December 28, 2018

January means Frosty Fun: Owls, Ales, Animal Tracks and more!

January 2019 Nature Programs and Events
at Audubon Society of Rhode Island

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!

Download a beautiful color copy of our Program Guide featuring December 2018 - February 2019 Nature Programs:

Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online through the events calendar. You may also click on each program title to register or learn more.

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Winter Big Day 2019
Locations Across the State
January 3, 2019; 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

This popular adventure has become a Rhode Island tradition to see how many bird species can be found in a single day! Jump in the new Audubon van to visit many of the state's winter hot spots in search of our feathered winter residents, such as Barrow's Goldeneye, Eurasian Wigeon, Short-eared Owl and Snow Buntings. Dress warmly, pack a lunch and optics.

Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $50/member; $60/non-member. Ages: 18+. Register here.

Avian Obsession
Art Exhibit by Evan Lipton
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 6 Through February 28, 2019; Click here for hours.
Exhibit opening January 6, 2019 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Evan Lipton has been drawing as far back as he can remember. When birding became his passion at the age of sixteen, his art followed the same path. He combined his love of birds with his drawing, and he’s been pursuing the use of different mediums ever since—including pen, colored pencil, and watercolor. Nearly daily birding excursions continue to inspire him as the hundreds of species that nest, winter, and migrate through Rhode Island flit through thickets, paddle along the bay, and soar overhead. Exhibit opening January 6, 2019 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission Ages: All.

Daylight Owl Prowl
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 5, 2019; 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Audubon naturalists often hear owls at Fort Refuge calling during the day - especially in the breeding season. Join a walk listening and calling for owls on this beautiful refuge. While wild owls are never guaranteed to cooperate, it will be an enjoyable winter hike. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 8+. Register here.

Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 5, 2019; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thanks to the Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No registration required.

10:00 am - 2:00 pm: Nature Craft table
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Spot the Snowflake. Can you spot 10 snowflakes in our exhibit hall? Spot them all and receive prize to take home.
10:30 am & 1:30 pm: Animal Nature Story
11:30 am: Snow & Ice Challenge - Recommended for ages 6 and up.
2:30 pm: Animal Interview

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All. No need to register.

Where Do Animals Live at Caratunk?
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 5, 2019; 10:00am-12:00 pm

Come to the big white barn and learn about animal homes such as burrows, cavities, nests and lodges. Then hike out on the refuge in search of some of these wildlife homes. Please dress for the weather.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; January 5, 2019; 10:00am-12:00 pm; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member Child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register here.
 

Snowshoe Sunday at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 6, 2019; 8:00 – 10:00 am

Audubon opens the gates early to explore Caratunk by snowshoe (weather permitting). After some fresh air and exercise, return to the barn for hot cider and pastries. If there is not enough snow, participants will take a hike. Please dress appropriately and bring your own snowshoes. (REI rents snowshoes.)

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12+. Register here.
 

Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 2019; 9:45 – 10:45 am

This popular program introduces children ages 18 months to 2 years to the delights of nature through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. Along with a nature lesson, activities may include nature walks, crafts, songs and stories. This is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends with the other children and parents. Registration is required as space fills very quickly. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. In order to maintain an age-appropriate program we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee for six week series: $60/member child, $76/two member siblings; $65/non-member child, $82/two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register here.

 SOLD OUT!  Owl Prowl at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 12, 2019; 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Head out on the trails to search for owls in their natural setting. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10+. Register here.

 SOLD OUT!  Sea Glass Jewelry
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 12, 2019; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Come create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too!

Advance registration is required. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register here.

 SOLD OUT!  Owls and Ale
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 19, 2019; 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Meet some of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey and enjoy a presentation on these fascinating birds while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the refuge to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Leave the kids at home—this program is just for adults! Dress for a chilly evening. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register here.

Winter Beach Walk with Audubon
Moonstone Beach, South Kingstown, RI
January 19, 2019; 12:00 – 1:30 pm

Join naturalist Bob Kenney for a mid-day winter walk along beautiful Moonstone Beach. The low tide will be perfect for some leisurely beach combing and bird watching. Bring your binoculars. There will be a spotting scope available. Dress very warmly and expect to walk one or two miles in soft sand. If there is inclement weather, the program will run on January 20.

Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register here.
 

Animal Tracking
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 19, 2019; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Learn how to identify local mammal tracks and other animal signs. The indoor presentation will focus on track patterns, terms and track models. Then we will head outside on a short hike to look for tracks and signs along the trails. This class is geared for an adult audience. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register here.

Animal Tracks and Signs for Families
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 19, 2019; 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Learn how to identify different tracks and other signs of our native mammals and birds. Explore track patterns (can you hop like a 'bounder' or strut like a 'perfect stepper'?) and investigate artifacts, then make plaster tracks to take home. End the program with a walk on the trails to see what evidence can be found of wild things. Although all are welcome, this class will be geared for families with children. Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes.

Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $12/member adult/child pair, $6/each additional member; $16/non-member adult/child pair; $8/additional non-member. Ages: 6+. Register here.

Wildlife Scavenger Hunt
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 21, 2019; 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day in nature! Check in at the barn to start your family-friendly scavenger hunt. Explore Caratunk Wildlife Refuge for an hour then head back to the barn for some hot cider and cookies. Hikers should dress appropriately, wear boots and be able to hike the trails. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven.

Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10 member adult/ $5 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 9+. Register here.

Martin Luther King Day Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 21, 2019; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Discover nature’s winter wonderland! Get outside for a winter walk then come inside to warm up with a good nature story. Meet a live animal and play nature bingo. No registration is required.

10:00 am - 2:00pm: Science & Art Craft Table
10:00 am: Winter Stories
11:00 am: Nature Bingo
1:00 pm: Animal Interview
2:00 pm: Guided Winter Walk (weather dependent)

Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; January 21, 2019; 10:00 am-2:00 pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Junior Naturalists for Home-schooled Families: Icy Science
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 29 & 30, 2018; 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Our popular home-school program now lasts an hour and a half. That means more time for outdoor exploration, so come dressed for the weather. Join other home-schooled kids to learn about nature and science. This program will introduce participants to a different topic each class, with hands-on experiments and nature-based activities that are sure to foster a love of the natural world. Classes are limited to 15 children, so please register early. Adult must attend with child.

Audubon Nature Center & Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member child, $6/member siblings; $12/non-member child, $8/non-member siblings. Ages: 6-12. Register for January 29 here. Register for January 30 here.

 

 SOLD OUT!  Owling at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
January 25, 2019; 7:00 – 9:00 pm

In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon's live owls and review what makes these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these wild birds in their natural habitat. Fisherville is home to Barred Owls, Great Horned Owls and Saw-whet Owls. Advance registration is a must; this program is limited to 12 participants. Adults only. Meet in the nature center, dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register here.