Lake County Audubon Society presents snowy owl program

The Lake County Audubon Society's Feb. 4 meeting will be from 7:30-9 p.m. at the Libertyville Village Hall and will feature Josh Engel's program "Don't Call me Hedwig: Snowy Owl Irruptions in the Chicago Area."

Every few years, snowy owls descend by the thousands into the northern tier of states from their tundra breeding groups. This usually results in more than 100 individuals in Illinois alone, capturing the imagination of birders and non-birders alike.

Starting with a basic question - "What is a snowy owl?" - Josh Engel will explore snowy owl biology, including the factors behind these irruptions, what makes them so exceptional, and what he learned about their diet from dissecting their pellets. He will also touch on long-eared owls and whatever other owls happen to be creating news in early February.

Birds have been central to Josh Engel's life for as long as he can remember. He learned that there was something called "birding" at age 12 and pursued it with abandon. His life since has followed birds to all corners of the globe - guiding birding tours and conducting research for The Field Museum - as he's transformed his childhood passion into a career.

It has all led to his current endeavor, running his company Red Hill Birding, organizing and leading birding tours around Illinois, the United States, and the world.

Under a new policy developed by the village, doors will be open at 7:15 p.m. for attendees and will lock at 7:45 p.m., so those attending should be prompt and, considering the number of parking places available, plan their time accordingly. Children are welcome to attend.

The mission of the Lake County Audubon Society is education, conservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

Libertyville Village Hall is at 118 W. Cook Ave., Libertyville.

Visit www.lakecountyaudubon.org.