Course focuses on owls in Mission Valley

by The Daily Inter Lake
| April 2, 2014 9:00 PM

The Glacier Institute will offer its Owls of the Mission Valley course on Saturday, April 12. Instructors will be Matt and Jessica Larson from the Owl Research Institute.

Spring is the best time to see the many species of silent-winged predators as they breed in the vast expanses and hidden tree holes of the Mission Valley.

The day program includes excursions into the field to learn about the habitats, adaptations for silent flight, hunting breeding and life histories of these impressive creatures.

Field studies involve short hikes through level but brushy terrain into owl habitat to investigate snags and look for nests. Bring your camera.

Montana hosts the largest number of breeding owls of any state, from the massive great horned owl to the miniature pygmy owl. The rarely seen snowy owls have also frequented the Mission Valley again this year, due in part to deep snowpack in Alaska and Arctic Canada.

The nonprofit Glacier Institute serves adults and children as an educational leader in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem, emphasizing outreach and field-based learning experiences.