Those Wild and Wonderous Raptors are Back!

(July 29, 2023) – 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 a raptor photography workshop, birding trips, 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. 

NEW! Audubon Birds & Brews
Audubon Partners with Proclamation Ale Co.
Raptor Weekend Brewery Night with “Music by Mel”
Friday, September 8, 2023; 5:30 – 8:30 pm

Audubon partners with Proclamation Ale Co. of Warwick, RI for Birds & Brews, an Audubon Raptor Weekend Brewery Night on Friday, September 8, 2023. Enjoy “Music by Mel” and get up close with Audubon owl and hawk ambassadors. Sip local brews and learn all about these amazing birds as Audubon naturalists talk about their natural history.
Tickets: $30/person

Tickets for Birds & Brews are separate from Raptor Weekend and available online only. Ticket sales begin July 24, 2023. For details and to purchase tickets, visit asri.org. All participants must be age 21+.

Audubon Raptor Weekend
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 9 & 10, 2023; 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Owls, Hawks, and Falcons, formidable and magnificent predators of the sky, are descending on Bristol, Rhode Island in September! Razor-sharp talons, extraordinary strength, hooked beaks and highly developed eyesight and hearing make raptors the rulers of the avian world.

Wildlife rehabilitators and experts from across the Northeast will bring a wide variety of these extraordinary birds to the largest raptor celebration in New England. Enjoy live raptor presentations, educational programs, games, and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages.

General Admission: Adult: $17. Child ages 4 - 12: $12
Family Four-pack: $55 Children under age 3 are free. For details and to purchase tickets online visit www.asri.org 

For the Raptor Weekend press release and photos, email hfoley@asri.org.  Raptor Weekend is sponsored by RI PBS.

Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Sharks Big and Small
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 2, 2023; 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!
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: Sharks Big and Small! Come learn all about sharks, meet Audubon’s new chain dogfish (a species of shark), and get tips from a marine biologist on how to identify shark teeth you may find on the shore! Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Labor Day Nature Activities
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 4, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
End the summer with Audubon! Come to the Nature Center and Aquarium and enjoy crafts, a 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: Wetland exploration
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; September 4, 2023; 10:00 am-3:00 pm; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Backyard Birds and Blooms
Artwork by Vania Noverca
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 5 – October 31, 2023; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Artist Vania Noverca celebrates the world around us, from our own backyards to the thickets found in local conservation land. She teaches art at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River, MA. Her classes focus on the brightness of blooms and brilliance of birds within their natural habitat. Noverca uses her unique “classroom” to remind students to take time to observe the world around them, discuss native birds and plants, and talk about how we can make a difference by helping to preserve and protect our surroundings.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
September 6, 13, 20, 27, 2023
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 2024; 9:00-11:00 am; Fee: $5/member, $10/non-member. Ages: 14+. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.  

Swallows Spectacular on the Connecticut River
Essex, Connecticut
September 16, 2023; 4:00 – 9:30 pm
A highlight of the birding year in Essex, Connecticut is the Tree Swallow concentrations that can be found each September and October on the river. 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 at dusk, often creating a “ballet” and “funnel” of birds before and as they settle down to roost. Join Audubon on a river journey aboard the RiverQuest to see this spectacular display. Space is limited, so register early! Deadline for registration is Sept 12th.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $90/member; $100 non-member Other. Ages: 15 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Fairy Houses for Adults
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 17, 2023; 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Fairies aren’t just for kids! Use natural materials such as shells, seeds, moss, and stones to create an enchanting home for magical guests. Fairy houses make a unique holiday or winter decoration and are great for a creative outlet. Program includes all materials needed to complete your magical dwelling. Registration is required.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $25/member; $30/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Li’l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 21, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, 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 for six-week series: $60 member child, $76 two member siblings; $65 non-member child, $82 two non-member siblings. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Audubon Raptor Photo Shoot
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
September 23, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Calling all photographers! Take advantage of this special opportunity to get up close with a Great Horned Owl, Merlin, Eastern Screech Owl, Red Tailed Hawk, and Barred Owl. Each bird will be presented in a natural setting for that perfect shot. No tents. No crowds. No jostling for position. While you click, a naturalist will discuss each species, their natural history and ecological place in Rhode Island. Space is limited.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $65/member; $75/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar 

Whales on the Lawn
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 23, 2023; 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Have you ever seen a life-size whale up-close? Join the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, New Bedford Whaling Museum, and Whale and Dolphin Conservation to learn all about whales! This immersive event will bring visitors up close and personal with whales. Each organization will display a life-sized inflatable whale ranging from 43 to 65 feet in length, providing an exclusive opportunity to experience how big whales really are! Enjoy engaging activities, for all ages a whale scavenger hunt, and crafts for the kids. The program fee will be shared among participating organizations to assist in conservation efforts of our local whale species.
(Rain date: September 24, 2023)
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member of any participating organization (Audubon Society of RI, New Bedford Whaling Museum or Whale and Dolphin Conservation). Must show membership card at entry. $7/non-member. Children 3 and under are free. Ages: All. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Sea Glass Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
September 23, November 11, 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, advance registration is required. Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Rain Harvest Festival
Roger Williams Park, Providence, RI
September 24, 2023; 12:00-3:00 pm
Join us for the fourth annual Rain Harvest Festival hosted by the Stormwater Innovation Center and City of Providence Parks Department! This free community event in Roger Williams Park features environmental workshops, performing artists and musicians, a rain barrel raffle, games, food trucks, 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. For more information visit https://www.stormwaterinnovation.org/rainharvestfestival. 
Roger Williams Park - Boathouse Lawn, Cladrastis Avenue, Across from the Carousel; Free. Ages: All.

Block Island Birding Weekend
Block Island, RI
September 29 – October 1, 2023
Join Audubon for a weekend of unsurpassed fall birding. Block Island in autumn becomes the resting place for thousands of migrating birds. More than 125 species of birds have been seen here on fall weekends! Field trips for both novice and advanced birders led by experts are featured. Special programs include salt marsh field trips, bird banding demonstrations, and more. Cost of the weekend includes ferry fares, accommodations, most meals, and programs. Space is limited so please register early.
Block Island, RI; Fee: $575/member; $615/ non-member. Ages: 16 and up. For details and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Early Autumn Evening Walk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
September 28, 2023; 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Join Audubon at the Caratunk Wildlife Refuge for a relaxing evening walk. Enjoy the quiet and gentle sounds of early fall in the fields and woods. Dress for the weather and walking on forest trails.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $10/member; $7/non-member child, $5/member child $14/non-member. Ages: 6 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Urban Birdwatching
India Point Park, Providence, RI
September 30, 2023; 8:00-10:00 am
Join Audubon and kick off the fall bird migration at India Point Park! Enjoy a morning walk through the park and along the bike path. Observe the wide diversity of birds that live in this area and learn about the importance of urban green spaces for local wildlife. Please dress for the weather. Binoculars are not provided. Meet in the India Point Park parking lot.
India Point Park, Providence RI; September 30, 2023; 8:00-10:00 am; Fee: $10/member; $7/non-member child, $5/member child $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Autumn Walk at Parker Woodland
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
September 30, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join an Audubon Naturalist for an autumn morning walk at Parker Woodland. Early fall offers warm days and comfortable nights with heaps of animal activity. Observe and listen for diverse wildlife such as deer, turkey, fox, frogs, tree crickets, and a variety of birds taking advantage of plentiful food and good weather. Wear sturdy shoes and bug spray. The trails at Parker are rocky and hilly with some steep inclines. This program is appropriate for age 8+.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 8 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.