Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is holding an owl pellet dissection and habitat hike on Sun., Jan. 21 from 1:30-3:30pm for 1st-5th grade students.
Merlin had Archimedes, Harry Potter had Hedwig, and Athena the Goddess of War and Wisdom had her faithful feathered companion. Mysterious and wise, owls have long captured our imaginations in literature, religion, and mythology.
These highly adaptive birds of prey are skilled and efficient hunters, who swallow their prey whole. A great way to gain insight into owls and their ecosystem is to dissect their pellets: after owls consume their prey, indigestible parts such as bones, beaks, teeth, and claws are coughed up with fur and feathers in the form of a pellet.
Each participant will receive their own owl pellet and identification chart and learn how to dissect and examine clues in the classroom. Since owl pellets serve as a great way to track behavior within their habitat, participants will hike the trails and search for evidence beneath some of our owls’ favorite roosting spots.
Members are $5 and Non-members are $10. Dress accordingly. Recommended ages: first-fifth grade.
Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is at 151 Brookdale Road, Stamford.
Register here.