Eyes On Owls presentation and walk

Six of us met at the Audubon center early for the presentation so we decided to stroll around the building. We browsed through a live reptile exhibit room where there were many types of snakes basking under sun lamps and turtles showing their best talents of sitting around doing nothing. There also was a large taxidermy collection along the walls. We than slipped out a side door to check out an exhibit building which housed a live Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Red-Tailed Hawk, and two Barred Owls all in four humongous cages. There also was an Eastern Screech Owl cage nearby, but those little guys were hiding in the dark. All these birds were receiving a second chance in life at the center due to rehabilitating issues that prevent them from being released back into the wild.

At 1pm we filled the presentation hall along with a mix of adults and children. All eight in our group were present. Presenters Marcia and Mark Wilson kicked off their presentation first with a 20 minute slide show of Marks photography, than they brought out each of their owls while sharing information on them, they answered many questions, and Marcia showed her hooting abilities with each of their calls. The one question that almost every adult may want to ask, but most often refrained from was brought up by one of the very young guests up front. Do owls pass gas? The answer was 'yes'. The six owls Marcia presented to us were a Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, and an Eurasian Eagle Owl. Marcia was a great presenter and it was said that she was born and raised by owls.

After the presentation, about 2:30pm, the eight of us gathered at the trail head to the wildlife preservation and began a casual walk. We strolled the mostly dry trail to the edge of Great Turkey Pond. As we stopped near the pond we heard two Barred Owls calling to each other not far away. After some hesitation we decided that they were real owls calling each other and not Marcia running around in the woods. The owls sounded like they met together and chatted to each other for a bit, than fell silent. I successfully led the group down the wrong trail in the 14 acre preserve. After noticing the trail map was wrong and did not match the trails we were following we backtracked to an alternate route to return. After just over an hour we found ourselves back at the parking lot.

After the walk six of us went to a local burrito restaurant for a bite to eat than we departed.

This was an exciting day to see so many types of birds and learn about them. I would encourage everyone to stop by the Audubon Center to visit the wildlife exhibits and walk the trails. And, many thanks to everyone who joined Mark and me. It made the day all the more fun!

Come join Mark and I on a two part event to the NH Audubon McLane Center. The first part is the owl presentation “Eyes on Owls” which will have a cost of $8 to $10 and registration through the NH Audubon Society web page.  The second part is a casual walk through the woods at the Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary.  You are welcome to come to both parts of the trip, or join us after the presentation just for the walk.

Please read the entire trip plan for specific information and instructions before signing up.

The Eyes on Owls presentation:

The Eyes on Owls presentation will be hosted by naturalist Marcia Wilson from 1:00pm to 2:15pm and will have a fee of $8 for Audubon members and $10 for non-members.  Marcia will have six lively owls with her and will introduce us to them up close.  You must purchase your registration for this event through the NH Audubon society in advance.  Additional information on the presentation and your reservations may be made here: www.nhaudubon.org/eyes-on-owls .

The walk through the woods:

Our walk through the woods will start at the NH Audubon McLane center at 2:30pm after the Eyes on Owls presentation.  There is no fee for the walk.  We will walk a 1.5 mile loop through the Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary by following the Old Orchard Trail and the Great Turkey Pond Trail.  This will be a casual and easy walk which will take about an hour.  Feel free to bring your camera, bird guides, and binoculars along.  More information about the sanctuary and a map may be found here: www.concordnh.gov/trails/concordv2.asp?siteindx=C50,50,60,49 .

Specific instructions:

If you are joining us for both the “Eyes on Owls” presentation and the walk please make your reservation through the NH Audubon Society at the above website for the 1:00pm (not the 10:00am) presentation.  Also, please specify in the comments section as you sign up on the GO site that you plan to attend the presentation and the walk.  We will meet at the McLane Center just before 1:00pm.

If you are joining us for just the walk please only sign up on the GO site and specify in the comments section that you are joining us for only the walk.  You may meet us in front of the McLane center at 2:30pm.

In the event of snow or rain this GO event will be rescheduled for March 31st, a date the NH Audubon has pre-determined for a snow date.

If you have any questions please e-mail me or use the “Discuss this trip/event” feature at the bottom of the GO event details page.