Honoring Flaco: The Remarkable Story and Legacy of New York City's Beloved Owl
by David Lei and Jacqueline Emery
Part-time wildlife photographers Jacqueline Emery and David Lei tell the story of the world-famous Eurasian eagle-owl who is being honored with the Lady Gray'l Award for his role as an ambassador for owls. After being released from the Central Park Zoo by a vandal in 2023, Flaco made the city his home. Emery and Lei will share photos from the intimate looks they had into his year as a wild owl. They will also discuss how Flaco's legacy continues to benefit raptors and other birds.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Following the World Owl Hall of Fame award presentation at 4:30 PM at Houston High School
by David Lei and Jacqueline Emery
Part-time wildlife photographers Jacqueline Emery and David Lei tell the story of the world-famous Eurasian eagle-owl who is being honored with the Lady Gray'l Award for his role as an ambassador for owls. After being released from the Central Park Zoo by a vandal in 2023, Flaco made the city his home. Emery and Lei will share photos from the intimate looks they had into his year as a wild owl. They will also discuss how Flaco's legacy continues to benefit raptors and other birds.
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Following the World Owl Hall of Fame award presentation at 4:30 PM at Houston High School
Voices in the Dark: Revealing the Hidden Lives of Eurasian Eagle Owls
by Marjon Savelsberg
The Eurasian Eagle Owl, Europe’s largest owl species, lives much of its life hidden in the darkness of night. However, by learning to interpret their vocalizations and identify individual owls through their unique calls, Marjon was able to uncover an entirely different perspective on these fascinating birds. In this presentation, she will guide you through a decade of bioacoustic research on owls conducted in her hometown of Maastricht, the Netherlands. It is truly a soap opera, and the presentation is guaranteed to be entertaining! (Photo by Jean-Pierre Geusens)
Sunday, March 8, 2026
2:00 PM at Houston High School
by Marjon Savelsberg
The Eurasian Eagle Owl, Europe’s largest owl species, lives much of its life hidden in the darkness of night. However, by learning to interpret their vocalizations and identify individual owls through their unique calls, Marjon was able to uncover an entirely different perspective on these fascinating birds. In this presentation, she will guide you through a decade of bioacoustic research on owls conducted in her hometown of Maastricht, the Netherlands. It is truly a soap opera, and the presentation is guaranteed to be entertaining! (Photo by Jean-Pierre Geusens)
Sunday, March 8, 2026
2:00 PM at Houston High School
The 2026 international festival of owls is made possible by:
Major Sponsors
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Houston Public Schools
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Elizabeth Callender King Foundation
* Carl & Verna Schmidt Foundation |
$1,000 Great Gray Owl Enthusiasts
Tricia Jacobs and Family
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$500 Great Horned Owl Advocates
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$250 Barred Owl Contributors
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Houston Lions
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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.