Owl Prowl Moonlight Hike

 The group met at my house on time at 6:30PM and introduced ourselves to the representative of the Sharon CT Audubon Society,  Sarah and her husband Sean.  They had brought  along four species of Owls - an Eastern Screech Owl, a Saw-whet Owl, a Barred Owl and a Great Horned Owl.  These were birds who were raised at the Sharon CT Audubon Center and visit schools and other groups.  Beautiful.  After about half an hour listening to Sarah talk about the Owls, showing pellets, skulls  and feathers we took a few photos and set off on our walk into the hardwood forest.  About five minutes after we started walking, Sean turned on his digitized device and called ...... a Barred Owl called back and then there were three in the canopy above our heads.  These big birds of prey appeared to be as curious about us was we were about them.  As Sean called, they flew about always lighting and watching.  As we walked we continued calling other species of Owls.  None called back or dropped in to visit.  A young Barred Owl called to us with his immature voice.  We were all fascinated.  Sarah used an APP to identify various songbirds in the forest and show us their photos.  Birds love to sing as daylight fades.  We continued walking and calling but no more Owls.  Sarah, Sean and our GO members were all pleased.  We hiked out of the forest into a small mowed pasture bordered by Oak trees and called again.  No more responses.  A small Brown Bat flew overhead silhouetted against the darkening sky.  I was happy to see a bat after an absence of about three years .  I hope they are making a comeback.  The walk was very enjoyable and a good time was had by all.  I would like to do this again in January when the Eastern Screech Owls are looking for mates and nesting sites. A very good time was had by all.  I will be posting some photos later.

 An Owl expert from the Sharon, CT Audubon Society will lead an easy,  mostly downhill one to two mile  hike on a dirt track through a forest with electronic Owl calls used to attract these  birds of prey.  Hawks and Owls share the same territories.  When hawks retire for the night - owls begin their nocturnal activities.  It is possible we will see or hear Barred, Great Horned, Eastern Screech and Saw-Whet Owls on the hike.   Participants  should  wear sturdy hiking shoes for a rocky, possibly muddy dirt track.  Long pants,  a (rain)  jacket and cap are advised.  Bring a flashlight  and binoculars, if you have them.  You may wish to bring a personal beverage.  The Audubon Society charges $75 minimum to escort this hike which will be prorated  by participants ($5.00 each with 15 participants plus a gratuity).  I will pay my share, too.  Inclement weather will postpone this hike.  We could get something to eat as a group either before or after the hike - let me know your thoughts. The walk will last from about 6:30 PM  to 10:00PM.  Please do not be late as we will depart promptly.  The Audubon Society has us on a clock.

After speaking with, Sarah,  the representative from the Sharon, CT Audubon Society, who will escort  the group,  we will be hiking on a wooded forest fire break.  She will be bringing three different  rescued owls to view before starting the hike into the woods - a Great Horned Owl, a Barred Owl and a Screech Owl.  The Audubon Society will distribute handouts.