Dr. James R. Duncan, noted Great Gray Owl authority and author of "Owls of the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival", will be discussing Great Gray Owl ecology, including factors that lead to invasions like the one we are experiencing this winter in Manitoba and Minnesota, during his keynote presentation at the 3rd Annual Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota.
Duncan's presentation will be the kickoff to a full weekend of owl events March 4-6, 2005 in Houston, Minnesota. The Festival of Owls features owl programs with six different species of live owls, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a program about the owls of Harry Potter, owl merchandise, silent auctions, a raffle to benefit the Global Owl Project, owl-themed food, and much more. The Festival began in 2003 as a way to celebrate the "hatchday" of the Houston Nature Center's only live animal, Alice the Great Horned Owl. As such, kids will be able to get their face painted like an owl, learn how to make origami owls, and enjoy free hatchday party snacks. Alice will turn 8 years old at this year's Festival. Cost to attend the bison and Russian hog banquet and keynote presentation with Dr. Duncan is $20 per person, with only 100 tickets being sold. Adults over age 18 need a $2.50 collectable Great Gray Owl button for admission to the rest of the Festival, but there is no charge for those 18 and under. Buttons may be purchased at the door. For more information, contact the Houston Nature Center at 507-896-HOOT (4668), [email protected], or visit the Festival of Owls website at www.houstonmn.com/Nature/owlfestival.htm. ----- Karla Karla Kinstler Director/Naturalist Houston Nature Center 215 W Plum St PO Box 667 Houston, MN 55943 507-896-4668 [email protected] http://www.houstonmn.com/Nature/nature2.htm
