Owl Prowl

Owl Prowl Guided Hike

Join a certified Master Naturalist for an enchanting Owl Prowl through the mysterious Florida forest. As the sun sets and twilight deepens, immerse yourself in the shifting sights and sounds of nature. Without the use of flashlights, awaken your night vision and sharpen your senses under the stars. Listen for the haunting calls of owls and catch glimpses of these elusive nocturnal hunters as they stir to life. This unique guided hike offers a rare opportunity to connect with the natural world after dark in a safe, fascinating, and unforgettable way.

Owls of Northeastern Florida: Mysterious Guardians of the Night

Northeastern Florida is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, but few creatures capture the imagination quite like owls. With their silent flight, keen eyesight, and haunting calls, these nocturnal raptors are a symbol of the wilderness that still thrives in Florida’s forests, swamps, and coastal hammocks. Through Earth Kinship Ecotours, visitors have the opportunity to explore these wild places on guided hikes led by a certified naturalist and local historian, offering a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the lives of these fascinating birds.

Meet the Owls of Northeastern Florida

There are four owl species that make their home in this region, each with unique adaptations and behaviors:

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

Easily identified by their classic “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” call, Barred Owls are common in swampy woodlands and river habitats. Their soulful eyes and expressive calls make them a favorite among wildlife watchers. Unlike many other owls, they are relatively active during the day, especially during breeding season.

Eastern Screech Owl (Megascops asio)

These pint-sized owls are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly into tree bark. Despite their size, they’re fierce predators of insects, rodents, and even small birds. Their trilling call and ghostly presence add an air of mystery to twilight hikes.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)

The largest and most powerful owl in the region, the Great Horned Owl is an apex predator capable of taking down prey larger than itself. Its deep hooting call echoes through pine forests and open woodlands. These owls are among the earliest birds to nest, often laying eggs in January.

Barn Owl (Tyto alba)

Known for their heart-shaped faces and eerie screeches, Barn Owls are more elusive but no less captivating. They prefer open habitats like marshes, fields, and abandoned structures. Their feathers are specially adapted for silent flight, a key to their success as stealthy hunters.

Barred Owl

Great Horned Owl

Screech Owl

Barn Owl

Fascinating Owl Facts

Silent Flight: Owl feathers have serrated edges that break up turbulence, allowing them to fly almost completely silently.
Neck Rotation: Owls can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees thanks to a unique bone and blood vessel structure.
Binocular Vision: Their forward-facing eyes give them excellent depth perception, crucial for night hunting.

Asymmetrical Ears: Many owls have ears positioned at different heights, helping them pinpoint the location of sounds in three-dimensional space.

Discover Owls with Earth Kinship Ecotours

Want to see these nocturnal wonders for yourself? Earth Kinship Ecotours offers public and private guided hikes into some of the region’s most biodiverse habitats. Led by a certified naturalist and local historian, these experiences combine ecological insight with rich cultural storytelling, giving participants a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

Tours often take place during the evening —prime time for owl activity. Guests learn to recognize owl calls, spot signs like pellets or nesting sites, and understand the critical role these birds play in local ecosystems.

Book Your Adventure

Whether you're a lifelong birder or a curious first-time explorer, Earth Kinship Ecotours provides an unforgettable adventure into Florida’s wild side. Contact us to schedule a hike and experience the nocturnal magic of the owls of Northeastern Florida! 904-477-5669 earthkinship.us

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