2024 owl prowls
On Friday evening we send out two buses, each with an expert owl caller aboard, to give you the experience of seeing and/or hearing wild owls. Species that are most often heard are Barred and Eastern Screech-Owls, but Northern Saw-whet Owls, Great Horned Owls and even Long-eared Owls are also possible. Keep in mind that these are wild owls and there are no guarantees. Moon phase, wind, cloud cover, precipitation, and more will likely affect the owls' response.
DRESS WARMLY! Long underwear, boots, down jackets, and wool sweaters, hats and mittens are not overkill. Standing still listening for owls, even when it's 40 F outside, will chill almost anyone to the bone. "Quiet" clothes are preferable to clothes that make noise when you move.
PLEASE NOTE: Actively calling owls like this is an agitation to wild owls. The owls perceive the calling as an intruder in their territory, which is why they respond. No two buses stop in the same locations to assure the owls are not overly stressed, and nearly every stop is on or near remote private property (with permission), so these owls are not likely to be bothered again during the course of the year. If you chose to try actively calling owls on your own, either with playback or with your own voice, DO NOT do it repeatedly in the same owl's territory. Some public lands (like national parks) may also forbid active calling to avoid stressing the birds.
6:00 PM Friday, March 1, 2024, leave from the Houston Nature Center, 215 W Plum St.
There will be buses for families or adults only.
Pre-registration required: $20/non-member, $15/member if registered by February 25. $25/person if registering February 26 or later.
On Friday evening we send out two buses, each with an expert owl caller aboard, to give you the experience of seeing and/or hearing wild owls. Species that are most often heard are Barred and Eastern Screech-Owls, but Northern Saw-whet Owls, Great Horned Owls and even Long-eared Owls are also possible. Keep in mind that these are wild owls and there are no guarantees. Moon phase, wind, cloud cover, precipitation, and more will likely affect the owls' response.
DRESS WARMLY! Long underwear, boots, down jackets, and wool sweaters, hats and mittens are not overkill. Standing still listening for owls, even when it's 40 F outside, will chill almost anyone to the bone. "Quiet" clothes are preferable to clothes that make noise when you move.
PLEASE NOTE: Actively calling owls like this is an agitation to wild owls. The owls perceive the calling as an intruder in their territory, which is why they respond. No two buses stop in the same locations to assure the owls are not overly stressed, and nearly every stop is on or near remote private property (with permission), so these owls are not likely to be bothered again during the course of the year. If you chose to try actively calling owls on your own, either with playback or with your own voice, DO NOT do it repeatedly in the same owl's territory. Some public lands (like national parks) may also forbid active calling to avoid stressing the birds.
6:00 PM Friday, March 1, 2024, leave from the Houston Nature Center, 215 W Plum St.
There will be buses for families or adults only.
Pre-registration required: $20/non-member, $15/member if registered by February 25. $25/person if registering February 26 or later.
The International Festival of Owls is a fundraiser for the International Owl Center and the Center’s biggest event of the year.
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