January 2019 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
PHOTO BY ED HUGHES
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!
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. Register online and view a complete listing of programs through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across the State
January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2019; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit the Audubon website (ww.asri.org) or Facebook Page for the location. Contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2019; 9:00-11:00 am; Ages: 14+.
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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
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.
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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
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 through the events calendar at www.asri.org.