A Busy Time for Birds and Birders!
Audubon Offers FREE Guided Bird Walks in May
May 2018 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Prairie Warbler Photo Ed Hughes
(March 26, 2018) ??? 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!
Unless noted, registration is required for all programs. ??Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org. ??For a complete listing of programs, visit the events calendar online at www.asri.org.
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FREE MAY BIRDING WALKS WITH AUDUBON
Locations Across the State
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. All walks listed below are FREE.???? Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Mondays
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI
May 7, 14, 21, 2018; 8:00-10:00 am.
Note that no walk will be held on Memorial Day, May 28.
Tuesdays??
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
May 1, 15, 29, 2018; 8:00-10:00 am.
Maxwell Mays??Wildlife Refuge,??2820 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI??
May 8, 22, 2018; 8:00 am-10:00 am.??
Wednesdays*
Locations determined weekly.?? Please visit the Audubon website or Facebook page for details, no registration necessary.
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2018; 9:00-11:00 am.
Thursdays
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI
May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018; 8:00-10:00 am.
Touisset Marsh Wildlife Refuge, Touisset Road, Warren, RI
May 3, 17, 31, 2018; 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Fridays
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI
April 27, May 4, 11, 18, 25, 2018; 8:30-10:30 am.
* Free Wednesday Morning Bird Walks will continue through June 2017.
Migratory Bird Day
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 5, 2018; 9:00 am ??? 5:00 pm
Thanks to the Citizens Bank, the Environmental Education Center is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
May 5, 2018: Migratory Bird Day
International Migratory Bird Day brings attention to the importance of migration, and celebrates the many amazing birds of that travel throughout North and South America.
10:00 am-2:00 pm:?? Bird Craft Table
10:00 am-2:00 pm:?? Bird Biofacts. Stop by and investigate feathers, eggs, nests, and more.
10:30 am: Bird Story Time
11:00 am and 1:00 pm: Owl Interview
2:00 pm: Guided Nature Walk Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Weed Walk Nature Hike
Audubon environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 6, 2018; 12:00 ??? 1:30 pm ???What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.???
??? Ralph Waldo Emerson
Have you ever spent time pulling weeds or strolling in nature and wondered which of those plants may be edible or medicinal??? Join local herbalist Jessyloo Rodrigues of Parcel Apothecary to discover weeds and wild plants that you can eat. Bring a notebook/camera to record plant identification, recipes and flavor profiles found in the local plants we discuss. Please bring a water bottle and dress for the weather, this event is rain or shine.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Springtime Birding on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
May 10, 2018; 7:30 am ??? 3:00 pm?? Spring bird migration will be in full swing by mid-May. Prudence Island is a wonderful place to spot a wide variety of species thanks to the diversity of habitats. Come explore forest edge, marsh, meadow and anywhere else the birding is good!
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $8/member adult, $4/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: All. Learn more about Prudence Island trips and register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Rhode Island Birds: Large to Small
Art Exhibit by Holly Wach
Audubon Environmental Education Center, Bristol, RI
May 12 ??? June 30, 2018; 9:00 am ??? 5:00 pm The drawings and paintings by fine artist Holly Wach explore the many avian species that inhabit our state. Her work strives to connect with the spirit, personalities and energy of these amazing creatures. Meet the artist at the opening reception on Saturday, May 12, 2018 from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.??
Note: The artist also hosts a watercolor workshop on May 19, 2018. See description below.
Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission.??
Audubon Spring Birding Van Trip
Locations Across the State
May 14, 2018; 8:15 am ??? 4:00 pm Climb aboard the Audubon van and explore the many birding hot spots of Rhode Island during this exciting time of the year. Warblers, vireos and other spring beauties will make for an unforgettable trip. Visit many favorite birding spots, as well as some lesser-known locations. Be sure to pack a lunch and bring your binoculars.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $50/member, $65/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org.