Glacier Institute offers owl course in the Mission

A wildlife course titled “Owls of the Mission Valley: Hoots and Haunts” is offered by The Glacier Institute on April 14.

Instructors Matt Larson and Jessica Crowley from the Owl Research Institute will participate in the course. 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. This day program includes field trips to learn about the habitats, adaptations for silent flight, hunting, breeding and life histories of these impressive creatures. Field excursions involve short hikes through level but brushy terrain into owl habitat to investigate snags and look for nests.

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

The Glacier Institute serves adults and children as an educational leader in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem with Glacier National Park at its center. Emphasizing outreach and field based learning experiences; the non-profit institute provides an objective and science-based understanding of the area’s ecology and its interaction with people. Marking its 29th year of educational programs, The Glacier Institute is a long-time partner with Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. The institute offers family programs, youth science adventure camps, Discovery School at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center and adult educational programs.

Register for the Owls of the Mission Valley course by calling 755-1211 or at www.glacierinstitute.org. This course is $65.