Red-winged Blackbirds lay their eggs in nests of woven grass. Children and their parents can learn about all kinds of eggs at Audubon Community Nature Center’s Little Explorers on Saturday, April 12.

Eggs come in different textures, shapes, and sizes, but they all have a common purpose: to provide a baby animal with the protection and food it needs to grow until it is ready to hatch.

At Audubon Community Nature Center’s Little Explorers on Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., parents and their 3- to 8-year-old children can observe and investigate the different kinds of eggs found in the area, and learn how animals keep their eggs safe from some of the challenges they face in the wild.

After a short indoor lesson, the group will go outside to look for bird nests and evidence of these other egg-laying animals. A snack is provided after the hike and a craft is offered if there is time.

Little Explorers takes place regardless of the weather, so dress accordingly. The fee is $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 3-8 and Nature Center members. Enrollment is limited to 15 children, 30 participants total. Reservations are due by Thursday by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or visiting AudubonCNC.org/events.

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, and hike more than five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.