Celebrate the Great Outdoors This Holiday Season!
December 2022 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Common Goldeneye by Jason Major
(November 3, 2022) – Take a break from the holiday rush and enjoy some time in nature this season. Bundle up and enjoy an owl prowl on a crisp winter’s night, bring a friend for an evening of stargazing, or join a winter birding walk. Celebrate nature with Audubon in December!
Stargazing at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 1, 2022; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Learn about the winter constellations and then head outdoors to view the moon and more in the night sky. Leading this program will be Francine Jackson, Staff Astronomer at Brown University. Francine has years of experience and is a delightful educator. Feel free to bring your own telescope if you have one. The program will begin indoors, then move outside so be sure to dress appropriately. Hot drinks will be provided.
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.
Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 3, 2022; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public on the first Saturday of every month. Join Audubon for nature stories, animal discoveries, hikes, and more. No need to register!
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Nature Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Preparing for Winter: Join an Audubon naturalist and learn how animals prepare for and survive the cold winter months – then examine animal biofacts with an expert!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Audubon Holiday Craft Fair
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 3, 2022; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
With local vendors selling a variety of nature and wildlife related wares, you are sure to find perfect gifts for the nature enthusiasts on your list. Jewelry, photography, ornaments, stationery and other locally made treats are just a few items to choose from. Come shop and be sure to enter our raffle for a chance to win one of the handcrafted items donated by our artisans.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Terrific Turtles!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 4, 2022; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Turtles are amazing, armored beasts and Rhode Island has some cool species. Come learn about these interesting creatures, some of which live on the wildlife refuge. Meet and take a photo with Otto, Caratunk’s turtle ambassador.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
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Locations Across Rhode Island
December 7, 14, 21, 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 2023; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owl Prowl at Powder Mill Ledges
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI December 7, 2022, and February 3, 2023; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Visit Powder Mill Ledges at night to search for owls. An Audubon naturalist will call for different species during a walk through the forest. We never know if we’ll hear or see an owl, but participants will learn a lot and have a great night hike. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. 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 through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owling at Fisherville Brook
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 8, 2022 & January 27, 2023; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
In a small group setting, spend time with one of Audubon’s live owls and review what makes these birds so special. Then head out on the trails in search of these wild creatures in their natural habitat. Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge is home to Barred Owl and Great Horned Owl. Pre-registration is a must. Adults only. This program will be outdoors so please dress for the weather. Meet in the nature center, bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fairy Ornaments Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 8, 2022; 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Join Audubon for fun holiday crafting! Create a unique fairy scene inside of a globe that can be used as a winter decoration or tree ornament. All materials will be supplied but feel free to bring any special items you would like to add. Light refreshments and seasonal beverages will be provided.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Winter Birding Van Trip: Waterfowl and Seabirds at the Shore
Locations Across Rhode Island
December 10, 2022; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Join Audubon for a van trip to Rhode Island’s coastal habitats and ponds in search of winter waterfowl and seabirds. Stop at different birding hot spots to search for a variety of waterfowl including Barrow’s Goldeneye, Canvasback, Eider and more. We’ll be visiting beautiful coastal locations such as Trustom Pond, Point Judith, Quonochontaug Pond and more. Please bring a lunch and optics. Dress for the weather.
Departs from Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $64/member; $80/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls of New England
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 10, 2022; 3:00 – 4:30 pm
There are a number of amazing species of owls that live in New England. You might have one in your own back yard! 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. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Explore Prudence Island
Two Dates Offered
Prudence Island, RI
December 10, 2022 & January 20, 2023; 9:45 am-4:45 pm
Join an all-day adventure exploring beautiful Prudence Island! A large portion of the island will be covered via passenger van, including the southern tip where you can expect to see harbor seals resting on the rocks. Make several stops to look for a variety of bird species both on land and in the water. Take some short walks (1-1.5 miles each) along the way, while your guide shares the history and current land use on Prudence Island.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; December 10, 2022, January 20, 2023; 9:45 am-4:45 pm; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Winter Walk Series: Animal Cuisine on the Refuge
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 18, 2022; 10:00 – 11:30 am
What do animals eat during the cold winter months? We will venture out on the trails for a short hike to build up your appetite and talk about how animals survive the season. Although all are welcome, this class will be geared for families with children. Wear warm footwear, and dress for the weather. Advance registration is required.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Ave, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Welcome Winter! Tales for the Winter Solstice
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 21, 2022; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Join naturalist and storyteller, Kim Calcagno, on this shortest day as she weaves winter tales and shares some traditional solstice tidbits and treats. Children can bring a favorite blanket or stuffed animal to curl up with.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; December 21, 2022; 6:30-8:00 pm; Fee: $7/member child; $9/non-member child. Ages: 3 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
December School Vacation Week with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 27 – 30, 2022; 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Don’t know what to do with the family during the school vacation break? Come to Audubon for winter fun for all ages. Nature crafts will be available to take home each day, as well as a nature Story at 10:00 a.m., and animal interviews at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm.
The following nature programs for children are also available each day at 1:00 pm. These special programs are recommended for children ages 6+ and registration is encouraged as space is limited. Programs are free with admission.
Tuesday, December 27: Owl Pellet Dissection – Discover how owls hunt, then use simple and safe tools to take apart an owl pellet. Identify the bones inside and discover what your owl ate!
Wednesday, December 28: Debunking Myths on Mammals – Learn about larger mammals in Rhode Island, explore biofacts, and debunk myths.
Thursday, December 29: Fairy Fort Building – Head outside to the woods to build tiny forts and shelters for fairies and other small critters.
Friday, December 30: Winter Nature Hike – Bundle up for an invigorating walk around our beautiful wildlife refuge before ringing in the new year! Weather dependent.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; December 27- 29, 2022; 10:00 am-3:00 pm; Programs are free with admission; Ages: All.
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12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600 ~ Phone: (401) 949-5454 ~ Fax: (401) 949-5788
email: audubon@asri.org