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Owls of Maine THE HABITS AND ADAPTATIONS OF MAINE’S NATIVE OWLS

Owls have unique characteristics that set them apart from other birds. The Owls of Maine program introduces students to the habits and adaptations of Maine's native owls. The special features of these nocturnal birds are discussed using slides, diagrams, taxonomic displays, and live owls. Students also learn to recognize different owl calls, how to find pellets in the wild, and what to do if they find a young owl in the woods. Our three live owls offer the rare opportunity to observe these fascinating birds. We currently care for Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and a Northern Saw-whet Owl. Three of these four species will be brought into the classroom for further observation. Each of these native birds is considered a non-releasable animal with various injuries to their wings, prohibiting their ability to survive in the wild. The Owls of Maine program may be used to introduce a unit of study or as the culminating experience. The program generates enthusiasm for the subject matter and can stimulate projects in science, language arts, math, social studies, art, or any curriculum area. Equipment and Room Requirements Classroom Space is fine. Students should sit at desks or in seats to easily view slides and displays. Presentations are preferably done in a single location or in individual classrooms if 15 minutes is allowed between

presentations. The school should provide a screen for the slide presentation. If there is not one available please notify us and we will

provide one. Group size maximum is 30. Teachers must be present in the room during the program. Please be sure to wear the nametags provided in this packet. Note: Permits are required for most of the specimens (living and stuffed) that are used in Chewonki Outreach Programs and students are reminded of the legal limitations of private collections. All of our living animals are non-releasable because of injuries or were captive raised before arriving at Chewonki. No animals have been harmed or taken specifically for use in Chewonki programs.

Chewonki Wiscasset, Maine Traveling Natural History Programs

(207) 882-7323

Chewonki Traveling Natural History Programs www.chewonki.org

Class Outline Each presentation takes at least one hour and is designed for groups of all ages (pre K-adult). No specific preparation is required for this presentation. Adjustments are made for each grade and ability level. A. Introduction: Characteristics and adaptations of owls. Terminology. B. Slide show: Description of Maine owl species, habits, habitats and owl calls. C. Hands-on exploration of real owl parts: Talons, feathers, wings, skulls, pellets D. Live owls:

Presentation of live birds. Reinforcement of learned concepts. Students cannot touch the owls, but are able to get quite close.


Have you heard an owl call at night and ever wondered what species it was? Or maybe you’ve seen an owl flying around and simply wondered about its behavior. Chewonki’s Owls of Maine program will answer these questions and more beginning with a slide show that presents common owl species found in Maine. Following the slide show, several live owls will highlight the program, offering an intimate look at these fascinating birds. This program offers participants the opportunity to take a closer look at real owl artifacts, such as wings, talons and skulls.

Presented by:

TRAVELING NATURAL HISTORY PROGRAMS

WISCASSET, ME 04578

LOCATION:_______________________________________________________

DATE:_______________________________________TIME:________________

OWLS of

MAINE The Habits and

Adaptations of Maine’s


PRESS RELEASE

Date: Contact:

Owls of Maine: The Habits and Adaptations of Maine’s Native Owls What: A one-hour program for those interested in owls When: Time: Where: Cost: Presenter: Chewonki is offering an intimate and detailed look at owls, bringing these creatures of the night into the light! They are live, non-releasable Barred, Great Horned, and Screech or Saw-Whet Owls are the highlights of this program, which introduces participants to owls that are native to Maine and New England. This interactive program begins with slides and sounds to learn the different appearances and calls of each owl. Then, using talons, wings, and skulls, we explore the adaptations of these silent nocturnal hunters. The Owls of Maine program provides the opportunity to handle these unique specimens and is sure to engage participants of all ages.


VOCABULARY

accommodation Adaptation or adjustment of an organism, organ, or part. Specifically in owls it refers to the adaptation of

the lens of the eye to permit independent retinal focus of objects at different distances. adaptation A behavior, physical feature, or other characteristic that helps an animal survive and make the most of its

habitat. For example, ducks have webbed feet that help them swim. binocular vision Vision in which both eyes view the same scene from slightly different aspects: an aid to judging distance. binaural hearing Ability to catch sound in the near ear a split-second before sound reaches the far ear, this allows an owl to

determine from which direction the sound is coming from. brood patch A small patch on the belly without feathers under which the eggs are kept warm. color phase Some owls have two main color forms, rufous and gray, known as color phases, such as the Eastern

Screech owl. cone A light-sensitive cell in the eye that sees color. ear tufts Extended feathers on the heads of some owls that are often mistaken for ears, but are not related to hearing. facial disc The flattened area of an owl’s face, often edged in a dark color and used like a satellite dish to help funnel

sound into the ears. fledge To attain the power of flight. Owls learning to fly are called fledglings. flight feathers Long feathers located on the wing which work to provide both thrust and lift in order to enable flight. habitat The locality in which a plant or animal lives. mobbing Small birds will often “mob” owls, gathering close and giving their alarm calls, diving, and often shaking

their wings. Nictitating membrane A third eyelid (in owls usually opaque in color), which cleanses and protects the eyeball. nocturnal Normally active at night. pellet Accumulation of undigested parts of food, regurgitated through the mouth in a compact mass. predation The killing of one species by another for food. Predatory birds are often called birds of prey or raptors. primary feathers Long narrow flight feathers which can individually separate and rotate, these feathers aid in the creation of

thrust. pupil The central area of the eye through which light enters. raptor A predatory bird, typically one with strong feet, sharp talons, and a pointed, curved bill. rod A light sensitive cell important for seeing in low light, which helps to distinguish between light and dark. roost To sleep, or a place where birds rest or sleep. talons The sharply pointed and curved claws of a raptorial bird. tendon Tough, stringy connection between muscles and bones. secondary feathers Short blunt flight feathers that remain close together, the feathers provide lift. whitewash Excrement, or droppings, from a bird. Also called mutes or urates.


Owl Name Tags

Photocopy this page and cut out the owl nametags for your participants to wear! Nametags worn during presentation help to excite students about owls and make it easier for the presenters to involve the children.

AIMS Education Foundation. Reproduced with Permission. www.chewonki.org

Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Denver, Colorado. Reproduced with Permission. www.chewonki.org

From Owls of Alberta, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Division, Edmonton 1986 www.chewonki.org

Chewonki Foundation Traveling Natural History Programs www.chewonki.org


Recommended Web Sites AIMS Education Foundation: http://www.aimsedu.org/ Notes: This website provides resources for educators in the areas of math and science. The Raptor Center: http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/raptor/Learn.html Notes: This website offers some useful information about raptors and provides some educational tools for teaching. Lesson plans for all ages are available. http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/birds-owls.html Notes: This website offers educators a variety of owl activities to do with students. http://www.kidwings.com/index.htm

Notes: This website has a lot of great information about owls and birds in general. Anything from information on bird skulls to a virtual pellet dissection!

http://www.kidwings.com/teacher/coloringpages/main.htm Notes: This website provides several coloring pages of various species of owls. http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Cliffs/4490/owlsintro.html Notes: This website offers pictures of a variety of owl species and brief descriptions of each.

Suggested Reading List Bent, A. C. 1961. Life Histories of North American Birds of Prey. Parts I and II. New York: Dover Reprints. Blake Publishing. Hawks, Owls, and Other Birds of Prey. ISBN 0-918303-18-4.

This book is for innovative students and adults filled with tightly written, well-researched information, which gives the reader a good overview on birds of prey.

Burton, Robert. 1990. Discovering Owls. New York, NY: Bookwright Press. (Grade level: 3-6) Has a great section on the future of owls and the dangers that they face. Excellent photographs. Cornell, J. 1979. Sharing Nature with Children. Dawn Publications. ISBN 0-916124-14-2. Sharing Nature with Children is an excellent resource of sharing activities with children. Sharing Nature has already

become a classic since its publication in 1979. “By using the activities ... the child actually experiences what it is like to be a part of the natural world ... this book is a powerful tool in educating children.” - National Audubon Society.

Cooper, A. Owls: The Wonder Series. ISBN 1-879373-78-5. Robert Rinehart. Stories and activities focus on the adaptive and nesting characteristics plus hunting methods of owls, including threatened

species. (Ages: 8-12) Craighead, J. J. and F. C. Craighead Jr. 1969. Hawks, Owls, and Wildlife. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. Reprint of the original 1956 edition. In this study of the predatory behavior of hawks and owls, the Craigheads present their

findings after years of intensive field research in the specially chosen regions of Michigan and Wyoming. An enormous amount of data on the food habits of owls and hawks is included.

de la Torre, J. 1990. Owls: Their life and Behavior. Art Wolfe’s 175 color photos include many examples of usual and unusual owl behavior. The text covers all 19 North

American species with up-to-date biological data, profiles of their natural history, and tips for finding owls in local fields and woods.

Esbensen, B. J. 1991. Tiger with Wings: The Great Horned Owl. New York: Orchard Books. Describes the hunting technique, physical characteristics, mating ritual, and nesting rearing practices of the great horned owl. Garelick, May. Tony Chen, ill. 1975. About Owls. New York, NY: Four Winds Press. Readable non-fiction that is told like a story. Grade Level: 2-4. Graham, A. and F. Graham. 1981. Jacob and Owl. Coward, McCann and Geoghegan. Jacob, unhappy in his new home and alone with his mother after his parents’ separation, finds an injured owl in the woods

and seeks the an expert naturalist’s help.


Heinrich, Bernd. Adapted by Alice Calaprice. 1990. An Owl in the House. Boston, MA: Little, Brown, and Co.. A true story of the author’s studies of his pet owl. Brings owl behavior alive with true stories. Grade level: 5-8. Heintzelman, D. Guide to Owl Watching in North America. ISBN 0-486-27344-X. Dover Publications. In this carefully researched, well-illustrated book, the first full-scale, owl-watching field guide ever published, one of the

foremost American authorities on owls tells how to locate and study these remarkable birds. Birders will find expert advice and information on owl watching equipment, owl pellets and food habits, migrations and invasions, survival adaptations, conservation and more, along with 65 photographs plus other illustrations.

Holmgren, V. C. Owls in Folklore and Natural History.

Ancient owl legends are retold and interpreted in light of current scientific findings. The book also includes expert tips on how and where to spot owls. A complete North American species list with field characteristics.

Hutchins, P. 1972. Good-night Owl! New York: Macmillan. Owl takes revenge on the birds and animals who have not let him sleep. Johnsgard, P. A. and L. Fuertes. 1988. North American Owls Biology and Natural History. ISBN 0-87474-560-8. Smithsonian Institution Press. In this comprehensive study of the biology and natural history of North American Owls, a leading ornithologist

provides accurate and detailed accounts of the nineteen owl species that breed north of Mexico. In addition to range maps, the book is handsomely illustrated with 33 color plates, including reproduction of ten watercolors.

Loates, G. Owls North American Wildlife Series. ISBN 0-86505-184-X. McKeever, K. and O. Kassain. A Place for Owls. ISBN 0-929775-24-1. Greey de Oencier Books.

A book you will share with others for a long time to come. Tiglet is a screech owl who shared his life with the McKeevers. The McKeevers have made a difference for owls and human’s worldwide.

Mowat, Farley. 1961. Owls in the Family. Toronto, Canada: Canadian Publishers. Humorous story of a boy who has two Great Horned Owls as pets. Grade level: 2-5. Sadoway, Margaret Wheeler. 1981 Owls: Hunters of the Night. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Pub. Co.. Great photographs, topics that involve owls are integrated with portraits of different types of owls. Grade level: 4-8. Simmons, D. L. 1993. The Great White Owl of Sissinghurst. This delightful story takes place in England. Three young children are fascinated by the great white owl, who sleeps under

the roof of the caretaker’s garage by the day and hunts in the night. Early one morning they discover the owl lying on the ground, one wing bloodied and bent. Will he survive?

Stone, Lynn M.. 1983. Birds of Prey. Chicago, IL: Children’s Press. Good photographs, easy to read, provides useful comparisons between birds of prey. Grade level: 2-5. Sutton, P. and Clay Sutton. How to Spot an Owl. ISBN 1-881527-36-0. Chapter Publishing. A husband and wife team with decades of experience as professional naturalists and authors have created a lavish, full color

spotter’s guide that makes the secrets of the experts available for the amateur enthusiast. Beginning with a thorough description of owls, their habitat, range, diet, breeding and nesting habits. How to Spot an Owl provides clear, step-by-step advise to help you spot the most common owls in your area - often by going no farther afield than your own back yard.

Teijima, K. 1987. Owl Lake. New York: Philomel Books.

As the sun slips down behind the lake and the sky darkens, Father Owl comes out and hunts for fish to feed his hungry family.

Toops, C. 1990. The Enchanting Owl. Swan Hill Press.

An introduction to the twenty-six species of owls in Europe and North America. The author describes their hunting and courtship behavior, the rearing of young, their habitats, and their amazing senses. A discussion of rehabilitation and conservation efforts is included.

Voous, K. H. 1988. Owls of North American Hemisphere. Collins.

A comprehensive account of the owls of the northern hemisphere. The birds are described in detail in relation to their geographical origin and range, environment, prey, and evolution. Each species is illustrated with a full-page color plate and various black and white illustrations plus a map.

Waddell, M. Owl Babies. Candlewick Press.


When three baby owls awake one night to find their mother gone, they can’t help but wonder where she is. They worry about their mother and the scary things around them. Not surprisingly, a joyous flapping, dancing, and bouncing trio of owls greets her return.

Weidensaul, S. A Kid’s First Book of Birdwatching. Running Press. ISBN 0-89471-826-6.

This book is a handy field guide as well as fascinating rainy day reading. It’s filled with intriguing facts, identification tips, full-color photographs, and distribution maps. Each entry features information on habitat, range, plumage, nesting habits, and more. The accompanying audiocassette is filled with songs and calls of the fifty North American birds featured in this book. Ages: 8+

Yolen, J. and J. Schoenherr. 1987. Owl Moon. New York: Philomel Books. On a winter’s night under a full moon, a father and daughter trek into the woods to see the great horned owl.

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