Published June 1, 2023
Explore Nature at Night
Evening Temperatures are Cool…and so is the Wildlife
Exploring the trails in the evening, under a sky full of stars, can seem like a great adventure. You are transported to another world where there are mysterious noises in the fields, loud choruses in the ponds, and fleeting movements in the forest. So many amazing things happen in nature at night.
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Barred Owl by Jason Major
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Many animals, such as raccoons, bats and beavers are nocturnal, or night-active, creatures. Beautiful, angular insects and stunning, patterned moths can be attracted to a light for viewing. Many Audubon naturalists consider the evening hours to be one of the very best times to experience the natural world. Especially during the warm summer months, when temperatures cool off for these evening excursions.
“Nighttime programs are by far my favorite, said Audubon Naturalist and Properties Director Laura Carberry. “Being in the darkness opens up your senses as you explore. You smell water as you get close to the pond, you hear the trill of toads, or listen to a distant hoot of an owl. And imagine just standing quietly, watching hundreds of fireflies blinking and making their way through the fields. It’s magical, and it brings me great joy to see smiles on everyone's faces after an evening of exploring nature.”
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.
Register early for these evening programs as they tend to fill quickly – and remember to bring a flashlight.
Visit the Audubon Society of Rhode Island events calendar for details and to register: www.asri.org/calendar
Nocturnal Wildlife Tour
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA; June 4, 2023; 8:00-9:30 pm.
Bat Walk
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI; June 9, 2023; 7:30-9:00 pm.
Ice Cream and Lightning Bugs
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI; June 23, 2023; 7:30-9:30 pm.
Froggy Foray
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA; July 13, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm.
Bats at Eppley
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI; June 16, 2023; 8:00-9:30 pm.
Fireflies!
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI July 7, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm.
Bats and Beer
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI; July 21, 2023; 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Family Night Hike
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI; August 4, 2023; 8:00-9:30 pm.
Nightlife at Ruecker
Emilie Ruecker Wildlife Refuge, Tiverton, RI; August 10, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm.
Night Singers at Parker Woodland
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI; August 17, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm.
Night Singers at Caratunk
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA; August 18, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm.
Super Blue Moon Walk
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI; August 31, 2023; 7:30-9:00 pm.
