March 28, 2024

The Magical Chorus of Nature in Spring

April 2023 Program Highlights from the Audubon Society of Rhode Island

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(March 1, 2023) – Head to Audubon and experience a nighttime chorus of frogs, the charming courtship display of the American Woodcock, or learn to identify songbirds on a guided walk. Spring is a magical time on Audubon Wildlife Refuges – come discover nature’s chorus!

Camouflaged Easter Egg Hunt
April 1, 2023; 9:30 – 11:00 am
See Locations Below
Audubon offers a fun alternative to the same old Easter Egg Hunt! Children, ages 3 to 10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage.  Prizes are awarded to all children, with grand prizes given to the finders of the “golden eggs.”  Participants are asked to bring a basket. This event is held rain or shine, please dress for the weather.

Check-in at 9:30 am, Egg Hunt begins promptly at 10:00 am; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages 3 – 10. Advance registration is required, visit asri.org/calendar
- Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
- Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA
- Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI
- Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI

Spring Paper-Crafting Workshop
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 1, 2023; 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Join a spring-themed card making workshop with Michelle Hirsh-Solis. 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 will go home with 3 cards.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $15/member; $20/non-member. Ages: 10 and up.
Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Become an Eastern Bluebird Monitor
Three Locations Offered
April 1 & 16, 202; 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Although the Eastern Bluebird is a staple of our local ecosystem, these birds have historically been threatened by invasive species, pesticide use, and reforestation of previously open areas. To help conserve this species, Audubon is monitoring their abundance on wildlife refuges from April to August. The outdoor workshops listed below provide volunteers with natural history on Bluebirds and training on how to collect data in the field. Volunteers need to attend one workshop only. For more information and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar .
April 1, 2023; 2:00 - 3:00 pm; Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
April 1, 2023; 2:00 - 3:00 pm; Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 16, 2023; 2:00 – 3:00 pm; Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI

Beginning Birding Series
Three Dates and Locations Offered
April 2, 15, 29, 2023; 8:30 – 9:30 am
Join Lauren Parmelee, Audubon senior director of education, for early spring bird walks that are geared for beginning and novice birders. Learn from an expert how to find and identify birds. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from Audubon. Advance registration required. Walks are weather dependent. Ages 12+.
- Audubon Claire D. McIntosh Wildlife Refuge, 1401 Hope Street Bristol, RI; April 2, 2023.
- Mount Hope Farm, 250 Metacom Ave., Bristol, RI; April 15, 2023.
- Hunt’s Mills, 65 Hunt’s Mill Road, Rumford, RI; April 29, 2023
Fee: $5/member, $7/non-member. Ages 12 and up.
For more details and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Wednesday Morning Bird Walks with Audubon
Locations Across Rhode Island
April 5, 12, 19, 26, 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 www.asri.org/calendar

Spring Hiking on Prudence
Prudence Island, RI
April 6, 2023; 1:30 – 6:30 pm
Join an afternoon of hiking along the forested and shoreline trails of Prudence Island as spring begins to unfold. Discover a variety of habitats including freshwater wetlands, deciduous forest, salt marsh and coastal meadow making for a diverse and fun adventure! Expect to walk approximately four miles over relatively flat terrain.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $10/member; $12/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Watching Woodcocks: Supper and Saunter
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
April 7, 2023; 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join Audubon for an evening dedicated to the mysterious American Woodcock. Begin at Powder Mill Ledges for a soup and salad supper and an introduction to this bird and its exuberant mating flights. Then venture outdoors, either at Powder Mill Ledges or the nearby Newman Wildlife Refuge to view and listen for the mating flights and songs. Wear sturdy shoes, dress warmly and bring a bright flashlight. Program will be postponed in the event of rain or otherwise poor viewing conditions.
Departs from Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, RI; Fee: $25/member; $35/non-member. Ages: 12 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Citizens Free Family Fun Day
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 8, 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: Celebrating Planet Earth: Join a guided nature walk and group clean-up to celebrate Earth Day. Learn about the birds and animals that live on the wildlife refuge and discover what you can do to care for our planet.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free. Ages: All.

Needle Felted Owls
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 8, 2023; 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Join fiber artist Michelle Solis and learn how to make your favorite owl species from wool. Participants will sculpt their piece using the technique of needle felting, which involves using a notched needle to “stab” fluffy, colorful wool until it becomes solid. These classes are for beginners - no felting experience or artistic skills necessary! All materials will be provided and be sure to register early!
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $25/ member, $30/ non-member; Ages Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

April School Vacation Week with Audubon
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, Smithfield, RI
April 10 – 14, 2023
Get ready, get set, and head to Audubon for the best school vacation yet! Set out on the trails at night to listen for nocturnal wildlife in the evening hours, get up close with owls and hawks, explore the wetlands, pond, and shore, go on a nature scavenger hunt and more!
Visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar  for details on programs and to register.
Editor’s note: See separate press release for vacation week program listings.

Welcome Spring
Audubon Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Coventry, RI
April 14, 2023; 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
As spring develops, it provides a wonderful opportunity to explore wildlife refuges for birds, amphibians and emerging wildflowers. Join Scott Ruhren, Audubon senior director of conservation, for a ramble through the winding trails at Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge.
Parker Woodland Wildlife Refuge, Maple Valley Road, Coventry, RI; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member. Ages: 5 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Birding for Kids
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 15, 2023; 9:30 – 11:00 am
Bring the kids and join an Audubon naturalist too learn basic birding skills. Identify local year-round birds and a few migratory species through sight and sound. Learn how to use binoculars, field guides, and phone apps. Explore the trails of Caratunk and discover the world of birding! Binoculars will be available to borrow during the program. Parents must accompany children.
Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages: 7 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

'Spring' on over to Prudence Island!
Prudence Island, RI
April 19, 2023; 9:45 am – 4:45 pm
Come explore Prudence Island, a hidden gem in the middle of Narragansett Bay. Explore whatever areas Mother Nature deems suitable for travel, which will likely include forest, salt marsh and shoreline, both on foot and via passenger van. With an afternoon low tide, stop by the south end of the island to look for any late season basking harbor seals just offshore. Spring birds will have begun arriving, so enjoy birding time, too.
Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Prudence Island, RI; Fee: $12 member; $14/non-member. Ages: 10 and up. For more information on Prudence Island trips and to register, visit the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Woodcocks and Wine
Audubon Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter, RI
April 21, 2023; 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening adventure in the fields of Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge to observe the enchanting flight patterns of the American Woodcock. The evening begins with a wine sampling and a presentation and fascinating facts about these unusual birds. Afterwards, head out on a hike to observe the Woodcock display. Be warned, spring peepers or even a coyote might serenade you! You must be at least 21 years old to register. Bring a flashlight and dress for the weather. Meet in the Nature Center. Advance registration is required.
Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, 99 Pardon Joslin Road, Exeter, RI; Fee: $20/member; $25/non-member. Ages: 21 and up. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop
Two Dates Offered
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 22, May 20, 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! 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 www.asri.org/calendar

Bluebirds of Caratunk
Audubon Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, Seekonk, MA
April 23, 2023; 9:00 – 10:30 am
Come learn all about beautiful Eastern Bluebirds. Discover their natural history, learn how to identify them and more. Head out to the fields to watch them in action and check out their homes and neighbors. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars.
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 www.asri.org/calendar

Froggy Nights at Audubon!
Two Dates and Locations Offered
April 25 & 26, 2023; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Come listen to the calls of spring peepers and wood frogs found in the wetlands. You might hear owls and see deer, too! Be sure to dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar
- Caratunk Wildlife Refuge, 301 Brown Avenue, Seekonk, MA; April 25, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm; Fee: $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 8+.
- Fort Nature Refuge, (Rt. 5), 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield, RI; April 26, 2023; 7:00-9:00 pm; $10/member adult, $5/member child; $14/non-member adult, $7/non-member child. Ages: 8+.

There She Blows, Again!
A Journey on a Whale Ship and What it can tell us about Marine Conservation
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
April 27, 2023; 7:00 – 8:00 pm
In 2014, Anne DiMonti, Director of the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, gained a new perspective of ocean conservation as she traveled aboard the historic whaling ship, the Charles W. Morgan, on what Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT coined the 38th Voyage.

Scientists do not often have an opportunity to travel back in time to observe the past and consider where it has led us today. However, the Morgan provided this opportunity, raising the question: are we having the same or possibly an even greater impact on the ocean ecosystem and whale populations than in the 19th Century? There was little understanding that a species could be finite in the 1900s and the ocean was thought to have a limitless bounty. Today, we are keenly aware that whales and other marine species face a wide range of threats and we struggle to find a balance between our need for the ocean’s resources and its preservation for the future. This lecture will take participants on a journey to learn how the lessons of the past can shape a better environmental future.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Fee: $5/member $7/non-member. Ages: Teen to Adult. Register through the events calendar at www.asri.org/calendar

Life on the Wing: Photography by Ryan McAssey
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, Bristol, RI
Through April 28, 2023; 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ryan McAssey (RJM Captures) is a photographer with over a decade of experience who turned his primary focus of the lens towards wild birds and ornithology in 2019. This exhibit will showcase both environmental interactions and detailed portraits of birds in the greater New England region. Through the work displayed, Ryan hopes to provide visitors with an opportunity to take pause and enjoy the subtleties of the varied avian diversity found throughout our local ecosystem.
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol, RI; Free with Admission. Ages: All.


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