Owl pellet program at Dexter library

DEXTER — In recognition of the breeding season of one of Maine’s largest and best known owls, the Abbott Memorial Library is offering a unique hands-on program to see the varied diets of owls through a close examination of their pellets.

All owls produce pellets which are the undigested bits of their prey, such as bones, fur, feathers and teeth. Owls cough up pellets one or twice a day because they do not have a muscular gizzard to break down hard substances.

The largest and smallest owls in Maine are the Great Horned Owl and the Northern Saw-whet Owl, respectively. The Great Horned Owl is a large, adaptable, feathered predator, known as the “tiger of the air”, it has prominent ear tufts and a deep booming hoot. It commonly breeds in mid-winter. Our smallest owl is the Northern Saw-whet owl, a tiny 6- to 8-inch secretive bird that is found in dense coniferous forests. This owl delays breeding until spring time temperatures warm.

The program presented by  T.R.A.C.K.S.,will be held at 4 p.m.. on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Space is limited, so please call early at 207-924-7292 to reserve a place at this special program. The library is located at 1 Church St.