Get Ready for Raptors!
September 2024 Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Autumn is a favorite time at Audubon! Get up close with owls, hawks, and falcons at Raptor Weekend – and join the fun as Audubon kicks off the event with a brewery night. September also brings birding trips, kayak paddles, family programs 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.
Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
September 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024; 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, September through June 2025; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Labor Day Nature Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 2, 2024; 10:00 am – 3:00 pmEnd the summer with Audubon! Come to the Nature Center and Aquarium and enjoy a craft, nature hike, games, and more. No registration is required.
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Freshwater wetland exploration.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.
Birds and Brews: Audubon Raptor Weekend Brewery Night
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 6, 2024; 6:00 – 8:30 pm
Audubon partners with Proclamation Ale for a night of beer, music and birds of prey. Enjoy live music by the To Be Continued Band (TBCB) and meet Audubon owl and hawk ambassadors. Sip cold brews, enjoy some snacks, and learn all about these raptors.
Tickets start at $50/person (Age 21+) by advance online purchase only. For details and to purchase tickets, visit asri.org/raptor-weekend
Audubon Raptor Weekend
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 7 & 8, 2024; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Owls, hawks and falcons are descending on Audubon in September, birds of prey with long sharp talons, hooked beaks, and highly developed eyesight and hearing . They’re raptors, the superior hunters of the avian world.
These amazing birds will be featured in live presentations, educational programs, and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages. Audubon Raptor Weekend presents a unique opportunity for visitors to get up-close with many species and learn about their adaptations and habitats in this engaging, family-friendly weekend event. Purchase tickets in advance at asri.org/raptor-weekend.
$20/Adult, $15/Child (4-12), Children 3 and under free
Non-member Family 4 Pack: $60
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Ages: All.
Kayaking and Birding the Charlestown Breachway
Charleston, RI
September 7, 2024; 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Join Audubon for kayaking and birding along the Charlestown Breachway. An Audubon naturalist along with a kayak guide will lead you through one of Rhode Island’s most spectacular saltwater ponds. Enjoy the scenic views while looking for migrating shorebirds, swallows and hawks along the coast. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome. Price includes equipment and guide.
Departs from Charlestown Breachway State Beach Parking Lot, 557 Charlestown Beach Road, Charlestown, RI; Fee: $60/member; $72/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Mushroom Walk & Watercolor
Maxwell Mays Art Studio
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 11, 2024; 9:30 am -1:00 pm
Hike on the refuge with an expert guide to search for mushrooms and learn about native species growing in the wild. Return to the art studio to create an ‘ants-eye view’ painting of a mushroom in watercolor. No experience necessary, all materials provided.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; Fee: $40/member, $45/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Swallows Spectacular on the Connecticut River
Essex, CT
September 14, 2024; 4:00 – 10:00 pm
During fall migration, thousands of swallows congregate on the lower Connecticut River and at sunset settle in on a giant communal roost. The birds come from as far away as 25 miles and converge, often creating a “ballet” and “funnel” of birds before and as they settle down to roost. Join Audubon aboard the RiverQuest to see the spectacular display. Space is limited, deadline for registration is Sept 10, 2024. Boat leaves from Essex, CT.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; September 14, 2024; 4:00-10:00 pm; Fee: $80/member: $90/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Free Family Fun Day – Seeds in Nature
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 14, 2024; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
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!
10:00 am – 3:00 pm: Craft Table
10:00 am: Nature Story
11:00 am and 2:30 pm: Animal Interview
1:00 pm: Seed Walk – Take a walk with an Audubon naturalist to look for seeds, talk about how they are dispersed, and learn about the importance of seeds in our ecosystems.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Native Seed Saving and Starting Workshop
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 14, 2024; 10:00 – 11:30 am
Are you thinking about starting a native garden for pollinators and other wildlife? Join Audubon for a Native Seed Saving workshop. Get hands-on experience with winter sowing, learn about the importance of native plants, and walk away with a packet of pollinator friendly wildflower seeds.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $28 non-member Other. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Lunar Eclipse Encounter
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
September 18, 2024; 9:00-11:00 pm
Join Audubon for the second lunar eclipse of 2024. An Audubon naturalist will start by delving into the relationship between various wildlife and the moon and covering the science behind a lunar eclipse. End the evening outside for a beautiful view of the eclipse while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12/member adult, $6/member child; $18/non-member adult, $9/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Birdfeeding 101: Starting a Feeding Station
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
September 19, 2024; 6:30-8:00 pm
If you are fascinated by your feathered backyard visitors and want to learn how to get started feeding the birds, this is the class for you. Discuss types of feeders, seed, and feeder placement as well as tips and tricks for attracting the critters you want and deterring the ones you don’t. Other factors for attracting birds will also be reviewed, such as water and landscape plantings.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Glass Painting
Maxwell Mays Art Studio
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 20, 2024; 6:00-8:30 pm
Celebrate the beginning of fall! Learn to paint on a wine glass with the image of an owl in an autumn tree. Follow step-by-step instructions to create your own hand painted glass. No experience necessary, all materials provided. Meet in the parking lot.
Maxwell Mays Wildlife Refuge, 2082 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI; September 20, 2024; 6:00-8:30 pm; Fee: $30/member, $40/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Bird Identification and Drawing
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 21, 2024; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Fall is a magical time when birds start their migration to their wintering homes in Central and South America. Join artist and naturalist Robert Braunfield for a lively discussion on the techniques used to identify our native songbirds, shorebirds, raptors and waterfowl. Illustrated with drawings done in front of the audience! This program is for those who want to increase their appreciation of our native birds, their songs and beauty.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Fairy House in the Garden
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 22, 2024; 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Join an Audubon naturalist and create all-natural fairy structures in the pollinator garden. The tiny houses will be made from materials found on the wildlife refuge and will be designed to break down over time and not impact the health of the garden. Please do not bring your own fairy house supplies. Advanced registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $8/member adult/child pair, $5/each additional member; $12/non-member adult/child pair; $7/each additional non-member. Ages: 6 and up. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2024; 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. 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, $75/two member siblings, $70/non-member child, $85/two non-member siblings Other. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register online through the events calendar at asri.org/calendar.
Rain Harvest Festival
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center Pavilion, Providence, RI
September 29, 2024, 11:00 am-2:00 pmCelebrate science, water, and art at the fifth annual Rain Harvest Festival hosted by the Stormwater Innovation Center and City of Providence Parks Department! This free community event in Roger Williams Park will feature environmental workshops, performing artists and musicians, a vendor village, an environmental mural unveiling, games, free eats from local vendors, and more.
The City of Providence Parks Department’s investment in over 40 projects to clean polluted stormwater runoff within Roger Williams Park has inspired this yearly event, which highlights the importance of clean water and climate resiliency in our communities. All are welcome!
For more information on festival programming, please visit https://www.stormwaterinnovation.org/rainharvestfestival.
Roger Williams Park Botanical Center Pavilion, 1 Floral Avenue, Providence, RI; Free. Ages: All.
Image: Northern Saw-whet Owl by Peter Fish