October is a hoot at the National Aviary with special owl programs

Who-oo wants to learn more about owls?

The National Aviary is offering close encounters with the nocturnal birds of prey through its annual Owl-o-Ween days and other October programming.

“There is no bird better for fall than an owl, and at Owl-o-Ween at the National Aviary, families can get to know these mysterious creatures and see other beautiful species in the Aviary’s habitats,” said Jennifer Torpie, the Aviary’s curator of education and public programs. “This year’s Owl-o-Ween incorporates enhanced safety protocols that allow our visitors to have immersive and incredible experiences, like the chance to see a Spectacled Owl or a Eurasian Eagle-owl — two big, impressive birds — during physically distanced Owl Meet-and-Greets in the theater.”

Special events take place at the Aviary, unless otherwise noted, and include:

• Owl-o-Ween, set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 17 and 24, with timed-entry tickets at the facility in Pittsburgh’s North Side.

Participants will attend a meet-and-greet session and receive a trick-or-treat goody bag and an individually packaged owl-themed craft kit to work on at physically distanced tables or to take home.

• Owl Prowls, with three sessions planned in Pittsburgh-area parks, led by National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill.

Learn about various owl species found in and around Pittsburgh, get to know their adaptations and behaviors and, with any luck, hear one calling from up in the trees. Participants need a flashlight and footwear appropriate for walking on unpaved paths. Face masks must be worn and physical distancing between household groups will be observed. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Dates are Oct. 16 at Settlers Cabin Park, Oct. 24 at Glade Run Park and Oct. 25 at Frick Park. Time for each program is 7-9 p.m.

Fee is $15 per person, per session. Space is limited; registration is required.

• Virtual Birding with Bob: All About Owls, a Zoom program with Mulvihill, set for 10-11 a.m. Oct. 28.

Get to know owl species making their homes in Pennsylvania, from the very small Northern Saw-whet Owl and the massive Great Horned Owl. Learn about their hunting styles, habitats, social dynamics and nesting patterns, and develop skills to identify them.

Cost is $15. Space is limited; registration is required.

• Owl Encounters, offered daily at 3:30 p.m.

Learn about owls and their amazing adaptations, like their ability to turn their heads almost all the way around and the special feathers that give them the ability to fly without making a sound. Dissect an owl pellet, see an owl beak up close and don a special glove to hold an owl on your arm.

Fee of $75 per person includes general admission.

• Junior Zookeeper Encounters, with a chance to interact with an owl and an armadillo, offered daily at 10:30 a.m.

Fee of $44 per person includes general admission.

Visit aviary.org to book encounters in advance.