Peak Season for close-up views of 15-20,000 elegant Tundra Swans, and 300-400,000 colorful waterfowl, numerous Bald Eagles, and many other kinds of birds.

This owlfest will be Feb. 29-March 2. The festival features owling field trips as owl nesting is underway, as well as events for all ages, including "best owl costume." Several owl species may be displayed, including "Alice," the flightless Great Horned Owl rescued as an injured fledgeling.

The featured 6PM Feb. 29 banquet speaker at the Houston Nature Center in Houston, Minnesota is Dr. C. Stuart Houston, a retired MD, naturalist, ornithologist, and bird bander of 130,000 birds of 200 species. The former number includes the banding of 7000 Great Horned Owls.

Dr. Houston has received awards for his owl & other bird studies from several organizations, including the Linnean Society, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, and the Canadian Ornithologists' Union.

For detailed information and reservations, contact Karla Kinstler at the Houston Nature Center. Phone 507-896-4668, or e-mail nature@acegroup.cc, or click here.

Fred Lesher
LaCrosse, Wis.