One of Camp Long's most popular programs is a night walk looking for owls, often called an Owl Hoot. That's because the most likely owl to see in our area is the Barred Owl, also known as the Hoot Owl.

Barred owls are large owls with round heads and no "ear" tufts. Their name comes from the brown and white bars across their chest. Feathers cover their legs. The barred owls' eyes are dark brown, while most other owls have yellow eyes. Their beaks are very small, so they are almost covered up by facial feathers. When you hear a sound like "hoo, hoo, too-HOO; hoo, hoo, too-HOO, ooo" (which is often phrased as "Who, cooks, for-you? Who, cooks, for-you, all?"), you are listening to a Barred Owl.

Rather than migrate, the Barred Owl stays in one place and is a resident species. Barred Owls are sometimes active during the day or at dusk, but are nocturnal like other owls. Their ears are just holes on the sides of their head covered with feathers. These holes are higher on one side than the other. That way, the owl can tell if a sound is coming from above or below. While dogs and other animals might tilt their heads to get a better angle on the origin of a sound, the owl doesn't have to tilt his head. Their ears are already tilted. Because their eyes are in front, and not on the sides like other birds, owls need to be able to turn their heads around to see. They can twist their heads almost all the way around. So you might see an owl swivel their heads, but rarely tilt to the side.

Camp Long Owl Hoot

Ages 5 and older

Join us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through Camp Long's woodland. Early winter is courtship time! Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.

Please register by March 14.

#24220 3/15 Sat 7-9 p.m.

Activity Fee Adult $8, Child $6

For more information on Camp Long visit

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Environment/camplong.htm

Camp Long

5200 35th Ave. SW

Seattle, WA 98126

Phone (206) 684-7434

FAX (206) 684-7435

camplong@seattle.gov