Saturday, March 6th at 2pm
Owl Quest: Finding and
Photographing North
America's Owls

Hosted by Harwich Conservation Trust (HCT), Mark & Marcia Wilson are adapting their live owl program to bring you a very special virtual event. Owls capture the imagination with their unique habits, silent flight, and nocturnal lifestyles. To learn about these curious creatures and see owls up close from the comfort of your own home, join "Owl Quest" live streamed on Saturday, March 6th at 2pm. 

Have you tried to find or photograph an owl lately? Yes? Then you know it isn't an easy task. Especially if you want a clear view of the owl with a highlight in the owl's eye, an uncluttered background, and a bird that's relaxed and comfortable.

Join wildlife photojournalist-author Mark Wilson and teacher-naturalist Marcia Wilson as they scramble to meet a publisher's deadline to produce photos and observations of all 19 species of owls that breed on the continent, north of Mexico. Mark's first book, Owling: Enter the Mysterious World of the Birds of the Night, was published in 2019. With more than 250 photos, this 120-page hardcover book was the culmination of a long simmering dream to produce a science-based book about all 19 species of owls that breed in North America. 

With a fast-paced slide show, viewers of all ages will enjoy accompanying the Wilsons on multiple forays to gather the stunning photos for Mark's award-winning book. The American Association for the Advancement of Science chose Owling as 2020's Best Science Book for Middle Grade Students. Just like when the Wilsons would bring live owls to Harwich that fascinated people of all ages, their new virtual Owl Quest will inspire kids and adults alike.

Snowy Owls nesting on Alaska's North Slope, Great Gray Owls plunge diving in Minnesota powder in sub-zero temperatures, Burrowing Owl families hunkered down in 120-degree days amidst the Arizona summer, and many more species---all arrive in vivid, full color splendor with Wilson's camera.

After the slide show, Marcia will introduce the audience to six live owls that viewers could find in New England. The live owl line-up will include the super cute Northern Saw-whet Owl and the striking Snowy Owl. Locally found Great-horned Owl, red and gray phase Screech Owls, and Barred Owl will also visit virtually. Marcia will lead viewers in a hooting lesson sure to help cure cabin fever.

Based in New England, the Wilsons have been giving live owl programs for 27 years and have spoken to more than half a million people. They live with and care for 15 non-releasable raptors which at the moment includes 13 owls. Both Mark and Marcia have BS degrees in biology and have worked in the conservation field for decades.

The cost is $5 per registration (multiple people in your household can watch on the same screen). All proceeds benefit HCT's land-saving work. Thank you!