Did you know a group of owls is called a parliament? If not, you might want to consider attending the Winter Owl Prowl at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.
Not only will you learn about the birds during a live owl program, but you can take a guided hike along a forest trail and see what nature’s nightlife is like.
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The live owl program will be on the covered upper deck and will be presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center Naturalists. According to the National Park Service website, there will a surprise guest.
Then, park ranger Jerry Hightower will lead a short hike along the Three Forks Creek Loop Trail, so be sure to bring a flashlight. Participants will receive a free Chattahoochee River Journal with wildlife lists and paw prints.
After you work up an appetite walking in the cool night air, you’ll gather around the fire and roast marshmallows. Bring your own graham crackers and chocolate, and you can have s’mores.
Reservations are required for this free event and can be made by calling (678) 538-1200. Space is limited.
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Here are five interesting facts about owls, courtesy of audubon.org, you can use to impress your fellow prowlers.
- Owls can rotate their necks 270 degrees. A pooling system collects blood to power their brains and eyes when neck movement cuts off circulation.
- The tiniest owl in the world is the elf owl, which is 5-6 inches tall and weighs about 1½ ounces.
- Barn owls swallow their prey whole — skin, bones and all — and they eat up to 1,000 mice each year.
- Owls are zygodactyl, which means their feet have two forward-facing toes and two backward-facing toes.
- Not all owls hoot. Barn owls make hissing sounds; the Eastern screech owl whinnies like a horse; and saw-whet owls sound like, well, an old whetstone sharpening a saw.
DETAILS
Winter Owl Prowl
6-9 p.m. Saturday, February 22
Chattahoochee River Environmental Education Center: 8615 Barnwell Road, Johns Creek, GA 30022
Call (678) 538-1200 to reserve your spot
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