October 8, 2008
Owls
Owls are nocturnal birds that are easily recognized by their large heads, huge eyes and chunky bodies. They are well adapted for hunting and feed on mice and other small mammals, insects and even fish. While there are a number of different species of owls that make their home in New York State, many people have never seen one. Soft feathers make their flight nearly silent, and they have excellent hearing, which enables them to hunt in the dark. One of the most unusual features of owls is their ability to turn their head 270 degrees. Their eyeballs are fixed in their sockets, so owls must turn their heads to see what is going on around them. People need 10 times the amount of light that owls need to see.
Several hours after eating, owls will regurgitate an owl pellet, which consists of the indigestible parts of their prey. The pellets are gray or brown masses that contain fur, feathers, bones, bills, claws or teeth. You can find owl pellets at roosting or nesting sites, and they can tell you the story of the owl's diet. If you find an owl pellet, soak it in warm water and dissect it to learn just what food the owl has eaten.
Some common New York owls include:
Great Horned Owl - A very large, powerful brownish owl with yellow eyes and prominent ear tufts, the great horned owl likes a variety of wooded habitats, including the suburbs, often nesting in large tree hollows. This owl reaches a length of up to 25" with a wingspan of 55".
Eastern Screech Owl - A fairly common small owl with yellow eyes and ear tufts, the Eastern screech owl can be red or gray. This smaller owl prefers a mix of woods, open areas and water, and reaches a length of 10" with a wingspan of 22".
Barn Owl - A medium-sized pale owl with a white, heart-shaped face, dark eyes and long legs, the barn owl is found in meadow, grassland or marsh areas. As the name implies, the barn owl sometimes nests in barns or silos but prefers tree cavities. This owl reaches a length up to 20" with a wingspan of 44".
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Family Fun
Go Away!
Make an owl head now to scare away birds that will be eating in your garden next spring. Get two recycled CDs, some wiggle eyes, light brown, black and dark brown craft foam. Glue the two CDs in the middle of the piece of light brown craft foam, and glue a wiggle eye in the center of each CD. These will be the owl's eyes. To make the owl's head, draw an oval shape with two ears around the CDs and cut out the head. The forehead and beak are two triangles (one larger than the other) cut out of the dark brown and black foam, respectively. Glue the forehead triangle on top of the CDs and the beak triangle on top of the forehead between the "eyes." Punch a hole in the owl's head and hang it from a window or garden post using some ribbon. The light will reflect off the CDs and warn birds to stay away.
Wild Night
On a clear night, head outside with an adult and a small flashlight. Stay in the shadows under the trees and walk softly. To help you hear the sounds of the night, you can cup your hands behind your ears. If you think you hear an owl call, stop and listen for the next round. If you want to talk back to the owl, memorize the number of sounds and their rhythm, and try to repeat it. The owl may actually fly in for a closer look to see who is in its territory. Hold your flashlight next to your head at eye level to see if you can spot any owl eyes peering back at you. To familiarize yourself with some owl sounds, visit the Owl Pages website.
Make Tracks!TM Family Trail Weekend
Walk, bike, roll or stroll to a trail near you this Columbus Day Weekend (October 11-13th, 2008) for the first annual Make Tracks Family Trail Weekend, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation's Green Hour®.
Check out Conservationist for Kids for more information and activities!
Upcoming DEC Events
Long Island
Fall Family Fishing Festival and Children's Festival - Hempstead Lake State Park
Saturday, October 18 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Come out and enjoy a day of free fishing with the entire family! Headlining the event is a children's "Casting for Pumpkins" contest. In addition, more than 1,000 trout will be stocked prior to the event. Loaner rods and free bait are available at every event. Cost: $5 for participants 12 years and older, plus $6 parking fee; free with Empire Passport. For more information, please visit the I Fish New York website. To register, please call Malynda Nichol at 631-444-0283.
Hudson Valley
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Campfire Cooking
Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 PM
One of the pleasures of camping is creating simple but tasty meals over a wood fire. Learn what tools you need to become a wilderness chef, get a few recipes and sample some fresh-cooked delicacies around our campfire.
Capital Region
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center
Predators of the Night
Friday, October 10 at 7:00 PM
Join us for a walk on Five Rivers' trails to learn about the nocturnal animals that are flying, running or slithering after prey.
Raccoons: Masked Bandits?
Saturday, October 11 at 2:00 PM
An indoor presentation will be followed by an outdoor walk to look for signs of these fascinating mammals.
Wild Apples
Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 AM
More than 50 species of birds and mammals go bananas for apples. Join us on a field study of the history of wild apples, as we scour the old Ackerman farm for surviving trees from an earlier era.
Helping Birds Eat Local
Saturday, October 18 at 2:00 PM
Niger seed imported from Nepal, safflower from Utah, sunflower from the Dakotas...wow, bird seed travels farther than the birds do! Join us to learn how to lower your bird-feeding carbon footprint (and expense) using local sources and savvy gardening/landscaping ideas.
Albany Pine Bush Preserve Discovery Center
Mushrooms of the Pine Bush
Saturday, October 11 from 10:00 AM to Noon
Have you ever wondered what the different kinds of mushrooms are that you see growing in the Pine Bush? There is a beautiful diversity of fungi in the Pine Bush Preserve, of various shapes, sizes and an array of colors. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Please call 518-456-0655 to register.
Fall Foliage Hike
Saturday, October 18 from 10:30 AM to Noon
Discover why some leaves turn color and others stay green all year. Cost: $2.00/person, $5.00/family, children under 5 free. Please call 518-456-0655 to register.
Central New York
Rogers Environmental Education Center
Leaf Peeping at Farm Tower
Saturday, October 11 from 10:00 AM to Noon
One of the most wonderful things about fall is being able to enjoy the array of colors all around us. Join us as we walk the Farm Tower Trail, soaking up the beauty that is fall.
Animals of Halloween
Friday, October 17 at 6:30 PM
Tricks, treats, and
Western New York
Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center
Advance registration is required. Call 716-683-5959.
Field Guide for Kids
Saturday, October 11 at 10:30 AM
Make a simple field guide of common plants and animals to take on the trail. For kids ages 6 to 10; cost: $1.00/child.
Full Hunter's Moon Walk
Tuesday, October 14 at 6:00 PM
Come out and enjoy the brightness and folklore of the full moon.
Owl Prowl
Friday, October 17 at 7:00 PM
Learn about our local owls, and listen for them on a walk in the woods. For adults and children ages six and older only.
Cold-blooded Catnap
Saturday, October 18 at 10:30 AM
Learn how local frogs, turtles and snakes survive our harsh winters on this guided walk.
Habitat Hunt
Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 PM
Who are the critters in our "neighborhood"? Learn about our resident wildlife--what they eat and where they live. For children under age 12.
Events at other nature centers throughout the state
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