2025 Owl Prowls
On Friday evening we send out two buses, each with an expert owl caller aboard, to give you the experience of hearing and possibly seeing wild owls. Species that are most often heard are Barred and Eastern Screech-Owls, but sometimes we get Great Horned Owls and there is a tiny chance for Northern Saw-whet Owls or Long-eared Owls. 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 7, 2025, leave from the Houston Nature Center, 215 W Plum St.
One bus is for families and one bus is for adults only.
Pre-registration required: $20/non-member, $15/member if registered by March 2. $25/person if registering March 3 or later.
On Friday evening we send out two buses, each with an expert owl caller aboard, to give you the experience of hearing and possibly seeing wild owls. Species that are most often heard are Barred and Eastern Screech-Owls, but sometimes we get Great Horned Owls and there is a tiny chance for Northern Saw-whet Owls or Long-eared Owls. 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 7, 2025, leave from the Houston Nature Center, 215 W Plum St.
One bus is for families and one bus is for adults only.
Pre-registration required: $20/non-member, $15/member if registered by March 2. $25/person if registering March 3 or later.
The 2025 international festival of owls is made possible by:
$100 Screech Owl Supporters
Bluff Country Financial Services ● Caledonia Veterinary Clinic ● Houston Dental Clinic ● Houston Hoedown Days ● JT's Bar & Grill ● Money Creek Haven ● Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance ● The Sawmill Inn ● The Wen Inn
Bluff Country Financial Services ● Caledonia Veterinary Clinic ● Houston Dental Clinic ● Houston Hoedown Days ● JT's Bar & Grill ● Money Creek Haven ● Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance ● The Sawmill Inn ● The Wen Inn
The International Festival of Owls would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.
Please contact us for information on having your business or organization become a sponsor, and please patronize our sponsors.
Many thanks are due to our prize donors and the army of volunteers that make this event possible.
Please contact us for information on having your business or organization become a sponsor, and please patronize our sponsors.
Many thanks are due to our prize donors and the army of volunteers that make this event possible.