Have A Hoot This Friday. Ocean County Park hosting “Owl Prowl”
Have you ever seen an owl? I mean close up. Sure, you’ve probably heard an owl in your time. the all too familiar “whooo, whooo”, or “hoot, hoot, if you prefer. Well, now you can go on the prowl for this mysterious, mostly nocturnal bird.
(Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
If you are even the least bit adventurous, you will enjoy the Owl Prowl, a guided walk through the forest looking and listening for Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech Owls. If you and your group are lucky enough, you’ll get to see one up close and personal! It is all part of the Winter fun at Cloverdale Farm Park in Barnegat. The event takes place this Friday, January 26th from 5:30 until 6:30 pm in the park.
(Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Here’s some interesting info about the Great Horned and Eastern Screech Owls.
According to Wikipedia, the Great Horned Owl, also known as the Hoot Owl, is a large bird native to the Americas. Furthermore, it is an extremely adaptable bird, and the most widely distributed true owl in the country. Moreover, the Great Horned Owl freely hunts any animal it can overtake. From rabbits, rats, and mice, to larger mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This owl is famous for its “hoooot hooot” sound, mostly heard at nighttime.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Screech Owl is a relatively small owl, common to Eastern North America, from Mexico to Canada. More than any other owl, the Eastern Screech has adapted well to manmade environments. You may find these birds living in or near homes and buildings, although their small size and nocturnal habits can make them undetectable. Oh, and they don’t screech. Their sound has been described as more of a “purr”.
If you are interested in the Owl Prowl, please be prepared to walk one mile at a moderate pace. If the weather is overcast or if there are high winds, the program will be canceled. Ages: 9–Adult. Cost is $5 per person. Cloverdale Farm Park is approximately 90 acres and is located at 34 Cloverdale Road in Barnegat. You can find out more about Cloverdale Park and its programs here.
