Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Raptors Up Close
2025-03-22 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-23 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-24 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-25 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-26 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-27 11:00 - 11:30, 2025-03-28 11:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
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
2025-03-22 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-03-23 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-03-24 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-03-25 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-03-26 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-03-27 12:30 - 12:50, 2025-03-28 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.

Animal Encounter
2025-03-22 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-03-23 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-03-24 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-03-25 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-03-26 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-03-27 14:00 - 14:20, 2025-03-28 14:00 - 14:20
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
2025-03-22 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-03-23 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-03-24 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-03-25 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-03-26 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-03-27 14:30 - 15:00, 2025-03-28 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.

Winter Fairy Hunts
2025-03-23 10:00 - 14:00
Winter Fairy Hunts
Sunday, March 23
10 AM – 2 PM
Included with General Admission
Where do milkweed pods become bathtubs and beds, and acorn caps become dinnerware? In Fairy Town at VINS, of course! Join the Fairy Court to help search the forest for our hidden fairy friends in a scavenger hunt adventure! Forest Fairy hunts offer children and their families a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with the natural world and to nurture respect for the environment.
After the hunt get hands on in nature by using natural materials to build your very own fairy house at VINS Fairy Town.
Wearing wings is encouraged! Recommended for ages 4 and up.
For more information contact us at info@vinsweb.org or 802.359.5000.

An Introduction to Raptor ID
2025-03-27 17:30 - 19:00 | VINS Nature Center, 149 Natures Way, Quechee, 05059, United States
An Introduction to Raptor ID
Virtual Workshop
Thursday, March 27 / 5:30 PM – 7 PM
$15 General Public; VINS Members FREE
Register Today
Register to receive the Zoom link for this event.
Learn to identify Vermont’s native raptor species with insights from the VINS Research Team, who study these birds every day. Join us for a course focused on diurnal raptors that breed, migrate through, or overwinter in Vermont (note: owls are not included in this presentation).
This workshop will introduce key tools for raptor identification, both up close and at a distance, including body shape, size, flight style, behavior, habitat, season, and field markings. Using these methods, we’ll focus on species profiles for Vermont’s 16 raptor species, with in-depth notes on distinguishing males from females in select species and identifying juveniles versus adults.
We’ll wrap up with a quick photo ID quiz and a discussion of helpful resources, including field guides and apps, to support your raptor identification skills.
This course is open to birders of all ages and experience levels.
For more information, contact us at 802.359.5000 or info@vinsweb.org.
