QUECHEE, Vt. (WCAX) – Raptors big and small descended on the Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s Owl Festival in Quechee Saturday.
One of those birds was Nora, a young screech owl named after the girl who rescued her.
“Nora and her father were out fishing in Tennessee, and they found this owl hanging upside down in a tree, all tangled up in fishing line,” Mark Wilson said, holding Nora on his arm. Wilson and his wife took Nora in through Eyes On Owls, their refuge for disabled owls. Now, Nora travels around New England and New York with the couple, teaching people about her species. “This little screech owl is a big crowd pleaser,” Wilson smiled. “It’s hard to resist those big blinking eyes.”
Over one thousand people flocked to the festival for an up-close glimpse of the elusive birds. “I hope that they’re left with kind of a sense of awe,” VINS Environmental Educator Mya Wiles shared.
Owl educators say meeting the raptors is a great way to better understand and appreciate nature. “Telling them different ways that they might be able to encounter wild birds in their backyard is also really fun,” Wiles said. “Kind of seeing those people kind of engage their curiosity with the natural world.” Wilson says he teaches to highlight local wildlife. “A lot of people know more about African wildlife than they know what’s in their backyard,” Wilson said. “So, this way we introduce people to their wild neighbors.”
That introduction was a hoot for Priscilla Kozdroy of New Hampshire. “I’ve never seen an owl until just now, five minutes ago!” Kozdroy laughed. “I think I’m going to go try to see some owls. Maybe go owling and birding, see what I can find.”
With spring being breeding season, raptor encounters can ramp up. If you find a raptor that’s hurt, Wilson says to contact rehabilitators like VINS. Otherwise, find ways to coexist with them from afar.
“Just keep your distance, enjoy it. Use some binoculars, maybe use a telephoto lens on your camera and get some pictures of it,” Wilson said. “Maybe put up a house for them to nest in your yard!”
VINS says they hope the festival inspires people to consider the raptors that live in their own backyards.