Owl Prowl
National Aviary ornithologist Bob Mulvihill will lead a nighttime hike Jan. 18 for sightings of screech, barred and great horned owls in the Montour Woods Conservation Area in Moon.
The Owl Prowl is one of many activities planned by the Hollow Oak Land Trust.
In past years people on the prowl “not only heard screech owls, several visited us” up close “and one flew closely over the head” of a hiker, said Sean Brady, executive director of the nonprofit that works to protect and connect green spaces in the western suburbs.
Hikers carry flashlights or wear head lamps while Mr. Mulvihill carries a “caller,” which mimics sounds made by the nighttime hunters, to attract the birds to the hikers.
“We turn out our lights when Bob is using the caller, then we turn the lights back on so we can see the owls when they get close,” Mr. Brady said.
The Owl Prowl is for Hollow Oak Land Trust members only, but anyone can go to www.hollowoak.org to sign up for membership, which is $20 per year. Or call 412-417-5825. Membership entitles you to many Hollow Oak activities, including an amphibian hike in the spring.
Dogs and bikes
On Feb. 11, dogs and their people are invited to the Fat Bike Fest in the Montour Woods, and you don’t have to be a Trust member to attend. Dogs are not required to be leashed, Mr. Brady said.
Mountain bikes with big fat tires will take off on a trail ride at 1 p.m., followed by a campfire and BBQ, with people bringing their own beverages.
Unusual donation
Here’s a unique request for specific donations: Now that the 2016 holiday season has ended, Animal Friends is asking people to consider donating gift-wrapping supplies and unwanted gift boxes and gift bags.
“We will need them for the 2017 holiday season,” according to the news release. The items can be dropped off at the shelter on 562 Camp Horne Road in Ohio Township.
Direct gift wrap donations to Danielle Brunner, third-party events coordinator.
Linda Wilson Fuoco: lfuoco@post-gazette.com or 412-263-3064.
First Published: January 7, 2017, 5:00 a.m.
