Owl Prowl at Hullett

A large group of 31 visitors joined us for the first Owl Prowl of 2007. Participants got to see about 4-5 Screech Owls very well and we even flushed a Great Horned Owl. A deafening chorus of Spring Peeper frogs kept us entertained on the 2 hour walk through the Sugar Bush and we also heard some early Tree Frogs. We stopped to take a look and listen to the mating display of the American Woodcock and were amazed at it's towering flight and 'twittering-wing' courtship ritual. A beaver did indeed slap its tail as we past by the beaver pond and to end the evening, the group enjoyed the view of Saturn through a telescope. An enjoyable time was had by all who attended.

The Eastern Screech Owl is the most numerous owl at Hullett. This small owl, measuring only 8.5 inches in length, is strictly nocturnal and spends its day in a tree cavity or old woodpecker hole. They are often encountered in Wood Duck boxes on the property as well. The Screech Owl has both a gray and rufous phase. It is usually the only owl species seen or heard in towns and villages and mates for life.

The Great Horned Owl 'sounds' like an owl. It's deep booming 'hoot' can be heard for large distances on still spring evenings. It is a large owl, about the size of a Red-tailed Hawk, measuring 22 inches in length with a 44-inch wingspan. It is known as the only animal that regularly eats skunks and also kills and eats other owls.

The Long-eared Owl, has been found in studies to be able to catch mice in complete darkness, locating them only by sound. The hoot of this owl can be heard up to 1 km away. It is an uncommon to rare owl which is completely nocturnal and prefers wooded habitat. It measures 15 inches in length.

The Short-eared Owl is a 'Species at Risk'. It is rare and is classified as a species of Special Concern both federally and provincially. The Short-eared Owl is the owl species most likely to be seen in daytime, mainly at dawn and dusk. It courses low over open fields and pastures searching for prey, which it swallows whole.

We will also be able to hear the calls of mating frogs and toads in the area's vernal pools. Frog species at Hullett include: Spring Peeper, Wood Frog, Chorus Frog, and Leopard Frog. See how many different calls you can discern.

A beaver may slap its tail to alert others of our presence on this night. Dusk is also a great time to see and hear songbirds as they prepare to bed down for the night. Find a new species to add to your 'Life List' - come on out to the Hullett Owl Prowl!

The night will come alive at Hullett for the Owl Prowl Saturday, May 5th. Be sure not to miss it! Meet at the Office, 41378 Hydro Line Road, 8:30 pm. Be sure to bring a flashlight, appropriate attire and bug repellant. We will see you there!