WAYNESBORO – Families gathered at Buttonwood Nature Center on Saturday, March 29, to meet Strix, a barred owl ambassador from Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, during a special program in the Naturalist Discovery Series.
Strix, who has lived at the preserve for about 10 years, was found injured in Michaux State Forest and rehabilitated. Due to his wing injury, he cannot return to the wild. Anne Gageby, his handler, shared insights into his life and care during the presentation.
“Barred owls like Strix can live 25 to 30 years in captivity but only 10 to 15 years in the wild,” Gageby said. She noted that Strix weighs about 1.5 pounds and eats two to three mice daily.
After the talk, attendees had the chance to take photos with Gageby and Strix. Children also enjoyed a puppet-making craft as part of the event’s family-friendly activities.
The program highlighted Buttonwood’s commitment to environmental education and community engagement through hands-on learning experiences.
