By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Learn about the majesty of the owls of Missouri as the Remington Nature Center will present two varieties of Missouri owls.
Naturalist Shelly Cox says someone's first experience seeing an owl can be awe inspiring.
"I think there's a lot of myth and mystery abou them because they're nocturnal you don't really see them very often, we tend to be sleeping when they're awake, and so if you're lucky enough to spot one it's a wonderful experience," Cox tells KFEQ Hotline host Barry Birr. "And I think that's kind of the same way for me just having those intermittent experiences throughout life where you see one and you're just fascinated by that."
The Remington Nature Center will welcome two common Missouri owls from the Lakeside Nature Center in Kansas City.
Cox says one owl that will be present will be a Great Horned Owl which is one of the largest species of owl found in the state.
"And they are the largest of the owls in Missouri, there's only one other owl larger in North America and that's the great grey owl, so to be able to see just how large they are up close is going to be I think a really unique and special experience for people," Cox says. "And they're kind of the representation of all owls."
Cox says when you think of a "hoot" owl you are most likely picturing a Great Horned Owl.
Cox says also at the presentation will be one of the smallest species, the screech owl.
"There's a few other smaller throughout the country, there's one other that is smaller that comes into Missouri in the winter the saw whet owl, which I think is like everybody's goal bird, the one that they want to see that adorable little saw whet owl that fits in the palm of your hand," Cox explains. "I've yet to see one in person but maybe one day."
Presentations will be held at 5 and 6pm. If inclement weather forces a cancellation of the event, the presentation will be back after the new year on January 12th.