Ales & Owls: Explore the mysterious lives of the St. Croix’s smallest owl species

Learn about Saw-whet Owls at Lift Bridge Brewing in Stillwater on March 29.

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Via the St. Croix River Association:

Saw whet owl (Petite Nyctale) | Photo by Kristina Servant via Flickr

ALES AND OWLS
Thursday, March 29, 6 p.m.
Lift Bridge Brewery
Stillwater, MN
Free tickets »

Spring is on the way, and along with the snow melting, the birds will begin chirping and hooting. Many forms of wildlife call the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway home, including the Saw-whet Owl.

These tiny creatures weigh only as much as eight Oreo cookies, yet travel distances in excess of 800 miles.

Learn more about this fascinating bird, while enjoying local brews at Lift Bridge Brewery on March 29. The National Park Service and St. Croix River Association will host the event and will also be on hand to answer your questions and help plan your next trip to the Riverway.

Jennifer Vieth, local owl researcher and Executive Director of the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings will share stories about tracking the Saw-whet owl and its migratory patterns.

“This particular owl is very good at camouflaging itself, making it difficult to track,” said Vieth. “You might not realize it, but how you landscape your own yard can really make a big impact on helping this and all birds to thrive.”

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. From this Act, the St. Croix and the Namekagon rivers became the country’s first wild and scenic river national park—the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The St. Croix River Association (SCRA) is the official partner for the Riverway.

“One of our goals in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is to ensure we take care of this national treasure and all of its inhabitants for centuries to come,”said Deb Ryun, Executive Director, St. Croix River Association. “Understanding and educating ourselves and others about all kinds of wildlife that live along the Riverway is important to achieving this goal.”

Tickets are free, please register here »