Snowshoeing and Stargazing in February!
February 2019 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
BALD EAGLE PHOTO BY ED HUGHES
February is full of frosty fun at Audubon. Hit the trails with snowshoes, search for eagles on a river cruise, or enjoy winter stargazing at Caratunk. Grab your hat and mittens and enjoy some outdoor winter explorations!
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.
Tracking Animals at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk MA
February 2, 2019; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Discover the tracks that animals leave behind! Begin in the barn and learn about tracks and see some examples close-up. Then head out on the trails to find some signs that animals have left behind. Hikers should dress appropriately and wear boots. Participants must be age 12 or older. Some parts of the trail are rocky and uneven.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Felted Bird Houses
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 2 & 9, 2019; 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Create your own beautiful birdhouse using colorful wool in this two-session class. Participants will join Audubon educator and fiber artist Tala Wunderler-Selby to learn the traditional art of wet felting, using sheep’s wool, water, soap, and a little elbow grease. Design your birdhouse in a rainbow of colors or in natural hues, and then create a three-dimensional vessel. Hang your house outdoors or place it inside for a unique decoration.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $60/member; $65/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Owl Valentine
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 2, 2019; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thanks to the Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for crafts, nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No registration required.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Owl Valentine Craft table
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Spot the Owl. Can you spot 10 owls in our exhibit hall? Spot them all and receive a prize to take home.
10:30 am & 2:30 pm: Owl Nature Story
11:30 am: Meet an Owl
1:30 pm: Nature Valentine: Use tree “cookies,” shortening, and bird seed to make special valentines for the feathered and furry friends in your backyard.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All. No need to register.
Basics of Wire Wrapping Jewelry
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 3, 2019; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Have you ever come across a pretty rock and wanted to turn it into jewelry? Come to Audubon and make your own wire-wrapped jewelry pieces. This class will focus on the basics of wire wrapping including the tools you need, what types of objects to use, and how to size pieces properly for a project. Materials will be supplied, but participants may bring their own if desired. The class will focus on necklaces and dangling earrings. Advance registration is required as space is limited.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $12/member, $15/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across the State
February 6, 13, 20, 27, 2019; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Audubon offers FREE Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with naturalist Laura Carberry. Each week a new birding destination will be chosen. Please visit the Audubon website (ww.asri.org) or Facebook Page for the location. Contact Laura at lcarberry@asri.org for more information.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2019; 9:00-11:00 am; Ages: 14+.
Naked Tree I.D.
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
February 9, 2019; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Okay, now that I have your attention…come and learn to identify some common trees when they are ‘buck nekkid’ in winter. Discuss branching patterns, bark and buds, all to help us determine deciduous species. Evergreen species will be discussed as well.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
See the Stars at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk MA
February 10, 2019; 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Learn about the winter constellations at Caratunk and then head outdoors to view the moon, the Orion Nebula and more. Francine Jackson, Staff Astronomer at Brown University will lead this evening program. There will be a couple of telescopes available, but feel free to bring your own. Please dress appropriately the weather. Hot drinks and light snacks will be provided.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Program Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 8+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Eagle Cruise on the Connecticut River
February 16, 2019; 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join Audubon for a winter trip on the Connecticut River to search for eagles, hawks, waterfowl, seals and other mammals. Binoculars will be available, as well as complimentary tea and coffee. The boat has a heated cabin, but dress very warmly as the best views are from the deck. After the tour, visit to the Connecticut River Museum and enjoy the Eagles of Essex exhibit. Bring a lunch, camera and optics. NOTE: Children must be at least 12 years to register.
Van departs from Powder Mill Ledges Refuge, 12 Sanderson Rd. Smithfield, RI; Fee: $70/member; $80 non-member. Ages: 12 to adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Sea Glass Jewelry
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 16, 2019; 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Come create a beautiful pendant with sea glass found on local beaches. Learn how to choose the right piece of glass and transform it using quick and easy wire wrapping techniques. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! Advance registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Snowshoe Sunday at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
February 17, 2019; 8:00 – 10:00 am
Audubon opens the gates early to explore Caratunk by snowshoe (weather permitting). After some fresh air and exercise, return to the barn for hot cider and pastries. If there is not enough snow, participants will take a hike. Please dress appropriately and bring your own snowshoes. (REI rents snowshoes.)
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 12+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Seal Tour of Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
February 21, 2019; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on Prudence Island and look for winter wildlife. Make a few stops around the island, including the south end, which is home to a large wintering population of harbor seals. Learn about the natural history of seals while viewing them from the shoreline (or the comfort of a heated van!). Keep an eye out for the many species of ducks and waterfowl that spend the winter here.
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: 8+. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Owls and Ale
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
February 23, 2019; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Meet some of Audubon’s amazing birds of prey and enjoy a presentation on these fascinating birds while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the refuge to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life. Leave the kids at home—this program is just for adults! Dress for a chilly evening. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21+. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org.