Frosty Trails, Birds and Ales!
February 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(January 6, 2026) – Nature is magical in winter! Bundle up for a winter bird walk or enjoy a local brew and prowl for owls! If you prefer to stay a little warmer, bring the kids for turtle and reptile programs, valentine crafts, and tons of fun during school vacation week!
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.
Snow Moon Owl Prowl
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 2, 2026; 6:30-8:30 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for a mid-winter’s walk under the Snow Moon, sometimes called the Hunger Moon. After an introduction to owls, their calls and where they like to live, we’ll head on to the trails to listen for owl calls. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes/boots, and bring a flashlight. The hike will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
February 4, 11, 18, 25, 2026; 9:00 – 11:00am
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 through June 2026; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls and Ales
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 6, 2026; 6:30-8:30 pm;
Meet one of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey in person! Come to the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge for a presentation on these fascinating birds while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Leave the kids at home —this program is just for adults. Come prepared to go outside on a chilly winter evening and bring a flashlight. Meet in the White Barn.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Hoots & Hot Chocolate
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 7, 2026; 3:00-4:00 pm
Did you know Rhode Island is home to multiple species of owls? Join Audubon for a cozy evening and sip hot cocoa as we explore the world of owls! Discover the incredible species that call our region home, learn to recognize their calls, and uncover the remarkable adaptations that make them such skilled hunters. End the program by meeting a live ambassador owl!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $15 member adult/ $7 member child $20 nonmember adult/$10 nonmember child. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Knit Foxes
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 9, 2026; 5:30-7:00 pm
Join Audubon and learn to knit a small, three-dimensional fox. This program is for intermediate to advanced knitters, who are comfortable using double-pointed needles and knitting stranded colorwork. Instruction, pattern, and yarn provided. Participants must bring their own US size 1 double pointed needles.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $25/member, $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Junior Naturalists
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 12, 25, March 12, 26, April 9, 23, May 7, 21, 2026; 10:00-11:30 am
Join Audubon for a bi-weekly, hands-on homeschool adventure! This eight-session program blends science, art, and outdoor exploration through interactive lessons, hikes, games, journaling, and more. Each class is crafted to inspire curiosity, build skills, and foster a lifelong love of the natural world. Students will investigate local habitats and environments, discover how animals and plants are adapted to their natural habitats, take part in real world science, and more! Advance registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI Fee: Per program price: $10/member; $15/non-member. Discounted per session prices: $68/member; $102/non-member. Ages: 6 -10. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Bimonthly Bird Walks
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 13, 27, 2026; 9:00-11:00 am
Join an Audubon naturalist for a morning stroll through the Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge in search of birds. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll enjoy spotting and learning about resident species and seasonal visitors. Bring your binoculars and experience the sights and sounds of winter birding! Offered every other Friday this winter in Bristol, RI.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nature Valentine Making
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 14, 2026; 12:00-1:00pm
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a touch of nature! Join Audubon to make special valentines using natural materials like seeds, pinecones, and more. Children will design and bring home their own unique creations that show their love of wildlife and nature.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Darwin Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
February 14, 2026; 1:00–2:00 pm
Celebrate Darwin Day by learning about the amazing ways animals survive in their habitats. Through hands-on activities, children will explore how natural selection works, discover fascinating animal adaptations, and meet a live ambassador animal named Darwin!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Rockin’ Reptiles
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
February 16, 2026; 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Rhode Island has several remarkable reptiles. Come and learn about who lives here and where they can be seen. We will start out by learning about all the native species and follow up with a visit from some live reptiles. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
February School Vacation Week
At the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 2026; 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Not sure what to do during school vacation week? Join Audubon for a week full of exciting nature activities! Special programs and activities available each day and are free with admission. Registration not required.
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am: Animal Interview
1:00pm: Special Program designed for children ages 6+.
Monday, February 16, 2026: Winter Nature Hike – Bundle up for an invigorating walk around our beautiful wildlife refuge. Weather dependent.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026: Creepy Crawlies – What makes an insect an insect? Find out in this engaging presentation followed by an encounter with a live insect – the Madagascar hissing cockroach!
Wednesday, February 18, 2026: Turtle Races – Explore the differences between various species of turtles and compare their speed in a live turtle race.
Thursday, February 19, 2026: Coastal Touch Tank – Get up close with live tidepool critters and learn just how amazing these intertidal species are.
Friday, February 20, 2026: All About Snakes – Learn about all things snakes – biology, behavior, adaptations and more through an engaging presentation and hands on activities!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
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February School Vacation Week
At Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 17, 18, 18, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Little Raptor – Big Raptor
Come and meet two live raptors at Powder Mill Ledges! Find out about the lives of these amazing birds, touch preserved feathers, wings, and talons. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advanced registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 17, 2026; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $15/member adult, $7/member child; $20/non-member adult, $10/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Rockin’ Reptiles
Rhode Island has several remarkable reptiles. Come and learn about who lives here and where they can be seen. We will start out with a presentation of all the native species and follow it up with a visit from some live reptiles. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 18, 2026; 11:00 am–12:00 pm; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Little Owl – Big Owl
There are a number of amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own backyard! We’ll take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations, and meet a couple of live owls. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; February 19, 2026; 11:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $15/member adult, $7/member child; $20/non-member adult, $10/non-member child. Ages: 4 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Hoots and Hot Chocolate at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
February 20, 2026; 3:00-4:30pm
There are amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! Sip some hot cocoa and sample some cookies while we take a pictorial look at our native owls, hear their calls, learn about their remarkable adaptations and meet a couple of live owls. Advance registration required, for ages 6+.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $15member adult/ $7member child $20 nonmember adult/$10 nonmember child. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 21, 2026; 4:30-6:30 pm
Come and walk the trails of our Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge at night to look and listen for our resident owls. Learn about the behavior and biology that makes these raptors so mysterious. Meet one of Audubon’s live ambassador owls and head out on the refuge to listen for ones in the wild. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes for hiking, and bring a flashlight. These programs are designed for families with children ages 10 and up. (The hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails)
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls and Ales at Fisherville
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
February 27, 2026; 6:30-8:30 pm;
Meet one of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey in person! Come to the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge for a presentation on these fascinating birds while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Leave the kids at home —this program is just for adults! Come prepared to go outside on a chilly winter evening. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather!
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Explore Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
February 27, 9:45am-4:45pm
Enjoy a winter day exploring the rustic beauty of Prudence Island. Take several short walks, look for charismatic harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, search for winter ducks and songbirds, and visit several habitats across the island. Expect to walk about three to four miles over the course of the day. Due to limited space, reservations are required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; February 27, 2026; 9:45 am-4:45 pm; Fee: $12/member, $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. For details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Winter Van Trip to Cape Ann
Cape Ann, Massachusetts
February 28, 2026; 7:00am-5:00pm
Cape Ann, Massachusetts, is a historic fishing community also known among birders for a great diversity of wintering sea birds. In the past we’ve spotted Razorbills, Murres, Guillemots, Dovekies, white-winged gulls, and other species. Join Audubon for a day of exploring Gloucester Harbor, Eastern Point, Halibut Point, Rockport’s Granite Pier, Pigeon Cove, and others. Dress for brisk winter seacoast weather. Bring a lunch and optics –a spotting scope will be available. Participants will stop for picnic-style lunch at scenic Rockport harbor. Bad storms or other conditions that make the drive unsafe or the birding impossible will cancel the trip.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $75/members, $90/non-members. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 28, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, Audubon offers free admission to the Nature Center and Aquarium on Select Saturdays this winter. Bring the family for nature stories, animal discoveries, crafts, hikes, and more. No need to register.
10:00am – 3:00pm: Craft Table
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Animal Interview
1:00pm: Fossil Investigation – Learn about all the amazing dinosaur species that once roamed the earth by investigating fossils and other biofacts. For ages 6+.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free. Ages: All.
Nature is the Muse: Paper Montage Artistry
Painting with Paper Exhibit by Artist Galen Snow
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Thru February 28, 2026;9:30am-4:30pm
Artist reception Sunday, February 1, 2026; 2:00-4:00pm
Galen Snow creates paintings with paper. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she was outdoors as much as possible, raising and riding horses, sailing, skiing, hiking and creating gardens. Always inspired by nature, Galen has been an artist in her core since she could pick up a pencil or crayon and make a drawing. She lives in Little Compton where she is gratefully surrounded by the beauty that inspires her to create art every day.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free with admission. Ages: All.
Photos:
An Eastern Screech-Owl well camouflaged in a tree. Photo credit Ada Alden
Bring the kids to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for February school vacation week! Learn about amazing dinosaur species that once roamed the earth by investigating fossils and other biofacts. Photo credit Hope Foley.