[mou] Festival of Owls info

[Houston Nature Center]

Dr. James R. Duncan, noted Great Gray Owl authority and author of "Owls of
the World: Their Lives, Behavior and Survival", will be discussing Great
Gray Owl ecology, including factors that lead to invasions like the one we
are experiencing this winter in Manitoba and Minnesota, during his keynote
presentation at the 3rd Annual Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota.

Duncan's presentation will be the kickoff to a full weekend of owl events
March 4-6, 2005 in Houston, Minnesota.  The Festival of Owls features owl
programs with six different species of live owls, owl prowls to call in wild
owls, a program about the owls of Harry Potter, owl merchandise, silent
auctions, a raffle to benefit the Global Owl Project, owl-themed food, and
much more.

The Festival began in 2003 as a way to celebrate the "hatchday" of the
Houston Nature Center's only live animal, Alice the Great Horned Owl.  As
such, kids will be able to get their face painted like an owl, learn how to
make origami owls, and enjoy free hatchday party snacks.  Alice will turn 8
years old at this year's Festival.

Cost to attend the bison and Russian hog banquet and keynote presentation
with Dr. Duncan is $20 per person, with only 100 tickets being sold.  Adults
over age 18 need a $2.50 collectable Great Gray Owl button for admission to
the rest of the Festival, but there is no charge for those 18 and under.
Buttons may be purchased at the door.

For more information, contact the Houston Nature Center at 507-896-HOOT
(4668), nature@acegroup.cc, or visit the Festival of Owls website at
www.houstonmn.com/Nature/owlfestival.htm.
-----

Karla
Karla Kinstler
Director/Naturalist
Houston Nature Center
215 W Plum St
PO Box 667
Houston, MN 55943
507-896-4668
nature@acegroup.cc
http://www.houstonmn.com/Nature/nature2.htm