The Raptors are Returning!
September 2026 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Autumn is a favorite time at Audubon! Get up close with owls and hawks at Raptor Weekend or learn about Audubon’s avian research and try your hand at techniques used in the field. September also brings seasonal bird walks, mushroom programs, and plenty of hands-on experiences for kids!
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 Raptor Weekend
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 12 & 13, 2026; 10:00am-4:00pm
Get ready for a wild weekend with amazing birds of prey!
Join Audubon for Raptor Weekend, a celebration of hawks, owls and falcons. Watch birds of prey soar during live flight demonstrations, meet them up close, and discover the incredible adaptations that make them nature’s top hunters.
Perfect for families, bird enthusiasts, and curious explorers of all ages, the weekend features engaging raptor presentations, hands-on activities, games, food, and plenty of fun learning opportunities. For details and tickets, visit asri.org/raptor-weekend.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 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 2027; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Drawn to Nature: Art Exhibit by Helen Lozoritis
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 3 through October 31, 2026
As a longtime observer of nature, Helen Lozoritis takes photographs that she integrates with both real world and abstract visual elements to create mixed media collages. The artwork consists of hand-painted and printed papers layered with original images and a range of other materials, sometimes with stitching on top. Her fall exhibit at the Audubon Nature Center will be a collection of mixed media collage pieces inspired by many beach walks and woodland hikes on the South Coast of Massachusetts. Meet the artist at the opening reception on September 20, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission. Ages: All.
Learning Bird Conservation Techniques – Three Sessions
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 10, 24, October 8, 2026; 6:00-8:00pm
Learn the ins and outs of Dr. Sarah Deckel’s avian research with Audubon with the opportunity to gain hands on experience with field-related bird conservation research. The seminars include lectures and hands-on science: the first hour will be a lecture with background information about the technique in question, with relevant research studies mentioned and examples of how scientists use this technique in the field. During the second hour, YOU will be the scientist! Have the chance to follow a protocol and analyze field data as though you were conducting your own study. Topics are nest dissection, sound analysis, and feather structure. Sign up for one or all the seminars.
September 10: Nest Building
September 24: Sound Analysis
October 8: Feather Structure
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee per session: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 15 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Exploring Rhode Island Geology at Purgatory Chasm
Second Beach, Purgatory Chasm, Middletown, RI
September 13, 2026; 10:30am-12:00pm
Join an Audubon naturalist for an autumn stroll at Second Beach and Purgatory Chasm in Middletown to investigate the geological history of the area. Learn about how rocks form and how to identify different geological formations that help us understand the Earth’s history.
Second Beach, Purgatory Chasm, Middletown, RI; Fee: $15/member, $20/non-member; Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Sensory Friendly Hours
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 16, 22, 2026; 3:00-4:00pm
Audubon welcomes any supports needed to make a visit to the Nature Center and Aquarium comfortable for guests. During Sensory Friendly Hours there will be maximum of 12 visitors in the exhibit spaces during these hours, along with trained and caring staff that have completed the completed the Kulture City Sensory Inclusive Training.
Three sensory bags and a weighted lap pad can be borrowed from the front desk and there will be a quiet area designation, Sensory Friendly signs alerting visitors, and a headphone zone (indicative of potentially loud area) at exhibit hall entry. Please register in advance.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: Free for members; $10/non-member adult, $7/nonmember child. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Mushrooming, Owling and Elegant Dining at the Maxwell May’s Lakeside Cabin
Audubon Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 18, 2026; 3:00pm-8:00pm
Join Audubon naturalists for a special afternoon and evening of mushrooming, birding and fireside dining. Start with a guided walk to the beautiful Mays lake front cottage with birding and mushrooming along the way. Once at the cottage, discuss your fungal findings and enjoy the sunset while sipping wine on the deck or paddling a canoe on picturesque Carr’s Pond.
Then move inside for a delicious fireside dinner in the cottage. Enjoy your dessert with a presentation featuring one of Audubon’s live owls. Finally, end the evening with a relaxing stroll back to your vehicle with a search for owls along the way. Limited to 8 people. Register early.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $85/member, $100/non-member; Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Snails and Slime
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
September 18, 2026; 6:00-7:00pm
Why do snails make trails? Where does the slime come from? Join an Audubon naturalist at Caratunk to make your own snail slime while learning about the fabulous world of these tiny critters. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $16/member, $20/non-member. Ages: 6-12. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Leaf Print Tote Bags
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 19, 2026; 12:00-1:30pm
Fall is a great time to explore nature’s colors and textures! Join an Audubon naturalist for a guided walk along the trails to learn about local plants while you gather leaves and other natural materials. Then use your finds to create your own unique leaf print tote bag. This hands-on nature craft explores the beauty of the season while making a fun and functional piece of art you will take home. All materials will be provided.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult; $5/member child;
$14/non-member adult; $7/member child, Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Preschool Adventures
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 22, 29, October 6, 13, 20, 27, 2026; 10:00-11:00am
Nature comes alive for children ages 3-5 in this popular series! Children will participate in games, hikes, crafts, songs, hands-on activities and more as they are introduced to the wonders of the natural world. Space is limited to 12 children so please register early. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $60/member child, $70/non-member child; Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stamp & Sip
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 24, 2026; 6:00-8:00pm
There is beauty to be found in every season! Create handmade cards inspired by late blooming flowers, beautiful sunsets and the natural world. Sign up now to join this relaxing, hands-on creative experience. Create three designs using a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels are welcome.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope St, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member; Ages: 21 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Mushrooms for Beginners
Prudence Island, RI
September 24, 2026; 1:30-6:30pm
Learn all about wild mushrooms and how to identify local species that grow on Prudence Island. A great program for beginners! Joe Metzen of Audubon, our mushroom guide for the day, will give a presentation on mushrooms, background history, and tips on working with field guides. Following this introduction, we will take a hike in the woods to see what we can find ourselves.
Due to limited space, advance registration is required.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member, $12/non-member; Ages: Adult. To learn more and register for Prudence Island trips, visit asri.org/calendar.
Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 24, October 1, 15, 22, 29, 2026; 10:00-11:00am
This popular program introduces children ages 18 – 36 months to the delights of nature through age-appropriate, hands-on activities. Along with a nature lesson, activities may include nature walks, crafts, songs and stories. This is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends with the other children and parents. Registration is required as space is limited to 10 students and fills very quickly. Adults must accompany children and there are no refunds for missed classes. In order to maintain an age-appropriate program we ask that older siblings not accompany the parent/child team.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $60/member child, $70/non-member child; Ages: 3-5. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bristol Biweekly Bird Walk with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 25, 2026; 9:00-11:00am
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 birding!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bank of America Free Family Fun Day
Whales!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 26, 2026; 10:00am-3:00pm
Thanks to Bank of America, once a month the Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public with programs and activities throughout the day. No need to register!
Schedule of events:
All Day: Craft Table
10:00am-3:00pm: Whale Feeding Station – Explore how whales feed in this hands-on activity. Try your hand at feeding like a whale!
10:00am: Nature Story
11:00am & 2:30pm: Touch Tank
12:00-2:00pm: Whale Investigation – Learn about whale characteristics, adaptations, and behavior as you explore a life-sized whale model!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Edible & Medicinal Plant Walks
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 29, 2026, 2025; 4:00-6:00pm
Join Maggie Hatzpanian the herbalist and founder behind Maggie’s Healing Path as she leads participants on a walk along the wild edges of the Nature Center’s grounds. With discussion covering plant ID, habitat, and native versus bio-regional versus invasive. The uses and applications of the medicinal plants will be covered…plus participants can join Maggie in snacking on some wild edible plants on your walk.
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.
Photos:
Raptor Weekend – Eurasian Eagle Owl by Peter Green.
Osprey by Helen Lozoraitis – Drawn to Nature Art ExhibitLearning Bird Conservation Techniques with Dr. Sarah Deckel, Audubon Director of Bird Conservation