No wristband or registration required; all are welcome. We’re bringing the magic to the Library with a wisdom of owls just waiting to welcome you. Come face to face with these mysterious nocturnal raptors in person. It will be a hoot!

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 are explained.

Special feathered guests illustrate just who's who!  This program is for ages 5 and up.

About the Speaker: Mark 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, Mark migrated back to Illinois to become Executive Director of the Stillman Nature Center in Barrington. 

About the Speaker:  During his career, Mark 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, Mark writes a nature column for the Daily Herald.