On Saturday, April 22, Eyes On Owls will present a live owl program in conjunction with the Trustees at Walpole's Bird Park. All who attend are in for some fun, with educational close-up views of these secretive birds of prey in Naturalist Marcia Wilson's presentation, “Who’s Watching You? Owls of the World.”
Wilson introduces the audience to owls found in New England, and as well other parts of the world. A slide show begins the program by showcasing colorful wildlife photos by her husband, Mark Wilson. Marcia imitates the owls’ calls herself, paying special attention to the more common owls encountered in the area.
After a hooting lesson and much audience anticipation, Marcia brings out the live owls, one at a time. With each owl perched securely on her gloved hand, she walks out among the audience with six or seven owls. There’s plenty of time for close-up views, photos and questions.
All owls presented have permanent disabilities which prevent them from surviving on their own in the wild. These non-releasable owls serve as captivating ambassadors from the world of wildlife. All the owls are legally permitted by state and federal agencies for use in environmental educational programs.
Which owl eats skunks? Can a little detective work reveal where owls live near you? What do pellets tell us about an owl’s diet, the food chain and the web-of-life? How can we protect owls and their habitats? Wilson explores these questions and more during this fun, interactive program.