With the guidance of an Audubon Community Nature Center nature educator, on Saturday morning, June 24, 8 to 12-year-old Natural Investigators and their adults will learn to use binoculars to get a closer look at birds.

From songbirds to waterfowl to raptors, birds abound on the grounds of Audubon Community Nature Center, but their flighty nature makes getting a close look difficult.

With the aid of binoculars, adults and the 8 to 12-year-old(s) can be Natural Investigators and hit the trails to discover some feathered friends on Saturday, June 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

During the indoor portion of Binoculars and Birds, those attending learn how to use binoculars and field guides. Then the group will go outside to see what birds members can detect. Using field markings and a variety of field guides to identify finds, the group will get an up-close look while giving the birds the space they need. The program happens rain or shine, so dress for the weather.

The fee is $12 for adults, $9 for Nature Center members and children ages 8 to 12. Enrollment is limited to 12 children, 24 participants total. Make paid reservations by Thursday, June 22, by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or by going to AudubonCNC.org and clicking through “Programs and Events.” Natural Investigators is presented on the fourth Saturday of every month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, view the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area, and natural play space, and hike more than five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free. The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, winners of the 2022 Nature Photography Contest, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature Center members.

To learn more about Audubon and its programs, call 716-569-2345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.