Whoooo’s watching you? Come find out at the Tin Mountain Conservation Center Nature Program “Eyes on Owls” Saturday, November 10. Due to popular demand and to be sure to accommodate everyone, there are two showings: a family matinee from 3 to 4:15 PM, and an evening showing from 7 to 8:15 PM at the Tin Mountain Nature Learning Center, 1245 Bald Hill Road, Albany, NH 03818. Reservations are required by calling 603-447-6991.

Teacher naturalist, Marcia Wilson will first introduce the audience to owls found in New England and describe their unique adaptations through a slide show of photos by her husband, Mark Wilson, a noted wildlife photographer, author and naturalist. After a hooting lesson and much audience participation, Marcia will bring out the live owls, one at a time. With each owl perched securely on her glove, Marcia then walks out into the audience.  Each owl has a permanent disability that keeps it from surviving on its own in the wild. These non-releasable owls serve as ambassadors from the world of wildlife.

Which owl eats skunks? Can a little detective work reveal if owls live near you?  What do owl pellets tell us about an owl’s wild food and the web of life? How can we protect owls and their natural habitats? Wilson will explore these questions and more during this fun interactive program for all ages.

Naturalist Marcia Litchfield Wilson brings over 45 years of experience with natural history and field ornithology to her environmental education programs. She grew up in coastal southeastern Massachusetts with birding parents, Myron and Beverly Litchfield, surrounded by their bird banding and wildlife rehabilitation. Marcia became entranced by the family bird feeders by age 6, and earned her own binoculars at age 12.

As a young adult naturalist in 1979, she worked at the Audubon Society headquarters in Lincoln, MA. There she focused on public education, conservation and bird research. She became a seabird observer for Manomet Observatory and joined the ranks of Harvard’s Nuttall Ornithological Club as its seventh female member in 1980.

While earning a B.S. in biology at University of Massachusetts/Boston, she thrived on Nantucket Island, where she nurtured her love of birds. Her 12 years as Shorebird Biologist embraced protection work with rare Piping Plovers, Least Terns and American Oystercatchers for the Trustees of Reservations. She designed and implemented the first natural history tour program on the Trustees’ 1100- acre barrier beach refuge.

Now, Marcia follows in her mother’s footsteps, teaching children and adults about the natural world using live owls. Her presentations showcase her husband Mark Wilson’s wildlife photos and many live owls, providing all of us with lasting images of our local wildlife.

Mark Wilson is a wildlife photographer, photojournalist, author and avid birder. He was a staff photographer at The Boston Globe for over 20 years, where he wrote “The Backyard Birder” which appeared biweekly for nearly four years in The Boston Sunday Globe. He wrote the Globe’s weekly photography column “Camera” for nine years. His photos have appeared in many newspapers, books and magazines, including a National Geographic cover (Oct. 1992 bullfrog).

A birder and outdoorsman since childhood, Mark combines a B.S. in Biology and a love of natural history with his photography, writing and lecturing while sharing his enthusiasm with others. His ability to interpret animal behavior and light brings a special dimension to his photographs and educational programs.

Most exciting Mark and Marcia have an intimacy with the owls they raise and each one has certain personality traits, come and meet this amazing couple as well as their unique adopted owls.

Reservations are required by calling Tin Mountain Conservation Center at 603-447-6991. Sign up early as this program can sell out quickly.

Tin Mountain Conservation Center is a 501 (c) 3 environmental, education organization promoting an appreciation of the environment for over thirty years. The Eyes on Owls Program is generously supported by the Gibson/Woodbury and Gibson Foundations. Tin Mountain Nature programs are open to the public and are sponsored by L.L. Bean, the Evenor Armington Fund and lodging sponsor, Residence Inn by Marriott, N Conway.

Members are $5 person/$10 family; non-members $7 person/$15 family.