The Community Room at the Saugus Public Library recently transformed into a vibrant hub for wildlife education, hosting the acclaimed “Eyes on Owls” program. Despite a last-minute venue change from Saugus Iron Works due to inclement weather, enthusiastic locals gathered for a unique avian encounter, eager to learn about majestic birds of prey from expert educators Marcia and Mark Wilson, founders of the venerable program established in 1994.
Marcia and Mark Wilson are not merely presenters; they are dedicated licensed rehabilitators holding crucial U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and various state licenses, permitting them to care for 17 owls and three other raptors utilized in their impactful presentations. Their profound commitment to owl conservation and public outreach was evident as they shared insights into the lives and behaviors of these fascinating nocturnal creatures, dispelling common misconceptions and fostering a deeper appreciation for Massachusetts wildlife.
Among the first introductions were the tiny Eastern Screech Owls, presented in both brown and red phases. Mark Wilson clarified that despite their small stature, these are full-grown adults, some aged 11 years. He elucidated that these common Massachusetts wildlife residents do not “screech” as their name implies, but instead communicate through distinct whinny and trill sounds, a detail that captivated the audience and offered a practical tip for identifying them in local neighborhoods.
The program continued with the introduction of a Barred Owl, significantly larger than its screech owl counterparts. Marcia Wilson provided engaging hooting lessons specific to this species, noting their increasing prevalence in the region. Mark Wilson further explained the complex ecological dynamics at play, including how the rise in Barred Owl populations has unfortunately led to them preying more frequently on Eastern Screech Owls, highlighting interspecies challenges within Massachusetts wildlife ecosystems.
A Barn Owl, with its distinctive heart-shaped face and camouflaged spots, was then showcased. Unlike other owls, this species communicates through hisses, screeches, and screams rather than hoots. The Wilsons explained that this particular Barn Owl, along with its sibling, were born in captivity specifically as teaching owls, serving as invaluable ambassadors for wildlife education and providing a tangible connection to avian encounters for the community.
Perhaps the most poignant part of the presentation revolved around a Great-horned Owl, which served as a stark example of the dangers posed by rat poison. Mark Wilson recounted the owl’s harrowing story of being hit by a car and subsequently consuming a poisoned rodent, leading to severe internal bleeding. This powerful narrative underscored the critical importance of avoiding rodenticides, emphasizing their devastating impact on owls and other birds of prey, a vital message for owl conservation that resonated deeply with the attendees.
The grand finale featured the majestic Spectacled Owl, a species uniquely native to Central and South America, offering a glimpse into global avian encounters. The Wilsons concluded their insightful program by expressing gratitude to the packed Community Room attendees at Saugus Public Library, and even extended the experience by bringing an Eastern Screech Owl into the hallway for those unable to find seating, ensuring everyone had a chance to connect with these incredible birds and embrace the spirit of wildlife education.
