Get Outside and Under the Stars This Season!

 Take a break from the holiday rush in December and enjoy some time in nature. Bundle up and enjoy an owl prowl on a crisp winter’s night, bring a friend for an evening of stargazing, or join a workshop and create wreath for wildlife. Celebrate nature with Audubon this season!

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. 

Stargazing at Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 1, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join Audubon in the Caratunk barn to learn about winter constellations, then head outdoors to view the moon and more! Francine Jackson, Staff Astronomer at Brown University, will lead this lively evening program. Dress warmly as the program will take place both indoors and outside. Hot drinks will be provided. Note: Feel free to bring your own telescope if you have one.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $12/member adult, $6/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 10 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Cape Cod Winter Waterfowl Tour with Audubon
December 2, 2023; 7:00 am-5:00 pm
Hop into the Audubon Nature Tour Van for an all-day adventure to beautiful Cape Cod. Enjoy multiple stops along both the bay and seaside beaches to observe the wide variety of waterfowl and other birds that spend their winters on the Cape. Pack a lunch and snacks. Note that 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 of the van 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: $100/member, $115/non-member. Ages: 18 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 2, 2023; 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thanks to Citizens, the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium is open free to the public the first Saturday of every month. Join us on Veteran’s Day 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: Preparing for Hibernation. Join Audubon Naturalists and learn what hibernation really means and how different animals survive the winter.
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 2, 2023; 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, bird houses, photography, ornaments, stationery and other locally made treats are just a few items to choose from. 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.

Audubon Advanced Studies in Ornithology
Five-session Virtual Birding Course
December 5, 12, 2023, January 2, 9 and 16, 2024; 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Join Dr. Charles Clarkson, Audubon Director of Avian Research, in a five-part online course that is designed to increase your understanding in all things bird! This course will explore the latest information regarding avian evolution and taxonomy, anatomy and physiology, behavior and conservation.
Each class will be 1.5 hours in length and will include image and video-rich presentations. Ample time will be reserved at the end of each class to discuss the topics covered and field questions. If you want to deepen your appreciation of birds, this is the course for you! Zoom links will be distributed to registrants 24 hours prior to virtual sessions.
Virtual Course; Fee: $120 for Audubon members; $135 for non-members. Ages: Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Audubon Wednesday Morning Bird Walks
Locations Across Rhode Island
December 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. 

Owl Prowl at Caratunk
Three Dates Offered
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
December 7, 2023, 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. 

Owling at Fisherville Brook
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 8, 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 birds 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. Meet in the nature center and bring a flashlight.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Owl Prowl at Parker Woodland
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
December 8, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm
Visit Parker Woodland Refuge 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. Advance registration is required. Hike will be canceled in the event of inclement weather or icy trails.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member; $14/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Raptor Photo Shoot with Audubon
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 9, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
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, hear about each species, their natural history, and ecological place in Rhode Island. Register early, 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. 

Winter Wildlife Wreathmaking
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
December 14, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Make a winter wreath that is both beautiful and edible to birds and other wildlife. Using a grapevine base, add pine and cedar bows. Then add edible bits to attract birds such as cranberries, oranges, suet bits and more! Each participant will make one wreath, all materials will be provided. Participants may bring their own needle nose pliers and hand clippers. Bring hand clippers and needle nose pliers if you have them. Advance registration required.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $35/member; $45/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Winter Wildlife on Prudence Island
Two Dates Offered
Prudence Island, RI
December 15, 2023, February 7, 2024; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Join an all-day adventure exploring beautiful Prudence Island! Target species will be harbor seals, which are often seen hauled out on rocks just offshore, and a variety of waterfowl that inhabit the protected coves, marshes and ponds of Prudence. If the seabird birding is slow, we will explore the pine barrens and forested uplands. Expect to walk upwards of 3 miles over the course of the day.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12 member adult/ $6 member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: Teen to adult. For more information and to register for Prudence Island programs, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

New! Decoupage Shell Crafting
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 16, 2023; 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Join Audubon educators to create a unique hand-crafted decoupage seashell. These beautiful pieces may be used for home décor, a jewelry dish, or as a fun holiday gift! All materials are provided but feel free to bring a patterned cocktail napkin that you might like to use.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $10/member; $15 non-member Other. Ages: 14 and up. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

Winter Wildlife Wreathmaking
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
December 16, 2023; 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join Audubon to make a winter wreath that is both beautiful and edible to birds and other wildlife. Using wire or straw wreath bases, add greens, dried flowers, seed heads, leaves, fruits and nuts to entice our feathered friends to visit. All items will dry nicely if you prefer to keep the wreath for purely decorative purposes. Each participant will make one wreath. All materials and tools will be provided. Participants may bring their own needle nose pliers and hand clippers. Advance registration is required.
Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: Other; $35/ member; $45/non-member $45/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register online through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar. 

December School Vacation Week with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
December 27 - 29, 2023; 10;00 am – 3:00 pm
Don't know what to do with the family during school vacation break? Audubon is the solution! Join us for winter fun for all ages. Special programs and activities are available each day and are free with admission. Registration is not required.

Nature crafts will be available each day, as well as a Nature Story at 10:00 a.m., and Animal interviews at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. Special programs for children are also available at 1:00 pm. Special programs are recommended for children ages 6+, space is limited.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023: Owl Presentation - Meet one of our owl ambassadors and learn all about these amazing creatures, their habits, and habitats!
Thursday, December 28, 2023: Fairy Fort Building – Head outside to the woods at the Nature Center & Aquarium to build tiny forts and shelters for fairies and other small critters.
Friday, December 29, 2023: 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; Free with Admission. Ages: All.