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They are BACK! Amazing birds of prey with long sharp talons, hooked beaks, and highly developed eyesight and hearing are headed back to Audubon. They’re raptors, the superior hunters of the avian world. Many species of these formidable and striking birds will be at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, Rhode Island on September 11 and 12, 2021 from 10 am to 3 pm for Raptor Weekend 2021.
Eagles, owls, hawks and falcons will be featured in live presentations, educational programs and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages. Audubon presents a unique opportunity for visitors to get up-close with many species and learn about raptors and their adaptations in this engaging, family-friendly weekend event. This popular annual event was postponed in 2020, and Audubon is thrilled to bring back both raptors and visitors this September.
Purchase Tickets
All proceeds from Raptor Weekend benefit raptor care, school programs, and habitat conservation efforts by the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Thank you for your support!
Help make event check-in safer by purchasing your tickets in advance. When you purchase your admission online, you will receive an e-ticket that we can easily scan - it's quick and contactless, keeping you and our staff and volunteers safe!
Make the Most of Raptor Weekend
Raptor Weekend is a family-friendly, rain or shine event. There will be on-site parking for $5.
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What should I bring?Have cash on hand for the Nature Shop, raffle, or a lunch from Lumpia Bros and My Bros' Gyros food trucks.
In an effort to reduce waste, Audubon invites you to bring and refill a reusable water bottle at the event's water refill station.
Chairs are welcomed. You may also rent one from us at the event!
Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen!
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Grab Lunch from a Food TruckEnjoy lunch at the event from Lumpia Bros or My Bros' Gyros. Please contact us if you have concerns about food options.
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Volunteer at Raptor WeekendHelp make this event a hoot! With help from our volunteers, New England's largest celebration of raptors is made possible. Join us for this exciting and unique volunteer opportunity; help with games, activities, crafts, and more!
COVID-19: (Updated 9/2/21) Audubon is committed to ensuring that Raptor Weekend 2021 will be a safe, fun and engaging. All guests, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks while indoors. Those who have not been fully vaccinated and children between 2-12 years old, are also required to maintain social distancing and wear masks when participating in outdoor games/activities, and while under the presentation tent(s). Audubon will continue to stay current with State and Federal safety guidelines and best practices as recommended by The Department of Health.
To donate a raffle item or become a Raptor Weekend sponsor, please call (401) 949-5454.
2021 Presenter Schedule
Plus, learn more about our presenters below! Schedule subject to change.
Saturday, September 11
10:15 - 11:00 am | Eagle and Raptor Presentation by Wildlife Rehabilitator Christine's Critters (Main Tent)
10:30 - 11:15 am | Falconry Presentation by Jack Billings, falconer (Behind Building)
12:00 - 12:30 pm | Bird Drawing Demonstration and Coloring Book Signing by Artist and Author Jerry Shippee (Auditorium/Foyer)
12:00 - 12:30 pm | Nature Family Sing-A-Long by Audubon Educators Tracey Hall and Lisa Maloney (Pollinator Garden)
1:00 - 1:45 pm | Eagle and Raptor Presentation by Wildlife Rehabilitator Christine's Critters (Main Tent)
1:30 - 2:15 | Falconry Presentation by Jack Billings, falconer (Behind Building)
2:30 - 3:00 pm | RI Audubon Raptor Presentation (Main Tent)
Sunday, September 12
9:30 - 10:00 am | Talkin' Birds Radio Broadcast with Ray Brown (Back Patio)
10:15 - 11:00 am | Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World by Eyes on Owls (Main Tent)
10:30 - 11:15 am | Eagle and Raptor Presentation by Horizon Wings (Behind Building)
12:00 - 12:30 pm | Photographing Providence Raptors Lecture and Book Signing by Photographer Peter Green (Auditorium/Foyer)
12:00- 12:30 pm | Nature Family Sing-A-Long by Audubon Educators Tracey Hall and Lisa Maloney (Pollinator Garden)
1:00 - 1:45 pm | Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World by Eyes on Owls (Main Tent)
1:15 - 2:00 pm | Eagle and Raptor Presentation by Horizon Wings (Behind Building)
2:15 - 3:00 pm | RI Audubon Raptor Presentation (Main Tent)
Explore the 2021 Raptor Weekend Presenters, Artists, & Lecturers
Click on each photo for more info. More to come!
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Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Audubon currently cares for 12 birds, including owls, hawks and ravens. Their extraordinary adaptations are sure to fascinate both children and adults alike. In addition to close-up visits from feathered friends, participants learn about raptor behaviors, predators, prey and habitats.
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Christine's Critters
Christine Peyreigne cares for injured and/or orphaned raptors. Whenever possible, she releases them into the wild after rehabilitation. In the summer of 2015, Christine rescued and rehabilitated Audubon’s Red-tailed Hawk: Finn. Finn’s injuries prevented his release and he now calls the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium home.
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Eyes on Owls
Marcia and Mark Wilson founded Eyes On Owls in 1994 as an educational enterprise that brings owls to schools and other groups to teach about these wild “neighbors” and their habitats.
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Horizon Wings
Formed in 2001 by Mary-Beth Kaeser, Horizon Wings’ mission is to rehabilitate birds of prey for release into the wild in order to maintain their population, and to educate the community to enhance awareness of the environment.
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Jack Billings
NEW for 2021! Rhode Island resident and Master Falconer Jack Billings will share his falconry expertise and amazing bird of prey. Jack grew up in Lehi, Utah, and has always been fascinated with the natural world with a particular affinity for birds of prey. At an early age, he was exposed to falconry and began attending falconry meets until he left for the U.S. Navy after enlisting. After completing his military service in 2001, Jack settled down in East Freetown, MA where he located a sponsor to take him through the formal falconry apprenticeship. Jack has flown a variety of birds and still very much considers himself a student in the sport. Jack is the Vice President of the Rhode Island Falconers Guild and has been an active member of the North American Falconers Association.
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Jerry Shippee
Jerry has been an illustrator and cartoonist for more than 20 years. Growing up in Rhode Island, working as a cartoonist has been the fulfillment of Jerry's boyhood passion, affording him the opportunity to work as a comic strip artist, cartoonist, illustrator, and caricaturist - all of which feed his love of humor, mythology, and the sciences. shippeetoons.com
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Providence Raptors
It’s quite likely you have seen one of his photographs in a nature calendar, newspaper or in an Audubon publication under the name of Providence Raptors. The Providence Journal dubbed him the “Birdman of Downtown.” Peter Green walks the city of Providence, documenting Peregrine Falcons and more urban wildlife from Red-tailed Hawks nesting on rooftops to American Kestrels hunting in graffiti-covered alleys.
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Scientifically Surreal - Alicia Schickle
Photography and Art by Alicia Schickle
Alicia Schickle is a published scientific illustrator and a post baccalaureate scholar at Roger Williams University. She is a passionate nature enthusiast and finds beauty both in scientific facts and the human condition. Alicia uses surrealism as a way to tap into sometimes uncomfortable emotions with a bit of whimsy. She tackles topics such as climate change, deforestation, and self-esteem in her art.
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Ray Brown's Talkin' Birds
Talkin' Birds is a live and interactive radio show about wild birds and the beauty of nature—attracting birds to your backyard, feeding them, and learning more about them. Expert guests and contests for prizes like bird feeders and other bird-related items are featured each week.
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Event information is subject to change.
