Birds, Bats and Butterflies…
June 2020 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(April 28, 2022) – Start your summer off right – in the great outdoors! Join an Audubon expert and learn all about bats, explore pond and stream habitats, discover amazing aerial insectivores 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
Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
May 30, 2022*; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens Bank, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes and more. No need to register!
Citizens Free Family Fun Day: Memorial Day Shore Exploration
10:00am -3:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am & 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Shore Hike – Join an Audubon naturalist for a walk down to Narragansett Bay to explore this unique habitat and the creatures that live there.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Free. Ages: All. * The Citizens Bank Free Family Fun Day for June has been moved to May 30, 2022.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
RI TREE SWALLOW
Locations Across Rhode Island
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2022; 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. Location will be sent to registered participants in advance.
Locations determined weekly; Every Wednesday through June 2022. (Bird walks will begin again in September 2022); Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at asri.org.
Composting 101
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
June 1, 2022; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Have you ever wondered about starting a compost system, but just weren’t sure how to go about it? This introductory class will cover all the steps of generating this dark, rich, and FREE fertilizer right at home. From choosing the ‘set up’ that is right for you, to adding compostable materials and tending your ‘pile’, this class will take you from start to finish, dispelling the myths and eliminating the pitfalls of this easy, eco-friendly way of recycling your organic waste.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Banding with Audubon
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 4, July 16, August 27, 2022; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Join Audubon for a bird banding demonstration in which experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds in order to gather data on their movements. Birds will be gently removed from tall “mist nets” set in Audubon’s shrubby habitats. The techniques of identifying, measuring, weighing, and banding the birds will be demonstrated before they are released. The migratory habits and life history of each captured species will be discussed.
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: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Audubon Spring Craft Fair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
June 4, 2022; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join Audubon for a Spring craft fair! With local vendors selling a variety of nature and wildlife related wares, you are sure to find that perfect gift for yourself or friends and family. Jewelry, children’s items, decorative accents, bird houses and other locally made treats are just a few items to choose from. Browse the tables and be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win one of the hand-crafted items donated by our artisans.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Aerial Insectivores: Purple Martins and Tree Swallows
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 5, 2022; 9:00 – 10:30 am
Learn about two fascinating species of birds that call the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge home in the summer: Purple Martins and Tree Swallows. Start in the barn and learn about these amazing birds then head out to the field to discover their homes and watch them in action. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Remember to bring binoculars if you have them, camera, water, and bug spray!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Natural Science Drawing Class
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 5, 2022; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Get creative this summer! Local artist Elizabeth O’Connell will guide students to create realistic colored pencil drawings of native wildlife.
12:00 – 1:30 pm: children in grades K -3
2:30 – 4:30 pm: children in grades 4 – 8
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. Fee: $22/member; $25/non-member. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fairy Gardens for Adults
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 5, 2022; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Fairies aren’t just for kids! Use natural materials such as shells, seeds, moss, and stones to create an enchanting garden for magical guests. Fairy gardens make a uniquely whimsical decoration and are great for a creative outlet. The program includes all materials needed to complete your magical garden. Registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Caratunk Wildflower Walk
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 18, 2022; 8:30 – 10:30 am
Take a relaxing walk at Caratunk learning about the local wildflowers and how to identify them. A great way to spend a Saturday morning in the summer! Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Bring binoculars if you have them, camera, and water.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Introduction to Tree Identification
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
June 18, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Come to Audubon and learn to recognize major families of trees and shrubs as well as a number of common species in the wild and home landscape. Class will be both indoors and outdoors, so dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 18, August 20, 2022; 9:15 – 11:15 am
Come design and 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. The 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; June 18, August 20, 2022; 1:00-2:30 pm; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Meet & Greet a Turtle
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 19, 2022; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Learn about the various turtle species that call Caratunk home. Meet our ambassador turtles in the white barn and walk out to the pond to observe local turtles in their natural habitat. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Remember to bring binoculars if you have them, camera, water, and bug spray!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bats at Eppley
Audubon Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, West Kingston, RI
June 24, 2022; 8:00 – 9:30 pm
Join Audubon for a rare treat to visit the Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge at night. Begin indoors with a presentation on bats, then venture outdside in search of the plentiful resident bats at Eppley. Bring a flashlight and insect repellent, and dress for a cool night.
Marion Eppley Wildlife Refuge, Dugway Bridge Road, West Kingston, RI; June 24, 2022; 8:00-9:30 pm; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Becorn Making and Photography with David Bird
Two-session Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 25, July 2, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join local photographer and craftsman extraordinaire, David Bird, for a unique two-part workshop experience. First, learn how David creates his infamous Becorn creatures and experiment with making some of your own. All materials will be provided. Then return to Audubon’s Nature Center and Aquarium with your own Becorn creation and learn about David’s photography process. Experiment with Becorn photography around the Nature Center and with some of our animal ambassadors. Learn more about David’s work from his feature in People Magazine, on his social media pages @davidmbird, or on his website www.davidmbird.com.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $65/member, $70/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Saturday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Four Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 25, July 16, 30, August 20, 2022; 8:30 – 9:30 am
Register for Saturday morning bird walks on the grounds of the Audubon Nature Center in Bristol with Tom Younkin, avid birder and Founder/Creator of Kingbirder, an on-line contest for birders and bird photographers. Many species can be found in the gardens, fields, and wetlands of this beautiful wildlife refuge. Walks will follow the Nature Center trails, boardwalk and East Bay Bike Path for easy accessibility. Advance registration required. Walks are weather dependent.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Nesting Birds at Caratunk Audubon
Two Dates Offered
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 25, 26, 2022; 8:00 – 10:00 am
Enjoy a stroll around the fields of Caratunk and discover the different bird species that nest on the property. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. Remember your binoculars if you have them, camera, water, and bug spray!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
URI Pollinator Research Lecture and Walk
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 26, 2022; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join several URI graduate students and Dr. Steven Alm from URI’s Bee Lab as they provide summaries of their research on bees. Through pollen analysis of bees collected in the early 1900s and floral preferences recorded during the survey, they have recommendations for planting flowers, shrubs and trees that could help this threatened bee as well as many other species. The students and Professor Alm will also lead a tour of the Audubon pollinator garden to identify bees.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; June 26, 2022; 10:00 am-12:00 pm; Fee: $8/member adult, $10/non-member adult. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Edible Wild Plants Walk with Russ Cohen
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
June 28, 2022; 1:00 – 3:30 pm
The East Bay region is home to over 90 species of edible wild plants, some of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts. Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author of “Wild Plants I Have Known…and Eaten,” on an afternoon ramble to learn about at least two dozen edible plant species, including coastal species like orach and sea rocket. Learn identification tips, edible portion(s), season(s) of availability and preparation methods. Russ will also provide general guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member, $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Pond and Stream Habitats
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
June 29, 2022; 9:00 – 11:00 am
Visit Muskrat Pond and Cole’s Brook at the Caratunk Wildife Refuge to investigate and compare pond and stream habitats. Learn all about the organisms that call these bodies of water home. Wear boots/shoes that can get wet and dress for the weather. Remember your bug spray and water!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Explore the Estuary for Kids!
Prudence Island, RI
June 30, 2022; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Bring the kids along to explore the amazing diversity of the estuary, from tidal creeks and salt marshes to the rocky shoreline! Kids will use different nets and search for fish, crabs, and shrimp in the shallow waters of Prudence Island. Walk the shoreline to see what the tide has left behind and watch the ospreys and egrets hunt for food. This is a great family program!
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: All. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org.
Becorns
Photography Exhibit by David M Bird
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through July 2, 2022; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
David M Bird is a photographer and toy designer based in Wakefield, RI. His photography conjures a whimsical world where acorn creatures grow on trees, feed birds, and defend themselves against squirrel attacks. To achieve this, he builds creatures out of acorns and sticks, then photographs them in the wild with real animals. This process evolved from his years as a designer for Lego where he learned to build characters and tell stories with bricks. Now he does the same, but with sticks. David was recently featured in the February 21, 2022 issue of People Magazine. Learn more at www.davidmbird.com
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI, Free with Admission. Ages: All.
12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
www.asri.org email: audubon@asri.org