Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Animal Encounter
2025-02-14 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-02-16 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-02-17 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-02-18 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-02-19 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-02-20 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-02-21 14:00 - 14:20 (America/New_York)
Animal Encounter
2 PM – 2:20 PM
Meet an ambassador animal and hear their story while we learn about the adaptations they have that help their species survive in the wild. Join us for a reptile ambassador on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, or a raptor ambassador on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday!
Held in the Hawkfly or Neale Pavilion.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Raptor Feeding Time
2025-02-14 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-16 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-17 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-18 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-19 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-20 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-02-21 14:30 - 15:00
Raptor Feeding Time
2:30 PM – 3 PM
Join our raptor care-givers for feeding time! Learn about the habits and history of each of the resident raptors at VINS as you watch them enjoy their daily meal.
Held in the Raptor Exhibits.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Birding Meet-ups
2025-02-15 08:00 - 08:45 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
Birding Meet-ups
Saturday, February 15, 2025 / 8 – 8:45 AM
Saturday, March 15, 2025 / 8 – 8:45 AM
Saturday, April 12, 2025 / 8 – 8:45 AM
Saturday, May 10, 2025* / 7 – 9:30 AM
Saturday, June 14, 2025 / 8 – 8:45 AM
Free – no registration required. Join us for one meet-up or all of them.
Looking to connect with a community of birders in our area? Want to hone your ID skills with the help of VINS staff? Join us for a season of Birding Meet-ups. Starting in February and running monthly into early summer, we will observe and track the changes in bird populations as the seasons progress.
Meet at the VINS Nature Center for these informal gatherings with fellow birders. The Meet-up may take place at VINS or travel as a group to nearby locations such as Dewey’s Pond or the Quechee Gorge to visit the varied habitats of our area.
Get practice with your birding ID, and start building your eBird or life lists. These Meet-ups are designed for the intermediate to advanced birder who want to hone their ID skills with the help of VINS staff but all skill levels are welcome.
* May 10, 2025, is Global Big Day – an annual worldwide birdwatching event that is part of World Migratory Bird Day. The May 10 Birding Meet-up will begin at 7 AM and run through 9:30 AM and will travel to several locations to maximize the number of birds we can count on this very special day.
These Meet-Ups will be held outdoors, rain or shine. Participants should dress appropriately. Field guides and binoculars are recommended. Binoculars will be available to borrow.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Winter Wildlife Celebration
2025-02-15 10:00 - 16:00
Winter Wildlife Celebration
Saturday, February 15 / 10 AM – 4 PM
Included with General Admission
All kinds of wildlife call Vermont home, even in the coldest season! Discover how a variety of creatures – songbirds, reptiles, raptors, and reindeer – adapt to life in the snow. The Vermont Reindeer Farm will offer an up-close experience with this amazing arctic species. Join a fun winter game in the Hawkfly or contribute to science by observing wild birds for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. You could even win one of our custom made Pokémon Go Birding cards for each of the species you identify at our feeders. Meet the resident VINS wildlife to discover how they meet the challenges of winter. It’s sure to be a great way to discover the wonders of winter!
10 AM – 1 PM / Reindeer Fun
Meet some of the spectacular animals from the Vermont Reindeer Farm and learn about how they adapt to the arctic landscape.
10 AM – 3 PM / Winter Games
Part of surviving chilly winter conditions is staying active! Join us in celebrating wildlife with exciting activities for the whole family.
10 AM – 3 PM / Birding at VINS
It’s the annual Great Backyard Bird Count and your observations can help scientists track the health of wild bird populations! Plus you can get an amazing Pokémon Go Birding card made right here at VINS for the birds you identify! Learn to spot common backyard birds with VINS staff, meet the wild birds that live at VINS and learn more about how to safely attract wild birds to your yard.
11 AM – 11:30 AM / Winter Wildlife
How do some animals survive winter? Meet some of our live animal ambassadors to learn how they survive cold temperatures.
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM / Wildlife Tracking Walk
Ever wonder who left those footprints in the snow? Come walk along our snowy trails and learn how to recognize wildlife tracks. Meet at the entrance to the Songbird Aviary and be sure to have appropriate footwear.
12:30 PM – 1 PM / Reindeer Up Close & Personal
What does a year in the life of a reindeer look like? Find out from the amazing staff at the Vermont Reindeer Farm!
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM / Songbird Aviary Tour
Spend some time in the Songbird Aviary! An educator will familiarize you with this special group of birds and share how you can make a great habitat for these important creatures in your own backyard.
1:00PM – 1:45PM / Wildlife Tracking Walk
Ever wonder who left those footprints in the snow? Come walk along our snowy trails and learn how to recognize wildlife tracks. Meet at the entrance to the Songbird Aviary and be sure to have appropriate footwear.
2 PM – 2:30 PM / Winter Wildlife
How do some animals survive winter? Meet some of our live animal ambassadors to learn how they adapt to cold temperatures.
2:30 PM – 3 PM / Raptor Feeding
Join our raptor caregivers for feeding time! Learn about the habits and history of each of the resident raptors at VINS as you watch them enjoy their daily meal.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.

Raptors Up Close
2025-02-16 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-17 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-18 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-19 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-20 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-21 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-02-22 11:00 - 11:30
Raptors Up Close
11 AM – 11:30 AM
Take flight with us on an unforgettable experience! We’ll show you the unique nature of some of the world’s most highly skilled predators – raptors! In this live bird demonstration you’ll gain an up-close view and an in-depth understanding of these majestic birds.
Held in the Hawkfly or Neale Pavilion.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

Songbird Aviary Tour
2025-02-16 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-02-17 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-02-18 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-02-19 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-02-20 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-02-21 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-02-22 12:30 - 12:50
Songbird Aviary Tour
12:30 PM – 12:50 PM
Spend some time in the Songbird Aviary! Our docents will familiarize you with this special group of birds and point out the ways you can make a great habitat for these important creatures in your own backyard.
Held in the Songbird Aviary.
For more information, contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.
