Owl Howl

Many people have heard the haunting call of an owl, but few have ever been lucky enough to spot one in the wild. Mt. Cuba’s diverse landscapes, mature trees, and rolling topography provide the absolute perfect habitat for three of Delaware’s spectacular native species: the Barred, Great Horned, and Eastern Screech owl. Because winter is peak roosting season, this is your best chance of the year to glimpse these majestic birds of prey. You will get a rare opportunity to explore Mt. Cuba’s stunning landscapes under the cover of twilight and darkness. Equipped with provided flashlights and binoculars and guided by experts, you can expect: Expert Instruction: Begin with a brief, fascinating look into the secretive lives, silent flight adaptations, and behaviors of local owls. The Night Trek: Venture deep into the quiet areas of the gardens just after dusk. An Acoustic Hunt: Learn to identify distinct calls and use guided listening techniques to locate where these apex predators are actively roosting in the winter canopy. This immersive experience goes far beyond a typical nature walk. By learning to look at the night landscape through the eyes of an owl, you will leave with the knowledge and tools to: Confidently recognize Delaware’s native owls by sight, size, and silhouette, as well as their distinct vocalizations. Learn how to look for wildlife clues, such as owl pellets and roosting whitewash, to detect owl activity in your own neighborhood. Understand how to manage mature trees and nighttime lighting on your property to create safe, welcoming environments for local birds of prey. This program takes place in-person at Mt. Cuba Center Wednesday, February 3, 2027 (Rain Date: Wednesday, February 10). About the Instructor: Joe Sebastiani is the Director of Adult Engagement for the Delaware Nature Society. He is passionate about birds and wildlife, founded the Ashland Hawk Watch, and edits Delaware eBird, an online checklist program, for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. REGISTER NOW: General Public Individual+ & Dual+ Members Supporter, Advocate & Conservator Members