Whooo’s Out in the Winter Woods?
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Search for Owls and Animal Tracks in January
January 2023 Program Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
(December 1, 2022) – January is the perfect time to head outside in the frosty air and have some fun! Pull on your warm mittens and search for owls on the evening trails or bring the kids to look for animal tracks in the snow. Join a winter birding walk or take a birdwatching class and learn how to identify our feathered friends! Audubon has something for everyone!
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
January 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023; 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 with Audubon at Caratunk
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 5, February 2, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Come walk the trails of Caratunk in the evening, look and listen for local owls, and learn about the species that can be found in New England. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required.
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.
Owl Prowl at Fort Wildlife Refuge
Audubon Fort Wildlife Refuge, North Smithfield, RI
January 6, 2023; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Visit Fort Wildlife Refuge on a winter 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. Advance registration is required. Hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails.
Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. 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
January 7, 2023; 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: Crafting New Animals: Kids create their own unique creature collage using physical adaptations from wild animals found in Rhode Island
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Audubon Winter Big Day 2023
Birding Locations Across Rhode Island
January 7, 2023; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
How many species can we find? This popular program has become a Rhode Island tradition. Set out with an Audubon expert and cover many of the state’s winter hot spots during this day-long van trip in search of our feathered winter residents. Barrow’s Goldeneye, Eurasian Wigeon, Short-eared Owl and Snow Buntings are among the birds we hope to find. Dress warmly and pack a lunch and optics.
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.
Winter Walk Series: Animal Homes
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 8, 2023; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Take a mid-morning hike to search for homes created by animals in the forest and field. The bare trees and winter wind-blown land often reveal shelters and hidden havens. Search for bird nests as well as dens of active animals. Although all are welcome, this walk will be geared for families with children. Participants should be prepared to walk and explore outside in cold weather. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars if you have them. 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: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16, 2023; 10:00 – 11:00 am
This popular program introduces children ages 18 months to 2 years 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 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, $76/two member siblings, $65/non-member child, $82/two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Owls and Ales at Audubon
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 14, February 11, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Come meet some of Audubon’s amazing owls! Enjoy a presentation on these fascinating birds of prey while enjoying locally brewed beers. Then take a guided walk through the wildlife refuge at night to look and listen for owls and other signs of animal life.
Leave the kids at home – this program is just for adults! Come prepared to go outside on a chilly evening.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $30/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Naked Tree I.D.
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 14, 2023; 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. We will discuss branching patterns, bark, and buds to help us determine deciduous species and will talk about evergreen trees as well. Class will be both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather.
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.
Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 14, February 25, 2023; 1:00 – 2:30 pm
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. Program includes all materials. Find something special on the beach? Bring that too! This class fills quickly so don’t wait! 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 asri.org/calendar.
Explore Prudence Island
Prudence Island, RI
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 Birding with Audubon
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 21, February 25, 2023; 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Walk the trails and visit the forest and pond at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge looking for signs of winter birds. Learn tips for identifying look-a-likes and learn about winter resident bird feeding. Bring binoculars, bundle up for the weather, and wear sturdy, warm footwear.
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.
Winter Beach Walk with Audubon
Moonstone Beach, South Kingstown, RI
January 21, 2023; 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Join naturalist Bob Kenney for a mid-afternoon winter walk along Moonstone Beach, without the summer crowds or closed piping plover nesting areas. The program is timed to the low tide at 2:20 pm, perfect for some leisurely beach combing and bird watching. Even though Moonstone is known as a “clothing optional” beach, the only option today is likely to be whether to wear three, four, or five layers.
Bring your binoculars; there will be a spotting scope available. Expect to walk one or two miles in soft sand. Advance registration is required. If there is inclement weather, the program will run on Sunday, January 21 when the tide will be about a half hour later but even lower.
Moonstone Beach Road, South Kingstown, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
White Barn Story Time: Good-Night, Owl! by Pat Hutchins
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 21, 2023; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
How is Owl supposed to sleep the day away with the bees buzzing, the woodpecker pecking, the doves cooing, and the squirrels crunching? But when night falls and everything is finally quiet, suddenly there’s a new sound—and it’s coming from Owl! After the story meet an Audubon owl.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $8/member adult/child pair, $5/each additional member; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 1-4. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Stamp and Sip! Winter Nature Card-making Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 21, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Create your own unique hand-made greeting cards while enjoying a glass of wine in this nature-themed workshop with Michelle Hirsh-Solis. Create four greeting cards with a winter theme, great for birthdays, thank you notes, or just saying hello! Designs use a variety of techniques. Materials are provided and all skill levels welcome.
Come alone or bring along a friend to de-stress, learn a new hobby, or re-kindle an old passion. Registrants take home four cards with coordinating envelopes.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Muskrat, Otter and More!
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 22, 2023; 9:00 – 10:30 am
Take a hike to Muskrat Pond at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge to look for resident muskrat, otter and any other winter animals that may be active. Learn all about these fascinating creatures and how to identify them in the wild. Wear sturdy boots and dress for the weather.
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.
Owling at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
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.
Introduction to Animal Tracking
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 28, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon for an introduction to identifying local mammal tracks and other animal signs. Start inside with a presentation, go over track patterns, terms, and track models – then take a short hike on the trails to see what kinds of tracks and signs can be found. This class is geared for an adult audience. Please wear warm footwear and dress for the weather. Register in advance.
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.
Animal Tracks and Signs for Families
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 28, 2023; 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Learn how to identify tracks and signs left by native mammals and birds. Explore track patterns, investigate artifacts, and try your hand at making plaster tracks to take home. Venture out on the trails to find evidence that wildlife has been there. 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.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: Other; $12/member adult-child pair, $6 each additional member; $16/non-member adult-child pair, $8 each additional non-member. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birdwatching 101 with Audubon
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
≡January 29, February 25, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Learn the basics of birdwatching with Audubon naturalist Lincoln Dark. Discover bird species local to New England, how to identify them, and where to find our feathered friends. Then hit the trails and apply what you learned on a hike around the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge. This course is great for families with children aged 12 or older. Remember to bring binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather!
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 and up. Register through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
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12 Sanderson Road ~ Smithfield, RI 02917-2600
Phone: (401) 949-5454
Fax: (401) 949-5788
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