Owl Pellet Adventure: Take and Make Series, Part 3

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Take and Make Series, Part 3: Owl Pellet Adventure! Have you ever been out for a walk in the woods and seen a clump of funny looking fluff on the forest floor and wondered, ‘what on earth is that’?  You may have just found your first owl pellet!  When owls have eaten they sit for a while and eventually will spit out all the parts from the animal that aren’t easily digested, like fur or bones. The “leftovers” are formed into a round lump or “pellet” that is spit back out of their beak. People who study owls can pick these “pellets” up and examine them to learn more about the owls’ diets, where they eat and possibly even what time they might eat.

Kits cost $5 each.  Each kit includes a sanitized pellet, brief instructions, the chart of bones, and several toothpicks to help dismantle the pellet. With each kit you will be able to examine a pellet to see just what bones may be hidden within.  Consider it to be a treasure hunt for knowledge.  Spread a few newspapers out on a table and empty the pellet out.  Using the toothpicks – gradually tease apart the pellet to reveal what identifiable bones may be there.  A chart is included to help you solve the mystery of what the owl ate!  When you are finished, the small chart can be kept for future pellets identification and the rest can be thrown away.  Keep the small bits away from younger sibling or pets.  Enjoy the adventure!  If you are unable to pick up kits during the specified time leave a note with your registration and we will work with you to find a time that works.

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