Pottery Club Adventures, Building Friendships with the Help of Owls
Owls are a type of bird that is known for its hunting and scavenging abilities. There are many different species of owls, and they can be found in a variety of different habitats around the world.
The Barred owl and the Screech owl are two of Rochester New York's native owl species. Which is just one of the many interesting facts we learned on our recent adventure to Wild Wings, at Mendon Ponds Park.
Wild Wings, is a not-for-profit organization that cares for injured, and non-releasable animals who can't be released back into the wild.
With the gentle urging of one of our newest pottery club members, Anne, a group of us signed up for an Owl Prowl. Equipped with our warmest winter coats, scarves and mittens, as well as a singular flashlight (thanks Anne) and a ton of puns, we joined the Wild Wing crew for an adventure.
What is an owl prowl?
Simply put, an owl prowl is a nighttime hike through the woods, with the goal of spotting one or more owls in their natural habitat. Here in Rochester, NY, Owl Prowls are held semi-regularly by Wild Wings, and can be found listed on their events page.
While some owls begin to hunt at twilight, most owls are nocturnal so owl prowls take place at night. And because owls like to perch on branches, owl prowls mainly stick to wooded areas and some slightly more open fields.
What to Look For, A Quick visit with the Owls of Wild WIngs
Our evening began at the Wild Wings Nature Center. Filing inside, we quickly found ourselves joined by fellow owl prowlers of varying experience levels. Everyone from novice (us), to the avid birder, on their 3rd or 4th prowl, compiled the group.
As the group grew, it quickly became clear to us that owl prowls were no small thing. Members of the birding community, had flocked together from all over, for a chance to see and support their feathery friends.
After a bit of waiting, plenty of owl puns, and a tale or two about vengeful sparrows, two members of the Wild Wing community were brought out by volunteers for us to meet. The first, of which was a beautiful, large Barred owl, named Hunter.
Image Caption: Hunter lost an eye, and most of their vision after the accident. They've learned to adapt and rely on their keen sense of hearing to manage their surroundings, and excitedly react to the owl calls of volunteers.
Hunter the Barred owl, found themselves at Wild Wings after an unfortunate collision with an automobile. Resilient, Hunter pulled through surgery, and was rehabilitated under the watchful care of volunteers.
Barred owls are a species of owl native to North America. They are nocturnal predators and hunt small mammals, reptiles, and insects, Barred owls are relatively small owls, with a body length of 9-10 inches and a wingspan of 21-24 inches.
Fun Fact: The Barred owl call sounds like a person calling "Who cooks for you, who for you all?". Maniacal laughter after that call is a sign that two Barred owls may be getting ready to form a courtship.
While Hunter's vision was impacted by the accident, they've learned to adapt and now find themselves as a thriving, and active member of the Wild Wings Organization and wildlife community.
Screech, the smaller, cuter cousin of the Barred Owl
After Hunter departed, we were joined by Luna, a small, fluffy, screech owl. Luna found herself at Wild Wings after a fall from her nest left her in need of medical care.
Image Caption: When owl prowling, the Barred owl call will scare away the Screech owl, who wants no part in encroaching on Barred owl territory.
Screech owls are small to medium-sized owls. These birds are found in woods and other areas with trees throughout North and South America.
Fun fact: Soaking wet, the screech owl's body would appear about the size of a rats. The majority of their weight is made up of their feathers, and in total they weigh only half a pound.
If not careful, the much smaller Screech owl could find itself as the next meal of its bigger cousin the Barred owl. And Although they are relatively small, we learned screech owls are powerful hunters, and very photogenic.
Pottery People Prowling for Owls
After our visit with Hunter and Luna, and a quick bathroom break for all, our group prepared to set out on a prowl for owls on the nearby Birdsong Trail. Flashlights at the ready, for those who thought to bring one, we set out for our first stop on the prowl.
A cool but dry winter evening, light from the moon lit up the sky, and highlighted the leafless branches. The perfect night to go owl spotting, and for taking a walk with friends.
As we went, we took great care to be quiet, keeping our funny comments to a minimum, and our flashlights aimed at the ground. Owls have superior vision and hearing, so we wanted to do everything we could to increase our chances of spotting something.
As we came to our first stop on the trail, we turned off our flashlights, and looked up into the sky. The Wild Wings volunteers began to play the distinct, scream like call of the screech owl. We all agreed the owl was aptly named.
As the owl calls played, we stood together quietly looking up into the nighttime sky. We glanced from tree to tree, silent, only hearing the gentle rustles and whispers of the wind between each call.
This process continued at 2 more stops on the trail. We'd walk, and exchange banter, laugh, and come to a stop. Waiting patiently as the call was played, scanning the moonlit sky for signs of bird life.
No Owls, But Plenty of learning and Laughter Amongst Friends
While ultimately no owl would make an appearance or be spotted in the wild that evening, it was an enjoyable, and one-of-a-kind experience for all club members who attended.
Events like the owl prowl happen throughout the City of Rochester, and the Finger Lakes region all year long. When we as individuals are faced with going alone because our friends are busy or uninterested, it can be easy to pass up the opportunity.
In a recent post we talked about making friends, and how our club strives to be a place that creates community that can help foster friendships. While our pottery club focuses mainly on making ceramics, we love events like the Owl Prowl, because they are opportunities for adventure and building friendships.
When events like these are happening, we encourage our members to share, and invite other members to attend, because we are a community. Just like the birding community we were a part of that evening.
Together we made jokes, learned new owl facts, and became fast friends with Hunter and Luna. We enjoyed a peaceful night time walk in the woods, and gained even more appreciation for the owls and all they are capable of.
Thanks to our new feathery friends, our fellow owl prowlers, and Wild Wings Volunteers, our pottery club continues to learn, evolve, and enjoy new experiences like we did that evening.
