WAYNESBORO – Buttonwood Nature Center is hosting an “owl prowl” along trails in the nature center at 10356 Amsterdam Road. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 22, at 7 p.m. The program is part of their Naturalist Discovery Series.
Visitors will learn about nighttime birds of prey during an evening hike in the woods led by naturalist Mary Claire King, Buttonwood’s watershed science coordinator. King will present a brief introduction to owls and lead the group along park trails.
During several stops, the group will pause and listen for various owls, including the great horned owl, the barred owl and the screech owl.
They will try to spot owls or other nocturnal creatures. Patience is required when trying to find owls. Participants must stand quietly for short periods of time to watch for owl flight and listen for owl calls.
Participants should wear dark clothing and sturdy shoes, and bring a red-light flashlight if they have one. Free copies of the children’s book, “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen, are available (one book per family, while supplies last).
“We know owls live on the property, but we may or may not see them,” said King. “The group will also investigate how the park changes after dark. U/V lights will be used to look at trees, leaves and insects to see how their appearances change under different light.”
The event is free, but registration is required. Readers may register online at buttonwoodnaturecenter.org. The event is open to all ages, with a limit of 30. For more information readers may call 717-762-0373 or email to [email protected].
This program is underwritten in part by Naturalist Discovery Series sponsors Pam and Bruce Rowland, and by Marge Kiersz, Lucinda D. Potter, CPA, and SEK CPAs & Advisors, with additional support from Buttonwood’s Today’s Horizon Fund contributors: The Nora Roberts Foundation, APX Enclosures, Don Gibe and Nancy Erlanson and the family of the late Carolyn Terry Eddy, with daughters Connie Fleagle and Kim Larkin.
