Virtual Creature Festival: Long and Short-eared Owls

During the month of October, we will explore the world of NJ’s creepy-crawly fauna and flora and things that go bump, squawk, grunt, (or even stay silent) in the night and day! Also, remember to check out Duke Farms Eventbrite for a wide array of virtual programs to learn more about NJ’s best bears, bats, bobcats, beautiful amphibians, reptiles, as well as other important oozy critters and the concern about climate change’s already negative impact on their future.

As we open the door to October...

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many and quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more.”

Remember this poem? Maybe this is who is knocking at your door to welcome you to the Duke Farms Virtual Creature Fest!

Whoo is calling in the dark? Delve deeper into the native owls of New Jersey by getting to know the long-eared owl and the short-eared owl. What's the biggest difference in outward appearance between these two? The long-eared owl sports prominent ear tufts that point straight up while the short-eared owl's tufts are more difficult to spot. Contrary to common belief, these ear tuft are not ears and are largely unrelated to the animal's hearing. Learners will learn more about the long and short-eared owls in this resource while trying an activity to simulate an owl's ear. 

Download the full PDF here.

This resource was created by Joanne Vogel and Kate Reilly.