Spring is in Full Swing at Audubon!
May 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(April 6, 2026) – Grab a friend and hit the trails for FREE guided birding outings, pick up a paintbrush at the Audubon Maxwell Mays Art Studio, celebrate World Turtle Day, or explore the trails under the light of a full moon! Get out and enjoy the warmer weather on the wildlife refuges – it’s spring!
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.
Audubon Free May Bird Outings
Celebrate spring migration with birding outings offered across the state, beginners welcome.
For dates and locations, visit asri.org/calendar. Register early!
Editor’s note: see attached release for details, dates and locations on the Audubon Free May Bird Outings.
Full Moon Hikes at Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Three Dates Offered
May 1, June 29, July 29, 2026; 8:00-9:00pm
As the sun goes down, nature comes to life! Enjoy a guided evening walk under the light of the full moon as we search for nocturnal wildlife. Please bring a flashlight and dress for the weather.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Studio Soirée with Audubon
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
Two Dates Offered
May 1, June 12, 2026; 5:00-8:00 pm
Head to the Maxwell Mays Art Studio where local artists and musicians will gather for an open studio. Bring your own materials to work in the studio or ‘en plein air while listening to relaxing music casually performed. Join other artists for an evening of entertainment and conversation.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
The Art of Collage: Exhibit by Tom Terceira
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 1 to June 28, 2026; 9:30am – 4:00pm
Tom Terceira is a collector of vintage images, illustrations and a creator of collages. He collects and uses photos, postcards, comic books, images and illustrations from old and forgotten books and vintage ephemera in his art. The art of collage (traditional and digital) lends itself to improvisation, spontaneity and the unexpected discovery. Tom begins with no final product in mind, but responds to the materials, finding images that resonate with each other.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; May 1 to June 26, 2026. Free with admission. Ages: All.
Audubon Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 2, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Visit the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium to meet one of Audubon’s animal ambassadors and make your own ambassador animal craft to take home! Each month will feature a different animal ambassador. No need to register. Program is free with admission.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
What’s the Rush: The Solution to the Biodiversity Crisis
Free Video Presentation with Q&A Discussion
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 2, 2026; 2:00-3:30pm
By creating native habitat, whether it be in your yard, on your deck, or on your balcony, you can help restore nature while experiencing the joy and fulfillment of connecting with the world around you. Enjoy a video from Dr. Doug Tallamy of Homegrown National Park and discover insights on how nature rebounds when we take action, and practical steps to create habitat and support wildlife at home. A live Q&A session can answer your native planting questions.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: Teen to adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Early Morning Bird Walk, Spring Ephemerals and Breakfast
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
May 2, 2026; 8:00am-12:00 pm
Start the morning off with an early bird walk through the beautiful Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge. Hear early spring warblers, orioles, vireos and more as we also explore the forest for early spring flowers called ephemerals. Following the walk enjoy a scrumptious fireside breakfast at the lakeside cabin, then head back out onto the trail to do a little more birding. Please bring your binoculars and dress for the weather.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages:14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
May 6, 13, 20, 27, 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; Free in May. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Walk and Watercolor Wednesdays
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
May 6, 2026; 9:30am-1:30pm
Join a beginner watercolor painting class at the Maxwell Mays Art Studio in Coventry. Start with a short nature walk to gather inspiration, then you will be guided to make a beautiful watercolor painting all your own. Meet at the Art Studio at 9:30am.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $35 member $40 nonmember $40/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Adult Eco-Craft Series at Audubon: Bird Strike Window Clings
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 7, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm
Join Audubon once a month for eco-inspired craft programs designed for adults who enjoy creativity with purpose. In May, learn about the impacts of bird-window collisions on local bird populations and discover ways you can help prevent these often fatal collisions. Then, use glass gallery paint and create your own window clings to help make your home safer for birds.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar
Spring Birding on Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
May 7, 2026; 7:30am-3:00pm
The spring bird migration will be well underway by early May and Prudence Island is a wonderful place to see a wide variety of species thanks to the diversity of habitats. Come explore forest edges, thickets, marshes, meadows and anywhere else the birding looks good that day. Advance registration required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12/member, $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. For details on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit asri.org.
Birds Without Borders
Dates and locations Below
Join Audubon and the Bristol Historical & Preservation Society for a series of unique bird walks throughout Bristol. Observe migrating and resident birds and explore how movement and immigration have shaped the town over time. Learn the fascinating history of Bristol while highlighting shared stories of travel and adaptation. Programs are free, but registration is required. Register for one walk or both.
Saturday May 9, 2026; 10:00am-11:00am at Juniper Hill Cemetery
Saturday, August 22, 2026; 10:00-11:00am at Colt State Park
Fee: Free. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar
Audubon May Birding Van Trip
Locations Across the State
May 11, 2026; 7:30am-4:00pm;
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 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: $60/member; $72/non-member. Ages: 15 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar
Audubon Nature Tales Storytime
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 14, June 11, 2026; 10:00am-10:45pm
Join Audubon for our monthly Nature Tales Storytime designed especially for children ages 3 to 5. Each session features a nature-themed story followed by hands-on activities that connect the story to the natural world and encourage curiosity and learning.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member child, $10/non-member child. Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Wetland Investigations
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Two Dates Offered
May 16, June 23, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm
Discover the hidden life of the wetlands with Audubon! Learn about the important role these habitats play in our ecosystems. Then grab a net and dip into the water to see what creatures call the wetland home, from tadpoles to water beetles. Use magnifiers, ID guides, and your curiosity to explore this vital habitat up close.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; May 16, June 23, 2026; 11:00am-12:00pm; 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.
Horseshoe Crab Expedition: Conimicut Point
Conimicut Point Park, Warwick, RI
May 17, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
Join Audubon to learn about the fascinating anatomy and life history of horseshoe crabs, and their important role in coastal ecosystems. Start the expedition with an engaging lecture and then spend the rest of the time walking along the beach in search of these captivating critters!
Conimicut Point Park, Point Avenue, Warwick, RI;.Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Spring Cleaning Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 17, 2026; 3:30-4:30pm
Spring cleaning time is here! Join Audubon to learn how to make your own eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Learn how to make eco-friendly toilet cleaner and then make your own to take home.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; May 17, 2026; 3:30-4:30 pm; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
World Turtle Day Celebration
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 23, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Celebrate World Turtle Day with your family at the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium! Read a turtle story and make your own turtle craft to bring home. Then meet turtles up close and personal while discovering the secrets of different turtle species, their unique habits, and the roles they play in the ecosystem. No need to register! Programs are included with admission.
All day: Craft Table
10:00am: Turtle Story
11:00am: Turtle Meet & Greet
1:00pm: Turtle Nature Walk
2:30pm: Turtle Meet & Greet
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Babes In the Woods
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
May 23, 2026; 12:00-2:00pm
Come learn about Rhode Island’s wildlife babies while enjoying a sweet treat! Discover when certain species mate, different parenting styles, and changes in behavior. There will animal baby pictures to review and the opportunity to meet one of our tiniest owls! End the program with a springtime stroll on Caratunk’s trails to look for signs of wildlife. For ages 9 and up.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12/ member adult, $6/member child; $18/non-member adult, $9/non-member child. Ages: 9 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stamp & Sip Cardmaking Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 28, 2026; 6:00-8:00 pm
Create handmade cards inspired by blooming landscapes, birds and the natural world. Create three designs using a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels welcome.
Advance registration is required – sign up now for this relaxing, hands-on experience.
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.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 30, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, Audubon offers free admission to the Nature Center and Aquarium one Saturday a month. 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
12:00-2:00pm: Migratory Mayhem – Learn what it takes to be a migratory bird while competing in this Migration Mayhem obstacle course! For ages 6+.
1:00pm: Bird Walk – Take to the trails in search of birds! Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided walk to look for resident and migratory bird species.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free. Ages: All.
Horseshoe Crab Expedition at Napatree Point
Napatree Point Conservation Area, Westerly, RI
May 31, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm.
Join Audubon to learn about the fascinating anatomy and life history of horseshoe crabs and their important role in coastal ecosystems. Start the expedition with an engaging lecture and then spend the rest of the time walking along the beach in search of these captivating critters! Parking details will be shared with registered participants closer to the program date.
Napatree Point Conservation Area, Fort Road, Westerly, RI 02891, Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Savannah Sparrow by Kathy Allen (May Birding Programs or Free Family Fun Day)
Spicebush Swallowtail by Alison Miga (What’s the Rush? The Solution to the Biodiversity Crisis)
Audubon’s Diamondback Terrapin Ambassador, Courtesy Audubon Society of Rhode Island (World Turtle Day or Animal Ambassador Meet & Greet)