On November 22, McKinney (Connecticut) National Wildlife Refuge hosted an owl program sponsored by Pautapog Audubon, a refuge partner. The night was an obvious success, with 52 people in attendance. Bill Kolodnicki, refuge manager, introduced the crowd to the refuge system and taught skills for locating owls, including owl pellets and whitewash.

Another partner of the McKinney Refuge was on hand with a rehabilitated great horned owl. Wind Over Wings, Inc. located in nearby Clinton, Conn. conducts environmental education programs. Grace, the owl handler, presented important features about owls.

A short walk along the trails followed the introduction. Playback recordings of owl calls and Bill's owl call imitations were answered by a distant great horned female. During the walk we looked at several constellations and the Milky Way. After the walk there was a slide presentation.

We discussed having the walk in September or October 2004 since the owls call more often during those months. The increasing attendance may require two walks. (Pautapog expected to have 15 people attend.)

On Monday night, November 24, we also hosted a scout group owl walk. About four adults and 12 children attended. The group was fascinated by Bill's ability to mimic owl calls. We discussed the tools owls use to survive and went into the field to listen for owls. After the walk, Cindy showed a map of the refuge system and we talked about the importance of habitat over the entire country. The kids enjoyed sharing their own wildlife stories as well while we waited for the adults to look at the materials around the room.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast