February 4, 2012
By Jerry Asling
Eight people gathered at Allan Park to begin a search for Screech Owls. Mild weather had melted most of the snow, but the trails were covered with ice requiring the use of traction grips for our footwear. We successfully called in a Screech Owl at three of our stops. Each one flew over our heads and landed near us to “whinny” softly for a few minutes before giving up a flying away.
After a stop to fortify ourselves with hot chocolate and brownies, we moved on to the hardwood forest on the east side of the dividing road to try our luck there. We were unable to call in our little friends there. We tried to call a Great-horned Owl but got no response. We will try again next year.