THE EVIDENCE!
Fall is now upon us, marking the demise of a luscious Summer. Cool weather and short days have arrived, and holidays like Halloween and Day of the Dead are coming up, causing some to call this “The Spooky Season”.
If there is a soundtrack to this time of year, it might be eerie organ music, doors slamming seemingly out of nowhere, and of course the “Hoot, Hoot” of our nocturnal avian friends, the owls.
Their habits mean that they are rarely seen by day, and even if one is out and about at night, their fast and stealthy flight means that a sighting is an unusual treat. But we know they are present, as they leave evidence of their existence, often in plain sight! And Nature Detectives know how to look for the signs, which are all about the unique digestive system of the species.
The first sign is at eye level and above and below-long white streaks coursing down the trunks of trees and splatting on the sidewalk. That’s right-you have found a roosting site, most likely of an owl, as they favor the same location night after night. Now check the ground-you will probably find clumps that look like dirt clods. Upon closer inspection, it will be revealed that these are not dirt clods at all, but the remains of last night’s dinner! That’s right-you have found owl pellets!
Owls are carnivorous, and prefer a diet of small rodents. The acids in their stomach easily break down the flesh of their prey, but they regurgitate the bones and fur in the form of tightly packed pellets. When the pellets are pulled apart, jawbones, leg bones, and all matter of skeletal pieces are easily identifiable. These spooky remains are found all year round, but are an especially fitting find for this time of year. And if you join us on our Spooky Trails and Campfire Tales event, you might actually see one of these beautiful birds that fill the night with their voices! Hope to see you on Wednesday, October 30th, from 5:30pm to 8pm, at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Please register in advance for this event, as spots are limited!