Doors open at 1:00 pm at the Ag Hall.

Please register for this event – link below.

Admission by donation.

Owls are mysterious creatures known far and wide as symbols of wisdom, omens of death, and bringers of prophecy. There are over 200 species of owls, and each seems to have its own legends and lore. Perched at the top of the food chain, all owls are predators, relying on other animals for food. Very few predator’s feed on owls (except other owls).

Join the Conservancy’s Executive Director, Michael Dunn for a presentation featuring the species of owls that have been observed on Mayne Island. You will learn about the habits of our wise winged neighbours and learn how to identify them by their various calls. You will also learn about etiquette, what to do and what not to do if you are planning to go owling.

​Many owls vocalize at a distinctively low frequency, which allows their songs to travel long distances without being absorbed by vegetation. Becoming familiar with these songs and other vocalizations will help you find and identify owls.

Late winter is mating time for most owls. Males begin seeking mates by calling through the afternoon and evening air. A female owl will listen for a call that interests her. She will only respond to calls from males of the same species. Once a male owl gains the interest of a female, he starts performing, or showing off.

​There are about 250 species of owls in the world. They live on every continent except icy Antarctica. On Mayne Island several species of owls have been observed. Our presentation will focus on these locally observed species and their habitual patterns through the year, as well as their lifecycle from adulthood through fledging.

Here’s why we titled this event “Whooo cooks for you.”  Barred Owls have a distinctive hooting call of 8–9 notes, described as “Who cooks for you?” This call carries well through the woods and is fairly easy to imitate. During courtship, mated pairs perform a riotous duet of cackles, hoots, caws and gurgles.  Check out this short video to hear the call:

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barred_Owl/sounds