Annual Lloyd Center Owl Prowl
Are you an owl enthusiast, curious about these mystical birds, or just enjoy a cold New England winter’s night? Then this outing may be just for you. In addition to being fascinating birds, owls are mysterious creatures that are rarely seen, and heard, only through keen observation. In winter, owls are building nests and establishing territories, so they are quite active while most other wildlife sleeps.
Starting at the Lloyd Center property, join Lloyd Center Research Assistant Jamie Bogart for a series of stops along the country roads of South Dartmouth, where you’ll venture into the dark winter woods to attract owls with callback tapes. Screech, great-horned, barred and long eared owls are all potential species heard and seen. At sunrise, enjoy a refreshing walk along a pristine coastal beach, where other birdlife can be seen. Winter waterfowl are abundant, and owls active during daylight hours can be seen on a lucky day.
At the outing’s conclusion, you’ll be treated to a light breakfast of bagels and coffee at the Lloyd Center facility where you can also enjoy the center’s great exhibits, viewscape and trail system in all its winter glory. Participants will meet at the Lloyd Center Headquarters located at 430 Potomska Road in Dartmouth (park in lower lot, meet in main facility at top of hill). To maximize field observation during peak hours of owl activity, the van will depart promptly at 3:30am!
The Lloyd Center’s Owl Prowl will take place on Sunday, February 19th, 3:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. (poor weather date: Sunday, February 26th, 3:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m., please note that in addition to stormy weather, windy conditions which obscure owl calls and reduce owl activity will cause postponement of the outing). The cost of the program is $9 for Lloyd Center members and $12 for non-members (children under 12 years old: $4.00 for members, $6 for non-members). Program is suitable for ages 10 and up. Pre-registration is required. To register for this program, call our event registration line at 508-558-2918 or simply visit our website www.lloydcenter.org and register online.
Participants are asked to dress warmly and wear footwear for light walking on forest trails and possibly on snow. Bring binoculars, a camera and flashlight, if you have them. If you have specific questions about the program or owls, please call Jamie Bogart at 508-990-0505 ext. 23. Owls are chiefly nocturnal birds of prey, feeding on rodents, birds, reptiles, and sometimes fish (usually scavenged). They cannot move their eyes, so instead they move their heads. Owls can turn their heads 270 degrees in either direction; this helps them triangulate to locate their prey. Hopefully, participants will see and hear these nighttime birds.
