Who can be Found in the Winter Woods or Along the Chilly Coast? Search for Owls, Ducks, and Animal Tracks in January!

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 head to the shore with an expert and learn how to identify stunning waterfowl. Audubon has something for everyone!

Audubon Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2024
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. 

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. 

Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 6, 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: Tracking Animals in Winter. Bundle up and head out with an Audubon naturalist to look for animal tracks and other signs of wildlife on the refuge.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Li'l Peeps
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 2024;10:00 – 10:45 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: $40/member child, $50/two member siblings, $45/non-member child, $55/two non-member siblings Other. Ages: 18 to 36 Months. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Become an Audubon Bluebird Monitor!
Community Science Opportunity
Two Virtual Trainings Scheduled for Volunteers
January 11, March 6, 2024; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Are you charmed by Eastern bluebirds? Consider volunteering with Audubon to monitor their populations this spring and summer. This project includes collecting data from scattered bluebird boxes at nine Audubon wildlife refuges across Rhode Island. Volunteers need to attend one program only. Please email Ethan Paiva epaiva@asri.org if you are interested in attending a session or have any questions. Zoom links will be sent to registrants 24 hours prior to virtual sessions. (In-person trainings also offered this spring.)
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS: January 11, March 6, 2024; 7:00 pm-9:00 pm; Free. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

South County Winter Waterfowl Tour
Southern Rhode Island Coast
January 13, 2024; 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Come along on an Audubon Nature Tour Van Trip and search for winter waterfowl along the southern Rhode Island coast! Visit a variety of places to observe an abundance of birds and their habitats. Pack a lunch and snacks, and note that multiple stops for light refreshments and restroom breaks will be made along the way. Please dress appropriately for the weather. Expect cold temperatures and at times, high winds. As much of our time will be spent outside walking along trails and sections of beach, please wear warm, comfortable footwear.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $60/member, $75/non-member. Ages: 18 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Owls and Ales
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 13, February 17, 2024;6:30 – 8:30 pm
Meet one of Audubon’s amazing owl ambassadors in person! Come to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for 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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 13, February 24, 2024; 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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 


Seals and Society
New! Traveling Exhibit
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 15 – March 1, 2024;9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Dive into the world of harbor and grey seals, two local and abundant species in our region! This temporary exhibit, created by the New Bedford Whaling Museum, includes multiple pop-up screens, stunning photographs, and up-to-date research that brings you into the seals’ watery world. Learn how different people and cultures relate to seals, how these mammals forage, sense their world, where they travel, and more.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with admission.

Become an Audubon Vernal Pool Monitor!
Community Science Opportunity
Two Virtual Training Sessions Offered for Volunteers
January 18, 30, 2024; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Have you ever wondered about those pools of water that show up in natural areas in spring? Have you noticed frogs and egg masses in them? These are vernal pools, home to frogs, salamanders, and even turtles. These pools of water are incredibly important for the amphibians and reptiles who use them as breeding grounds. Audubon is looking for volunteers interested in being a part of a community-science based project in Spring 2024. If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the project, please email Nathan Archer at narcher@asri.org or Ethan Paiva epaiva@asri.org.
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS. January 18, 31, 2024; 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Ages: Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Small Group Owling at Fisherville Brook
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
January 19, 2024; 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 is home to Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls. Pre-registration is a must as this program is limited to 12 participants. Adults only. This program will be held 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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Ducks of Sachuest Point
Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, RI
January 20, 2024; 9:30 – 11:30 am
Bundle up and join an Audubon naturalist to survey the ducks and other waterfowl found along the coast of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge. This is a great time of year to get out and learn more about the birds that call Rhode Island home in winter. Dress warmly, wear sturdy footwear, and bring binoculars if you have them. The guide will have a spotting scope to share. The walk is approximately 2.5 miles along an even grade with benches located along the way. Restrooms are available at the Visitor Center.
Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, 769 Sachuest Point Road, Middletown, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Discovering Moths: Nighttime Jewels in Your Own Backyard
Lecture and Book Signing with Author John Himmelman
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 20, 2024;1:00 – 2:30 pm
Meet the beautiful, fascinating, and underappreciated cousins of the butterflies! Less than 1% of the over 11,000 moth species in North America are considered pests. The rest show an amazing variety of color, shape and behavior missed by many of us, as we tend to be indoors at night when most (not all) are active. While you will learn about a couple of the pests and how they got here, we'll mostly be celebrating the vast array of bewitching and beneficial species with whom we share our yards. John Himmelman is the author/photographer/illustrator of the book bearing the title of this program. He will be selling signed copies during this event.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $12/member, $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Native Seed Starting
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 20, 2024;10:00 – 11:30 am
Are you thinking about starting a native garden this year for pollinators and other wildlife? Join Audubon for a Native Seed Starting Workshop and gain hands-on experience with winter sowing, learn about the importance of native plants, and walk away with your very own pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 15 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Naked Tree I.D.
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 20, 2024; 10:00 am – 1:00 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 species as well. Class is both indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather. Light snacks will be served.
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 www.asri.org/calendar. 

Paper Beads for Beginners
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 21, 2024;1:00 – 2:30 pm
Do you ever want to make jewelry at home but find that you don’t have the right beads? Join an Audubon naturalist and learn how to make your very own beads out of paper! This is a great way to get crafty at home with a few simple materials. These beads are customizable to color and size. Come join us for an afternoon of paper bead making and learn skills that will last a lifetime!
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $12/non-member adult, $8/non-member child. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Full Moon Hike
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 24, 2024; 7:00 - 9:00 pm
As the sun goes down, nature comes to life! Come to the Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge and walk the trails under the light of the full moon. An Audubon naturalist will be your guide as we look for nocturnal wildlife and listen for the calls of owls. Please dress for the weather and expect cold temperatures during chilly February evenings. Wear warm, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Owl Prowl at Caratunk
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
January 25, February 24, 2024; 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Come walk the trails of Caratunk at night, to look and listen for resident owls. Learn about these amazing birds, their unique calls, and the behaviors that make them so mysterious. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring a flashlight. Advance registration is required. These programs are designed for families with children ages 10 and up.
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 online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Owl Prowl at Powder Mill Ledges
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
January 26, 2024; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Visit Powder Mill Ledges at night to search for owls! An Audubon naturalist will call for different species as we walk through the forest. While we never know if we'll hear or see an owl, 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. This is a family program and appropriate for ages 10 and up.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Fish Printing Workshop for Adults
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 27, 2024;1:00 – 2:30 pm
Learn gyotaku, the ancient Japanese art of fish printing! This art form began over 100 years ago as a way for fisherman to keep a record of the fish they caught. Today, it has become a popular decorative art form. During this workshop, you will use real fish and create a unique, one-of-a-kind tote bag. Please wear clothes that can get messy. Note: this workshop is not recommended for participants that may have seafood allergies.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 16 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Fish Printing for Kids
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
January 28, 2024;1:00 – 2:00 pm
Use real fish to create a unique, one-of-a-kind pillowcase! Kids will learn about gyotaku, the Japanese art of fish printing, which began over 100 years ago as a way for fisherman to keep a record of their catch. Please wear clothes that can get messy. Note: this workshop is not recommended for children that may have seafood allergies. For ages 7+.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $12/members, $15/non-members. Ages: 7 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar.