Get Ready for Raptors!
September 2025 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(August 5, 2025) – Autumn is a favorite time at Audubon. Get up close with owls and hawks at Raptor Weekend – and join the fun as Audubon kicks off the event with a brewery night. September also brings a hawk watch, birding trips, journaling workshops, art classes, and more!
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/calendar.
Birds and Brews: Audubon Raptor Weekend Brewery Night
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 5, 2025; 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Audubon partners with Proclamation Ale for a night of beer, music and birds of prey. Enjoy live music by the To Be Continued Band (TBCB) and meet Audubon owl and hawk ambassadors. Sip cold brews, enjoy some snacks, and learn all about these raptors. Tickets must be purchased online in advance: visit asri.org/raptor-weekend. Ages 21+.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Online advance tickets through August 19, 2025: $40/person. Online ticket as of August 20, 2025: $50/person.
Audubon Raptor Weekend
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 6 & 7, 2025; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Hawks and owls are descending on Audubon in September, birds of prey with long sharp talons, hooked beaks, and highly developed eyesight and hearing. They’re raptors, the superior hunters of the avian world.
These amazing birds will be featured in live presentations, educational programs, and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages. Audubon Raptor Weekend presents a unique opportunity for visitors to get up-close with many species and learn about their adaptations and habitats in this engaging, family-friendly weekend event. Visit asri.org/raptor-weekend for tickets and details.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI.
Purchase tickets in advance at asri.org/raptor-weekend.
$20/Adult, $15/Child (4-12), Children 3 and under free
Family Four-Pack: $60
Coastal Reflections: Water, Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Watercolor Exhibit by Arianne Del Rios
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 1–October 31, 2025; 9:30am–4:30pm
An award-winning artist with over 15 years of professional experience in graphic design and illustration, Arianne Del Rios specializes in landscapes, still life, and animals. Her works captures the beauty of nature through watercolor, gouache, and acrylics. Her print, “A Good Day for Fishing,” won an award at the 2022 Rogers Free Library Small Works exhibit in Bristol, RI. She was also featured as a guest artist at the Imago Gallery in Warren, RI (2023) and showcased her work at the Barrington Public Library (2024). An opening reception will be held on September 14 from 2:00-4:00pm at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
September 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers small-group Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Advance registration is required. Locations will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday, September 2025 through June 2026; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Wednesday Walk and Watercolor
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 3, 10, 17, 2025; 9:30 am-1:00pm.
Come to the Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday mornings for a short walk and watercolor painting. Explore the watercolor process with simple techniques in a fun and stress-free way! A different watercolor technique and new subject is practiced each session. Register for one or all. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per class: $40/member, $50/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Thursday Evening Watercolor
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 11, 2025; 6:00-8:30 pm.
Learn basic techniques to create four small watercolors using a simple process in a fun, intuitive and relaxing way. During these individualized classes participants will create four small, seasonal landscape watercolor paintings, suitable for framing or greeting cards. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature Journaling Workshops: Mushrooms
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 13, 2025; 10:00-11:30am
Discover the art of nature observation and reflection guided by Audubon naturalists. These hands-on courses invite participants to expand their knowledge of Rhode Island’s natural history while learning and implementing field illustration techniques. Learn the technical and interpretive skills needed to communicate scientific and ecological information through art, gain new knowledge, and explore a variety of natural habitats. A journal will be provided to all participants.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Native Seed Saving and Winter Sowing
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 13, 2025; 2:00-3:00pm
Are you thinking about starting a native garden this year for pollinators and other wildlife? Join Audubon for a native seed starting workshop. Gain hands-on experience with winter sowing, learn about the importance of native plants, and walk away with your very own pollinator friendly wildflower seeds.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 15 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Intermediate Watercolor
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 16, 2025; 1:30-4:30pm.
Come to the Maxwell Mays Art Studio to study seasonal landscapes, botanicals and still life compositions. All materials are included; if participant has their own materials, they are welcome to bring them. This is an intermediate level class; prior watercolor experience is helpful.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee per Class: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Maxwell Mays Art Studio: Fresh Palette Watercolor Paint Nights
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 19, 2025; 6:00-8:30 pm.
Enjoy the company of a small group in the quiet respite of the Maxwell Mays
Art Studio. Create an original 9”x12” seasonal landscape in watercolor. Beginners welcome; All materials are included as well as snacks and beverages.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $60/member, $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 25, 2025; 5:00-7:00pm
Are you intrigued by the nature around us and wonder which of our regional plants are edible or have medicinal properties? This is your chance to take a deep dive into the plant world with Maggie Hatzpanian, the founder and herbalist behind Maggie’s Healing Path. She will share how to identify plants and discuss their habitats and the companion plants they surround themselves with. Maggie will also share the uses and applications of the medicinal plants you encounter.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Mushrooms for Beginners
Prudence Island, Rhode Island
September 25, 2025; 1:30-6:30pm
Learn all about wild mushrooms and how to identify local species that grow on Prudence Island. Joe Metzen of Audubon, an experienced guide to local mushrooms, will provide a presentation and background history on mushroom species, and tips on working with field guides. Then take a hike in the woods to see what mushrooms can be found. This is a great beginner program. Due to limited space, registration is required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; September 25, 2025; 1:30-6:30pm; Fee: $10/member; $12/non-member. Ages: Adult. For more details on Prudence Island trips and to register online, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fall Birding Adventure
Locations Across Rhode Island
September 27, 2025; 8:00am-4:00pm
What better way to spend a glorious autumn day? Join Audubon for a fall birding adventure and visit different hot spots around Rhode Island with Audubon expert guide Laura Carberry. Search for songbirds, hawks, and ducks. Please dress for the weather, bring optics and lunch.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee:$60/member; $72/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Hawk Watch at Napatree Point
Napatree Point Conservation Area, Westerly, RI
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk courtesy Audubon Society of Rhode Island
September 27, 2025; 11:00am-1:00pm
Join an Audubon naturalist at Napatree Point Conservation Area in Westerly, RI to watch for falcons, eagles and other raptors migrating south. Hike out to the top of the bluff to stand and witness the migration of these magnificent birds. If the winds are right, there could be a fantastic show.
Napatree Point Conservation Area, Westerly, RI (Watch Hill); Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
FREE! Rain Harvest Festival
A Community Celebration of Science, Water and Art
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center Outdoor Pavilion, Providence, RI
September 28, 2025; 11:00am-2:00pm
Head to Roger Willimas Park for the sixth annual Rain Harvest Festival hosted by the Stormwater Innovation Center, City of Providence Parks Department, and Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. This FREE community event will feature environmental workshops, performing artists and musicians, games, free food, and more! The City of Providence Parks Department’s investment in over 40 projects to clean polluted stormwater runoff within Roger Williams Park has inspired this yearly event, highlighting the importance of clean water and climate resiliency in our communities. For more information visit https://www.stormwaterinnovation.org/rainharvestfestival.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center Outdoor Pavilion, 1 Floral Ave, Providence, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Yoga at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 28, October 26, November 23, 2025; 9:00-10:00am
Experience the joy and benefits of practicing yoga while connecting with community and nature at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium. Led by certified yoga teacher and East Bay resident Joanne DeCataldo, this class is designed for people of all skill levels and abilities. Please bring your own yoga mat, a water bottle, and any other props you may like to include in your practice. Proceeds support Audubon scholarships, education programs, and animal care.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Photos:
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk courtesy Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Broad-winged Hawk by Jason Major
Audubon Raptor Weekend by Janelle Hollis.
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Hope M. Foley (she, her, hers)
Media Relations
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
401-486-1503