Owl Fest 2023
Owl Fest 2023 is nearly upon us! We are excited to unveil that our 8th Annual October Owl Festival will be Oct 21 & 22, and we will have a variety of amazing events to experience. Check it out!
We have a number of exciting events happening for Owl Fest 2023. Tap the buttons to see festival details:
2023 Owl Fest Wrap-Up
This Eagle Creek Park Foundation project was made possible by our members, donors, and sponsors. A special thanks to the Amos Butler Audubon society for their generous support!
Announcing the Carlsen Aviary
Owl Fest 2023 marked the opening of the Carlsen Aviary at the Ornithology Center. Kevin Carslen, who designed and helped build the Aviary, is pictured (right) with the Ornithology Center Manager, Jenna McElroy (center) and Assistant Manager, Donna Riner (left). Kevin is a long-time supporter and former Ornithology Center naturalist. A huge thanks and congratulations to Kevin and his team!
What's Owl Fest all about?
Owl Fest is Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center. Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family. There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale! Check out the schedules on this page to plan your visit for Owl Fest!
Message from our Executive Director on Owl Fest and Birding
I have to admit, I’ve never been very interested in birds. Sure, the colorful ones would always catch my eye and the Bald Eagle will grab any American’s attention.
Then I started working at Eagle Creek…
One can’t be involved at Eagle Creek and NOT get caught up in birding in some way. The Ornithology Center staff, volunteers and birders visiting are some of the most welcoming and enthusiastic people I have ever met. They have such an inspiring ability to connect with visitors of all ages to encourage them to start their birding journey or continue.
Birding as an outdoor activity is growing all over the world as well. In 2022, there was an estimated 384,541 that participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count with Cornell University. This year, that number grew by 44% to 555,291!
I’ve recently been reading a lot of studies and articles about how younger generations are getting into birding. It’s a great activity for individuals or those looking for a social group. Birding helps people reduce stress and become more mindful. And let’s be honest, all ages love a good scavenger hunt. Maybe it will be the next Pickleball?
Have you tried birding at Eagle Creek yet?
Come chat with a naturalist at the Ornithology Center during their open hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Also, the Amos Butler Audubon Society leads birding walks every Sunday in the park from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and all are welcome.
I hope you’ve had a chance to check out the information above for this weekend’s Owl Fest celebrating owls and all things birds. It’s a major fundraiser for the Foundation’s Ornithology Center restricted fund which provides funding for educational programs, vet bills, continuing education for staff and special projects like the new aviary!
If you would like to support this mission you can give directly by clicking the button below.
Can wait to see you at Owl Fest!
Meghan Mustin
Executive Director Eagle Creek Park Foundation
Help support our birds!
In addition to the extra day, we’re adding a lot of new and exciting things for visitors of all ages to enjoy. This year’s festival will feature live bird programs with Mark Booth, guided hikes, crafts, games, snacks for sale, a campfire with s’mores, and a Feather Fashion costume party! This is going to be the most action-packed festival yet!