* WingMasters: The World of Owls (at Fruitlands Museum)

Owls are not evil spirits, wise little philosophers or Walt Disney creations. Nor do they wing about carrying messages, despite the way they're depicted in the Harry Potter books. In fact, owls are probably more misunderstood than any other kind of bird. These are hunting birds, yet their sharp beaks and talons are partly hidden under feathers. Owls have more and softer feathers than other birds, and this unique plumage gives them a plump, rounded look. Add an upright posture and huge eyes set in front like ours, and you have what looks irresistibly like a small, bemused person wearing a fur coat. In reality, owls are superbly adapted nocturnal hunters. This program shows how owls use their specialized powers of sight, hearing and flight to survive and thrive. A wealth of fact and folklore about these masters of the night explains the natural and unnatural history of owls. A variety of live North American owls provides the focus of this 60-minute presentation.

Space is limited. To register call 978-456-3924 x291 or email programming@fruitlands.org