HCT Hosts ‘Owls Up Close’ Programs Saturday

HARWICH – Owls work the night shift, and it's pretty easy to hear their hoots and calls filtering through the dark forest. But getting a good look at an owl in the wild is darn tricky. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to conveniently cozy up to these ravishing raptors during daylight hours?

You can this Saturday, when the Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT) once again host naturalists and educators Marcia and Mark Wilson for their "Owls Up Close" program. The event happens on Oct. 17 at the 204 Cultural Arts Building auditorium (204 Sisson Rd.) for two shows, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each for ages 5 to 11 and $10 each for ages 12 to adult.

Proceeds help HCT preserve land, including habitat that owls call home. Tickets are available at the door (cash, check or card) or at harwichconservationtrust.org.

A Splendid Assortment Of Owls

The “Owls Up Close” program offers the thrill of seeing these stunning birds from a few feet away. The Wilsons will bring owls that are found locally as well as internationally, including a great-horned owl (also known as the “tiger of the woods"), Eastern screech owls, a barred owl, and others, which can include a South American species called the spectacled owl, and the Eurasian eagle-owl with its fiery gaze.

Each owl has a permanent disability which prevents release into the wild. The Wilsons are permitted by state and federal agencies to tour with the owls. Mark, a retired Boston Globe photographer, will lead an introductory slide show. The duo will then walk around with the owls tethered to their gloved hands to highlight the raptors’ behavior, biology and beautiful feathers. 

Quiet And Powerful

When they aren't making public appearances and raising awareness about their vital role in healthy ecosystems, the owls live in a specialized facility under the care of the Wilsons. Each owl is given a safe, clean, low-stress home, with plenty of mice on the menu. The Wilsons and their owls have been working together to provide educational programs for schools and groups since 1994.

Last year, we learned that if you were a mouse or vole, you might never hear a hungry owl coming. When hunting, owls fly silently, using serrations on the leading edge of their primary feathers to help quiet the air. Then, their powerful talons come into play, and the takeout dinner is secured. Or, as Mark Wilson put it, "owls make their living with their feet."

These shows are perfect for kids, adults, families and friends and everyone who gives a hoot about these magnificent birds of the night.