor explorations and summer camps. Here are some of their favorite suggestions for fun fall activities.

Our Common Ravens Zach and Lucy are now living in the display cage open to public viewing behind the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI. Zach and Lucy are very social birds and love to see people. Visit them soon!

Introducing the monthly Audubon Eagle Eye Advocacy Update. To stay informed and take action with Audubon, sign up to recieve the Eagle Eye in your email inbox.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island received $177,535 in federal grant funding to work in partnership with the City of Providence Parks Department and The Nature Conservancy to create a regional center for stormwater innovation at Roger Williams Park in Provi

The national media brought sobering news today about the steep decline of birds in North America. What may seem obvious to those of us who care about birds is finally making headlines. You may find this news discouraging, but it is an urgent wake-up call. Our work is more important than ever.

Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. Join people around the globe during Audubon and Save the Bay's International Coastal Cleanup on September 28th at Jacob's Point in Bristol! The cleanup is from 11:00 am-1:30 pm and we'll meet at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Click to register!

Come celebrate Audubon’s 122 years of building environmental awareness and promoting conservation to generations of Rhode Islanders!
The Audubon Annual meeting is Sunday, October 20, 2019 and includes a guided tour of the "John James Audubon: Obsession Untamed" with Keynote Speaker and Exhibit Curator Ashley Householder.

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is conducting an online survey to gather public input on issues related to state forests. Feedback will be used to inform the Rhode Island 2020 State Forest Action Plan (SFAP) and develop strategies to conserve working forest landscapes, protect forests from harm, and enhance public benefits from trees and forests. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey to benefit our state's forest: https://ridem.wufoo.com/forms/z8ntm760zvfyj1/

We had a blast celebrating our most important supporters...our members! Thank you to all who came to the AuduBonfire Member Appreciation Evening.

Since 1982, Audubon has offered popular summer nature camps for children at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, MA.

This is a good time to look at the websites and postings of our elected officials. Let those leaders that focus on environmental issues know you appreciate it. Let our leaders know that the environment is a priority, and tell them that you want to see more positive outcomes in the 2020 session.

Audubon educators suggest ways to keep your kids engaged with easy and fun outdoor explorations!

Seven environmentally minded young women from Rhode Island high schools have formed the 2019 Youth Conservation League. They teamed this summer to gain valuable experience while helping numerous conservation groups with their service.

Renovation and restoration at Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Seekonk, MA Caratunk Wildlife Refuge brings renewal to this hiking hotspot.

LET'S GO BIRDING | By Audubon Naturalist Laura Carberry
Saltmarsh sparrows, Oystercatchers and a recovering marsh habitat in Quonochontaug Salt Marsh in Charlestown, RI!

Legislative Recap: Audubon Advocacy in the 2019 Session | While we did hold off some bad bills, none of Audubon’s priority bills were passed. The Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) decided to deny a permit to the Invenergy power plant in Burrillville and the legislative session ended a few days after this exciting decision.

For wildlife. For pollinators. For the environment. | People are often reluctant to change manicured green spaces into wild spaces but filling the built environment with rain gardens and pollinator meadows will help us create more resilient communities and supports wildlife and pollinator.

An editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy | Our forests provide innumerable services to humans and wildlife. Maintaining woodlands in rural areas of the state and promoting tree planting in suburban and urban neighborhoods is part of the climate change solution.

Learning about forests is important for all ages, so the key role that forests play in a healthy environment is a frequent talking point in many of Audubon’s educational programs.

Forests protect the water quality in local aquifers and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. They provide vital habitat, cool the environment, reduce soil erosion and provide a stress-free place for rest, recreation and rejuvenation. Audubon wants see forests in the language of the law, because when natural resources are referenced in RI laws, forests are absent, as if they don’t even exist.

Let's Go Birding by Audubon Naturalist Laura Carberry | Colorful passerines are what birders crave. They are small, flit around the treetops and can be incredibly hard to find: but the chase is what keep us coming back for more. Here are some tips on where to find them this season.

Thank you to all who attended the 2019 Party for the Peregrines; we had a blast and we hope you did as well! Check out the photo slideshow of the night's festivities (photos taken by Reinhard Sokol).

June 2019 Nature Programs and Events | Start your summer off right – in the great outdoors! Join Audubon to search for birds on the water, explore a pollinator garden, and get up-close with some giants of the sea. It’s a busy time at Audubon – come join the fun in June.

Audubon supports the Rhode Island Woodland Preservation and Stewardship Act of 2019.

On May 6, 2019 Providence became the 30th city in the nation to receive this designation after years of hard work to enhance urban habitat for birds, reduce hazards faced by urban bird species, and engage the community through citizen science and environmental education.

The Providence Peregrine clutch has begun to hatch! Tune in and watch as the eyases emerge.
View it here: https://asri.org/view/peregrine-cam.html
or on Youtube: https://youtu.be/MzNbmrjWeUY

North America has over 650 species of breeding birds and more than half migrate each year. That’s a lot of birds! Join the Audubon experts and discover birding during the most popular time of year!

Turns out, even the smallest steps can have an impact. This Earth Day, consider your ecological footprint and enact these seven green ways to embrace today.

The Rhode Island YCL team works together on projects for Audubon and The Nature Conservancy as well as land trusts, towns and watershed groups around the state. We are now recruiting for crew members, leaders and assistant leaders. Do you want to recruit the YCL team for your environmental stewardship project? We are also accepting applications for stewardship day project proposals!

Representative Lauren Carson and Senator Dawn Euer invite you to join them in celebration of trees and their essential role in Rhode Island’s ecology on May 9th at the Rhode Island State House.

"Proposed R.I. solar farms endangering rural forests, environmentalists say" - an article by Alex Kuffner of the Providence Journal

Come spend the evening at McCoy Stadium and benefit Audubon Society of Rhode Island as the PawSox take on the Rochester Red Wings. Stay for a spectacular Harry Potter Themed Postgame Fireworks show!

Audubon's fun alternative to the same old Easter Egg Hunt! The Camouflaged Egg Hunt is this Saturday, April 13th at four locations around the state.

Audubon supports the Woodland Preservation and Stewardship Act of 2019, introduced by Rhode Island Representative Arthur Handy (District 18) and developed in partnership with Audubon. This bill recognizes and protects Rhode Island’s essential forest habitats.

Without changes in state policy, development will continue unchecked in areas of the state critically important as bird and wildlife habitat.

Land and Water Conservation Fund permanently reauthorized & Rhode Island's Wood-Pawcatuck River designated as part of the Wild and Scenic River System.

So, what's the plan? An editorial piece by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr.

Audubon dedicates significant financial and human resources to our programs and our animal ambassadors, but we think the investment is well worth it. The outcome we aim for is environmental literacy, where people understand and appreciate birds, wildlife and the natural world and then will provide the necessary support to help us protect it.

The newest additions to Audubon’s animal ambassadors are an Eastern Screech-Owl named Penny whose feathers are the color of her namesake coin and a young Common Raven named Lucy, who was found on the ground last summer at a major road intersection in Connecticut.

Please join the Environment Council of Rhode Island at a rally and press conference to urge the General Assembly and the state government to take action on climate change.

Help us kick-off this season's Osprey Monitoring Program - sign up for a training session today!

The bill would prevent hundreds of our most popular and life-changing programs from happening at local schools and with scout groups. It will also have a significant impact on Raptor Weekend, New England’s largest raptor festival and Audubon’s largest public program.

February is full of frosty fun at Audubon. Hit the trails with snowshoes, search for eagles on a river cruise, or enjoy winter stargazing at Caratunk. Grab your hat and mittens and enjoy some outdoor winter explorations!

Audubon's Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge is currently closed due to the extreme ice in the parking lot.

Greet each month this year with a scene from Rhode Island's natural world! The 2019 Audubon Society of Rhode Island Calendar features photos captured by eleven local wildlife photographers. Your purchase supports the habitats and animals pictured in this colorful calendar.

This winter, don't forget to include plants for pollinators in your spring gardening plans! | An editorial by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr

Don’t be a couch potato in January! Join a birding expert and search for waterfowl at the shore, head out and prowl for owls, or learn to identify animal tracks in the snow. Nature in winter is truly a wonderland. Just bundle up and go!

The Coalition for a Cooler Rhode Island (CACRI) completed an assessment of Rhode Island’s implementation of the Resilient Rhode Island Act. The report finds that the state has not accomplished what was required by the Act and argues that much more urgency must be given to climate response. Click here to access the report.​​​​​​​

Visitors who view the conservation staff as the face of Audubon should not be surprised to find them mowing grass, repairing kiosks, building boardwalks or doing innumerable other tasks that some may not consider conservation work. But while they are happy to answer questions, identify plants and do whatever else may be necessary to help visitors enjoy their experience on the property, there is always more to do.

Five years ago, Audubon set a goal to attain accreditation with the national Land Trust Alliance (LTA) to prove to ourselves, and our supporters, that we are indeed (and not just in theory) careful and proper stewards of the land. This accreditation is the national gold standard for non-governmental organizations that conserve land.

See how your state representative and senator performed in 2017 and 2018 using ECRI's latest Green Report Card. Once you review their grade, contact them with thanks or encourage them to be more environmentally responsible, using our instructions and letter template.

December 2018 Nature Programs and Events | Join the Audubon experts on a winter birding trip, search for owls on the evening trails, or create a festive wreath that entices your feathered friends. Take a break from the holiday rush and celebrate the natural world with your family this season!

Two major reports were recently issued that confirm the urgency of the climate crisis. They remind us here in the Ocean State of the urgency of our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fund projects that enhance the resiliency of our communities.

Audubon and Rhode Island Renewable Energy Siting Stakeholder Committee partners shared concerns and recommendations with government officials on November 2nd, 2018. Read the submitted letter here.

Audubon is looking for volunteers to help out with two events on December 1st, 2018: Annual Tree Sale and Photos with Santa in Bristol and the Audubon Holiday Craft Fair in Smithfield.

Audubon joined with other partners and submitted comments on the draft regulations for the 2017, “Taxation of Farm Forest and Open Space Land” law.

Thanks to a grant from the Champlin Foundations as well as gifts from individual donors, the parking lot and rain garden work at Caratunk is expected to be complete before the onset of winter. Learn about other new features at wildlife refuges around the state, too!

Thank you for your enthusiastic support of the Green Economy and Clean Water Bond, which passed statewide with nearly 80% approval. With your continued support we will monitor and advocate for quick distribution of these critical funds to help birds, wildlife and us all.

November 2018 Nature Programs | Give thanks for all that nature provides! Bundle up on a crisp, quiet November evening to search for owls or head out for a birding caravan - South County style. Bring the kids on an autumn nature walk and warm up with cocoa or cider. Enjoy the spirit of the season at Audubon!

Do you enjoy capturing the wonder of nature through the lens of a camera? Share landscapes, birds, creatures or people interacting with nature. Winning photos will be featured on our social media channels, in our member Report issue and on our website. Photos MUST be taken on one of Audubon Society of Rhode Island's wildlife refuges that are open to the public. Submissions are due by October 31, 2018. For complete details and to enter, click here: http://bit.ly/AudubonPhotoContest

Annual awards for Educator and Volunteer of the Year were presented as well as the selection of officers and new members for the 2018-2019 Board of Directors and Council of Advisors. A keynote address on the State of the Birds was given by Dr. Charles Clarkson. Major gubernatorial candidates addressed environmental issues.

The Johnston High School Music Department took donations in Rachel Carson's name at their Friday Night Live event in October. Due to her love of nature, they chose to donate the funds to Audubon in her memory.

Audubon’s New California Two Spot Octopus! Watch closely and you might see eight tiny arms slowly emerge from a small rock cluster. You might even catch it moving gracefully creeping along the bottom in search of food using suckers. But you will have to look carefully – it is already a master of camouflage.

Volunteer at a different kind of autumn celebration! Assignments include set-up and break down, facilitating crafts and games, assisting with pumpkin sales and more. Apply Here

On November 6, voters in Rhode Island have the opportunity to support a critical investment in land and water protection. Learn about the $47.3 Million Green Economy and Clean Water Bond (Bond #3 on the ballot) and what you can do to help spread the word!

They may have chiseled features and feathers of wood, but these amazing works of art seem ready to flap their wings and fly. Exquisitely carved songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and other wildlife will be showcased at the Audubon Bird and Wildlife Carving Exposition on November 3 & 4.

An editorial by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr, on the diversity in background, skills and talents amongst people who care deeply about the environment. We can all appreciate the natural world and commit to its protection - even if we do not know all the names.

Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Charles Clarkson, coordinator of the Rhode Island Breeding Bird Atlas as well as three major candidates running in the November election for RI Governor.

Audubon will co-host this memorial walk with Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council to honor the late Paul McElroy, who enjoyed nature walks as a child. As an adult, Paul was an avid supporter of both organizations. October 6, 2018; 9am - 11am; Riverside Park, 50 Aleppo Street, Providence, RI.

The AuduBonfire member appreciation night was a blast! Fires, friends, and fun in nature made for the most magical autumn evening. Thank you to our members for joining us this weekend and for your enduring support.

Looking for a way to do your part to help pollinators? Join us for our popular beekeeping class!  In this six-session course you'll learn the basics from local beekeeper Kevin England. Learn about the class, instructor and register here!

Audubon October Programs and Events | Crisp, cool air.  Beautiful fall foliage on winding trails. Fall migrants overhead. They all combine to make October a special time of year. So take a break, pull on your fleece jacket, rustle through some leaves and enjoy October the Audubon way!

Each fall thousands of raptors fly south through New England on their way to wintering grounds. The peak time to observe the hawks is typically mid-September through mid-October. Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut all have great places to watch this wonderful migration.

The Rhode Island Birding Atlas is a five-year effort which will help to answer some big questions upon its completion: How have bird species and distribution changed since the previous study was completed over 30 years ago? How have bird habitats been altered?

Come immerse yourself in the tropics and experience the amazing diversity of bird life in Panama. Upcoming trips are December 6 – 11, 2018 or February 7 – 12, 2019 and are led by Professional Ornithologist and Audubon Board Member, Charles Clarkson, PhD. Informational sessions are available!

Audubon September Programs and Events | Audubon loves autumn! Get up close and learn all about about amazing raptors, take a rambling hike in the cool forest, or enjoy a wild mushroom walk and dinner. As the cooler weather arrives, head outside and enjoy the natural world.

Raptor Weekend is New England's largest celebration of raptors. This September, join us for exciting new presenters including a live flight demonstration and plenty of art on display. The event will also feature raptor presentations by Audubon experts and wildlife rehabilitators from across the Northeast that have Raptor Weekend fans coming back year after year!

LET’S GO BIRDING By Laura Carberry
Often when we think of pollinators, we conjure images of bees and butterflies. But there is another, often over-looked pollinator darting around Rhode Island...

Audubon August Programs and Events | It’s all about the ocean in August! Get up close and learn all about about cool marine critters, take a daylong trip in search of shorebirds, or design your own sea glass jewelry!

Eagles, Owls, Falcons and Hawks Descend on Audubon at Raptor Weekend 2018 | Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI; September 8 & 9, 2018; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For every ticket purchased to the August 4th Pawsox vs Rochester Red Wings game through this link, Audubon will receive $5! It's Superhero night, and McCoy Stadium will also feature post-game fireworks!

Audubon July Programs and Events | Relaxing twilight walks, morning River Cruises, and a evening lawn concert with lemonade…Audubon knows how to keep it cool in July when the weather gets hot and muggy!

Audubon’s policy department collaborates with many partners across the state to track environmental issues and develop successful advocacy strategies. Rhode Island’s environmental community works exceptionally well together, recognizing the power of many voices working together as one. An Editorial from the Spring 2018 Report by Meg Kerr, Audubon Senior Director of Policy

Audubon Society of Rhode Island received a $20,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation for the Audubon Environmental Education for Urban Schools Initiative. Thank you National Grid!

Audubon Celebrates National Pollinator Week by hosting a Bee Rally in the State House and lighting up the dome in black and yellow. That big striped State House Dome will “bee” hard to miss in June!

Audubon Designs and Monitors Pollinator Habitat by Hugh Markey
From the 2018 Spring Report

The first batch of prototype 'Nature at Work’ pollinator habitat road signs have been printed! Through her seat on the Pollinator Working Group, Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr has worked with the RI DOT to create these signs which will be displayed amongst pollinator-friendly plants along Rhode Island roads.

Audubon Advocacy Gives a Voice to Pollinators in Crisis by Todd McLeish
From the 2018 Spring Report

Use the bill tracker tool to learn about hearings for specific pieces of legislation. Here are the bills Audubon is currently are watching.

Audubon Celebrates National Pollinator Week by hosting a Bee Rally in the State House and lighting up the dome in black and yellow. That big striped State House Dome will “bee” hard to miss in June!

It has a new pollinator garden, a recently built rustic meadow pavilion, a redesigned universally accessible trail and A NEW NAME!

The Providence Peregrine eggs have begun to hatch - as of 12 pm there are two hatchlings. Watch it live!

It’s spring! Grab your binoculars and search for spring migrants. May means warmer weather, so take the time to hit the trails and explore those special places in Rhode Island with Audubon!

It’s spring! Audubon Offers Migration Information, Birding Classes & FREE May Birding Walks.

Rhode Island Youth Conservation League Crew members work as a team on projects for land conservation and wildlife management partners including the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and The Nature Conservancy.

Smart renewable energy siting will allow Rhode Islander's to protect their natural resources for generations to come. Via the Providence Journal.

Please join Audubon at the Environment Council of Rhode Island’s (ECRI) Earth Day at the State House on Wednesday, April 25 at 3:15 PM in the State Room

As the days lengthen and the air warms with sweet renewal, like clockwork, the annual rites of spring commence. It is also then that Audubon's phones begin to ring-- and ring --and ring. Hundreds of calls from concerned individuals and businesses want to know what to do about the spring babies. The answer, nine times out of ten, is 'nothing'. Find out why...

It’s spring! Head outside in the warmer temperatures and search for seals, watch for Woodcocks, and join a birding walk. April is an awesome time at Audubon, come join the fun!

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of Audubon's Former Executive Director Alfred L. Hawkes. Al passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018. He served as Audubon Society of Rhode Island Executive Director from 1958 to 1993 and guided Audubon through its most critical growth period. Hawkes was recognized as a strong, statewide leader for shaping early environmental action and consciousness in the state.

When it comes to the Ocean State Osprey population, the numbers this year may not be telling the whole story. Even with fewer fledglings recorded, birding experts believe that the 2017 numbers still indicate a healthy population.

Please be advised that Audubon is working diligently to open all trails in a safe and timely fashion with our limited staff. We have 15 public wildlife refuges and over 30 miles of trails to access and clean up as well - hike with extreme caution at other locations.

Congratulations to Lisa!

The 2018 legislature session is back in session. It is easy to think that advocacy ends when a good bill passes. But many times, passage of bills means that our work is just beginning. Editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy

Help us kick-off this season's Osprey Monitoring Program - sign up for a training session today!

Through Environmental Education, Audubon builds the next generation of conservationists. An article from the 2018 Winter Report Issue by Todd McLeish.

With warmer weather on the way, there is not a better time to get outside! Experience sweet maple sugaring, go birding with an expert, or bring the kids for Audubon’s Camouflaged Egg Hunt. Just pull on those boots and go!

Environment Council of Rhode Island is hosting a press conference to showcase the broad opposition to this plan. Speakers include Governor Raimondo, Senator Dawn Euer, Representative Lauren Carson, President of the Rhode Island Commercial Fisherman’s Association Chris Brown and Vice President and Director of Conservation Law Foundation of Rhode Island Amy Moses. If weather permits, we encourage attendees to march from the State House to BOEM's public meeting.

Striking Swallows, peaceful ponds and more - the twelve winning photos of the 2017 Audubon Photo Contest reveal nature in all its glory! Congratulations to the photographers whose images were selected as the winning photographs.

Ornithologist Charles Clarkson, coordinator for the RI Bird Atlas, will review the latest findings documenting the distribution, abundance and long-term change of birds in this state. The presentation will take place at the Bosworth Lecture Series on Thursday, Feb 8 at 7:00 pm in the Rogers Free Library. The event is free and open to the public.

Take a walk to look for sea birds at the shore or sample some tasty ales as you learn all about owls. Bring a friend, bundle up and join an Audubon expert to discover those natural wonders found only during the winter months.

The exhibit hall at the Audubon Environmental Education Center will be closed until further notice while its roof is under repair. All programs currently scheduled at the Audubon Environmental Education Center will take place as planned unless noted. Please check our program calendar for updates on specific programs.

It looks like Rhode Island may be in for another irruption year for Snowy Owls. Although birding experts understand the fascination with these amazing owls, there is also a great deal of concern about the protection of these tired and hungry visitors from the arctic region.

Join the Audubon experts on a winter birding trip, search for owls on the evening trails, or create a festive wreath that entices your feathered friends. Take a break from the holiday rush and celebrate the natural world with your family this season!

An editorial by Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy. Audubon’s 2017 legislative year was very successful, setting the stage for important work
this fall and winter.

An Audubon Report story by Todd McLeish from the 2017 Fall Report, supporting the Audubon 2017 series on climate change.

Part Four of the Audubon 2017 Report Series on Climate Change by Todd McLeish.

Audubon has plenty of offerings this holiday season. Join us for workshops, craft fairs and family fun. Choose to support nature this season with wonderful Audubon gifts.

Take action … be the solution … by choosing People’s Power and Light to provide clean, local sources of renewable energy to power your home.

Board Members Team Up to Improve Trails at Audubon’s Caratunk Wildlife Refuge in Seekonk, RI.

Managing Atlantic Menhaden- an op-ed published by Providence Journal. Audubon Society of Rhode Island Executive Director Larry Taft, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association President Steve Medeiros, and Save The Bay Executive Director Jonathan Stone unite, calling on Rhode Islanders to get involved in this national issue.

An outdoor classroom and schoolyard habitat will be unveiled in the coming weeks at the Sarah Dyer Barnes Elementary School in Johnston, RI. Audubon Society of Rhode Island teamed up with the school's staff and volunteers to make this outdoor learning area come to life. Made possible through a grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, this wonderful addition will provided a safe haven for birds and insects.

R.I.’s Environmental Big Three United Against Power Plant - ecoRI News

More Than Meets the Eye… Audubon Refuges are Nature’s Defense Against Climate Change. An Audubon Report story by Todd McLeish from the 2017 Summer Report, supporting the Audubon 2017 series on climate change.

Exquisitely carved songbirds, raptors, waterfowl and other wildlife will be showcased at the Audubon Bird and Wildlife Carving Exposition on November 4 and 5, 2017. Meet the award-winning artisans, shop the carvings, observe demonstrations and enjoy the Environmental Education Center trails in fall.

A very clever Raven named Zachariah has recently found a new home with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. In addition to the Raven, Audubon has recently adopted two Red-tailed Hawks and a Great Horned Owl from a retiring wildlife rehabilitator in Maine.

Part Three of the Audubon Report 2017 Series on Climate Change by Todd McLeish

This is a historic accomplishment for Rhode Island. We were the first state to adopt high level green building standards through the original Green Building Act back in 2009. Rhode Island has taken these high standards one step further with these amendments by implementing LEED for Neighborhood Development and SITES standards as public policy and law.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island is terribly saddened by the news of Lorrie Schumacher's passing.

An editorial by Audubon Senior Director of Policy Meg Kerr on greening your personal lifestyle. Taken from the Audubon Summer 2017 Report Issue.

Audubon has long supported green, nature-based solutions to reduce stormwater runoff. Learn about Rhode Island's past, present and future efforts to improve water quality in the State.

This August, we celebrate National Water Quality Month. How can you have an impact on water quality? We’ve got some ideas for the role you play in making a difference.

Get cozy! In the comfort of your home, Audubon will offer a different activity each week through Thursdays with Audubon. Enjoy virtual interviews, nature trivia, bingo, or eco-improv and more.

Last year was an incredible nesting season for Rhode Island's Ospreys. The 2016 Osprey Monitoring Report, which illustrates the hard work of over 100 volunteers, has been completed by Audubon's Director of volunteer services and coordinator of the monitoring program, Jonathon Scoones.

Walter J. Berry of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports on the status of the Seaside Sparrow. Like the Saltmarsh Sparrow, Seaside Sparrows are threatened by a loss of habitat due to climate change. An article from Audubon's Spring 2017 Report, supporting the Audubon 2017 Report series on climate change.

Audubon naturalists lead teams into the field to identify and record butterfly sightings. No experience is needed. This event is part of the North American Butterfly Association's annual survey of butterflies.

Part Two of the 2017 Audubon Report Series on Climate Change By Todd McLeish.

Come celebrate pollinators June 19th - 25th and help spread the word about how to protect them.

There is an increasing buzz about pollinators these days. But it’s not that sound in your garden as bees go about their business. Learn about what Audubon is doing to help our blossom-loving friends, what you can do at home and in your community and all about how you can celebrate National Pollinator Week with us!

Wednesday Morning Bird Walkers were hard at work on May 10th, creating a new pollinator garden at Audubon's Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter, RI.

Great Egrets undergo some fantastic changes during breeding season. Learn about them here.

Download, view and share our infographic on climate change. What causes climate change? What are the results? What can you do?

Audubon’s Kingston Wildlife Research Station Records Bird Population and Migration Data. An article By Hugh Markey from Audubon's Winter 2017 Report, supporting the Audubon 2017 Report series on climate change.

Become an Audubon Osprey Monitor: Have fun watching Osprey while helping citizen science in Rhode Island. Join us this Sunday for the last Osprey Monitoring Training session.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island, along with many other environmental groups held a press conference today at the RI State House to voice opposition to Invenergy's proposed $700-million gas-burning power plant in Burrillville. See the entire press conference here.

A letter from Lawrence Taft, Executive Director of Audubon.

Time spent in nature is a buffer against the hectic pace of modern life. In an ever-changing environment, photographer Rufus Abdullah strives to preserve moments found in the natural world. Whether it is animal or plant life, his images are witness to his quest for serenity and balance.

Experience the Galapagos Islands through photograph with Audubon Board Member Candace Powell and her husband Chris. Learn about a chance to win this exciting trip at Audubon's Party for the Peregrines auction.

Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy, invites you to learn about Audubon's current advocacy initiatives.

Learn the types of nesting materials you can provide in order to give the birds a helping hand this spring.

Part One of the Audubon 2017 Report Series on Climate Change by Todd McLeish.

The Energize Rhode Island Coalition, along with Senator Jeanine Calkin and Representative Aaron Regunberg, invites the public to join them as they introduce the Energize Rhode Island Act of 2017 at a press conference on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 3pm to 4pm.

Congratulations to the winners of the Audubon 2016 Photo Contest! View the winning photos here.

Audubon Supports Open Space Protection Bill. Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy for Audubon, and the Rhode Island Land Trust Council testified for open space protection on January 18, 2017.

In honor of America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing significant findings on the economic benefits of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study.