PRESQUE ISLE — On Saturday, June 8, the Chewonki Foundation of Wiscasset will bring their live bird presentation, “Owls of Maine,” to festival-goers at the Aroostook State Park Birding Festival. According to Emma Balazs, program assistant with Chewonki’s Traveling Natural History Program, the presentation will include an introduction to owl species seen here in Maine and in greater New England and the adaptations these amazing birds use to survive in the wild.
The highlight will be what Balazs describes as “ an intimate and detailed look” at Chewonki’s three live non-releasable owls: a Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl and Great Horned Owl. As part of the presentation, there will also be an opportunity for kids and others to handle real wings, skulls, feathers and feet, and to have a close-up view of the various live owls.
The “Owls of Maine” program will start at 11 a.m. and end at noon, with presenters available for several minutes afterward to answer questions and talk further about the owls. This special presentation is sponsored by Aroostook Birders’ bird watching club in memory of friend and fellow club member Kathy Braeuninger (Hunter). For information about Aroostook Birders or the Chewonki presentation, call Sue Pinette at 764-1801 or visit www.aroostookbirders.com.
The Aroostook Birding Festival, held from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a rain-or-shine event. A nominal fee is charged for entrance to the park: $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 5-11, all others free. Call the park office at 768-8341 for further information or notice of cancellation if the weather is severe.
