Join us on March 3rd to learn about the adaptations, challenges, and conservation successes of North American owls, with Wildlife Biologist, Licensed Falconer, and Environmental Educator Kate Belleville.

This talk will explore the remarkable adaptations that make North American owls such skilled nocturnal hunters. We’ll also discuss the growing challenges these birds face, and share practical ways you can support local conservation efforts through bird-related citizen science projects. The presentation will feature a special guest — her rehabilitated, non-releasable Western Screech Owl — offering attendees a rare opportunity to observe this native species up close while learning about wildlife rehabilitation and stewardship.

Speaker Bio:

Kate is a wildlife biologist, licensed falconer and environmental educator, and holds a Bachelors of Science in Wildlife Conservation Biology from the University of Rhode Island. Her field work and jobs with state, federal and private organizations as a biologist, animal trainer/zookeeper and environmental educator have taken her around the country, where she has primarily specialized in birds and snakes. More recently, her research has focused on local birds of prey species including American goshawks, bald eagles, osprey and red-tailed hawks. She has also established a raptor nest monitoring volunteer position with the National Park Service through Whiskeytown National Recreation Area where she monitors bald eagle and osprey nests for the park. Through her conservation outreach organization, Talons and Scales, she educates people of all ages throughout the North State on the importance of reptile and raptor conservation.