OWLtober at Shaver’s Creek!

Owls have long fascinated us with their enigmatic ways and haunting vocalizations. Portrayed widely throughout much of our pop-culture references as everything from messengers carrying letters to magical castles to omens of doom to come, owls make their way into our everyday lives frequently, often without further consideration. Have you ever been called a ‘night owl’ for preferring to stay up late? Or perhaps you’ve been called ‘wise as an owl’ after offering sage advice. Our very language shapes perceptions about these incredible birds; but is it true that owls burn the midnight oil and bear deep cosmic knowledge or universal secrets?

Side view of a Barred Owl

There is much that experts still don’t fully understand about these elusive birds, but new research and study methods are beginning to shed some light on owl behaviors and, in particular, their vocalizations. Once thought of as ‘simple,’ owl vocalizations are proving to be incredibly complex conveyors of information about their vocalist. In her book, “What an Owl Knows,” author and avian expert Jennifer Ackerman shares that new research suggests that owls can share highly detailed information about their individual identity, including their gender, size, and state of mind, just through their vocalizations. She goes on to say that owls can recognize each other by voice, alone. What a hoot!

Upcoming OWLtober Programs

Get to know the owls that call Shaver’s Creek home and learn all about owls in Pennsylvania with our OWLtober programming series. Choose a program for more details.

Owltober in the Aviary

Meet the Creek
When: October 12, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Visit the Klingsberg Aviary to watch our animal trainers work with our resident birds and learn about impactful conservation initiatives.

Owltober in the Aviary

Meet the Creek
When: October 13, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Visit the Klingsberg Aviary to watch our animal trainers work with our resident birds and learn about impactful conservation initiatives.

Owltober in the Aviary

Meet the Creek
When: October 19, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Visit the Klingsberg Aviary to watch our animal trainers work with our resident birds and learn about impactful conservation initiatives.

Owltober in the Aviary

Meet the Creek
When: October 20, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Visit the Klingsberg Aviary to watch our animal trainers work with our resident birds and learn about impactful conservation initiatives.

Fall Owl Prowl

Owltober
When: October 25, 2024, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Whooooo is ready for another Fall Owl Prowl? We are!

Owltober in the Aviary

Meet the Creek
When: October 26, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Visit the Klingsberg Aviary to watch our animal trainers work with our resident birds and learn about impactful conservation initiatives.

Owltober in the Aviary

Meet the Creek
When: October 27, 2024, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Where: Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Visit the Klingsberg Aviary to watch our animal trainers work with our resident birds and learn about impactful conservation initiatives.

We hope to see you this OWLtober at the Creek!