Learn the 'Who's Who of Owls' at Nov. 2 program

To some people, owls are symbols of wisdom but to others their hoots are harbingers of death and doom.

Join award-winning naturalist Mark Spreyer as he reveals the truth about many of our North American owls and other raptors. Owls' amazing hunting adaptations will be explained in "Who's Who of Owls" at the next Izaak Walton League meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2, at Hanover Township Izaak Walton Center, 899 Jay St. in Elgin.

The Stillman Nature Center executive director will be bringing some special feathered guests to illustrate just "who's who!"

Spreyer did his graduate work in Minnesota on great gray owls and then went on to organize and direct Chicago's peregrine falcon release program. Under his leadership, Chicago hosted the first nest of peregrines in Illinois in 37 years. In 1989, he returned to Minnesota where he worked with the Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge and other conservation organizations. In 1995, after completing work on a raptor exhibit with the Science Museum of Minnesota, Spreyer migrated back to Illinois to become executive director of the Stillman Nature Center in Barrington.

During his career, Spreyer has also worked with the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, National Audubon Society, and Chicago Academy of Sciences plus he has taught courses for the College of Lake County and Northeastern Illinois University. Currently, he writes a nature column for the Daily Herald. Spreyer also came out with a book of nature essays titled "Natural Digressions." It covers everything from wildflowers to owls, with a heaping dose of humor!

For information, visit sites.google.com/site/elginchapter/ or www.facebook.com/izaakwaltonleagueelginchapter/.