5 Things May 2: Barn Babies, Bird-a-Thon and More

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1. Barn Babies

The traveling petting zoo Barn Babies will visit EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Norton at 2 p.m. Barn Babies regularly visits EPOCH and always brings a variety of baby animals, including kittens, puppies, piglets, bunnies, ducklings and chicks. All are invited to attend this free event. For more information or to R.S.V.P. call 508-285-7745.

2. Play N Learn and Afternoon Book Discussion Group meeting

Join Gina McGarrigle of CFCE for Play N Learn, a literacy-based program, 10:10 a.m. at Norton Public Library. This program includes stories, songs, parent handouts different activities for little ones ages 2.9 to 6 years old. Register at the library. At 4 p.m., the Afternoon Book Discussion Group will meet to talk about “A Partial History of Lost Causes,” by Jennifer Dubois. For more information contact Amanda Viana at 508-286-2695 or Amanda.Viana@sailsinc.org.

3. Recreational softball

Recreational softball will take place every Thursday May 2 to Aug. 8 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Memorial Park in Mansfield. Fee for Mansfield residents is $25 and $35 for non-residents.

4. Bird-a-thon

Mass Audubon’s annual Bird-a-thon, a friendly competition and fundraiser to support conservation across the Commonwealth, is again expected to inspire hundreds of dedicated enthusiasts in a 24-hour bird-spotting challenge from 6 p.m. May 17 to 5:59 p.m. May 18. During those 24 hours, participants will attempt to see or hear as many birds as possible, with their efforts being supported by hundreds of individual sponsors. Prizes—from trophies and gift cards to t-shirts—will be awarded in multiple categories, including for the most species spotted by a team, the most money raised by a team, and the top individual fundraiser. Those who can’t join a team can still participate by pledging money to a team member or by becoming a “Bird-a-thon Booster” and doing their own fundraising. Fellow birders and supporters can also keep up with team members during the event on Twitter by following @MassAudubon, hashtag #birdathon. To join a team, make a donation or get more information visit www.massaudubon.org/birdathon or email birdathon@massaudubon.org.

5. High near 72, low around 41

There will be patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, there will be increasing clouds, with a high near 72. Calm wind will become east 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Tonight will be mostly cloudy during the early evening, then will gradually clear with a low around 41. East wind will be 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.