SATURDAY, May 19 - OWL HOOT AT THE DISMAL SWAMP CANAL TRAIL, CHESAPEAKE Meet 7:00 PM (Rain date Sunday May 20)
Last year, this trip was a great success. We learned about the stealth of an owl and listened to its evening serenade which at times, was a bit spooky. A Strix varia kept us quite entertained. We listened to their typical conversation with David asking who is cooking for whom. Eventually, the baritone voices (David and the owl’s) turned into ascending monkey-like chattering. The Bubo was a no-show, but we heard at least five of the robin-sized owls with ear tuffs. What owl species are we talking about? If you don’t know or remember from last year, you need to join us again.
We will be on the look-out for other creatures great and small as well. Maybe a bear, bobcat, or fox may visit as we meander down the road. A warm evening will treat us to the sounds of singing frog, and a bat flying overhead would be a welcoming sight.
To help ensure your safety, bring a flashlight with you to use for walking down the trail. However, do not use these lights to shine on the Owls or animals. Even though we’ll be starting the field trip near sunset, still bring your binoculars as they pull in the light. May evenings can still be quite chilly, so consider bringing some layers of clothing. You might want to bring a snack and water along on the hike with you.
Since the Cape Henry Audubon Society outings have no scheduled rain dates, we try to conduct all of our field trips…rain or shine. For most weather conditions, this has worked well and will continue to be our goal. However, if on the night before a field trip, severe weather i.e. torrential rain, heavy snow, dangerous wind, flooding, etc. is forecast, and you have doubts about the trip being held, call 484-7398. If the field trip chair doesn’t answer, a recorded announcement will inform you of any changes or cancellations.