OWLS OF YELLOWSTONE

DATES: MAY 23 – 25, 2025

TUITION: $271

LOCATION: GARDINER, MT

GROUP SIZE: 13

ACTIVITY LEVEL: 2

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PROGRAM INFORMATION

Owls intrigue us because they are usually most active at night, so discovering how owls live, how they hunt and nest involves using all human senses. Learn about owls by reading the Yellowstone landscape as owls read it. Spend time in the park at “owl time” when owls are most likely to be active.

DAY 1

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

The program starts with an evening orientation. Participants will get to know one another and be introduced to the program. Throughout the evening, the itinerary and seminar key concepts will be discussed, as well as what to expect to pack for the field each day.

DAY 2

Whooo Owls Are:
Participants will watch my PowerPoint to gain knowledge of owl natural history and the ecology of the owl species living in Yellowstone. Then the class will be able to see and touch owl wings, tails and feet (on loan from the park’s specimen collection) to see up-close the different plumages and sizes of Yellowstone’s owls. After a lunch break, the class will head into the park to explore some habitats where different owl species live. Following a several-hour break, participants will bundle up and meet in early evening to experience Owl Time in the park.

DAY 3

The next morning, participants will travel into Yellowstone to view other owl habitats. The class will conclude with a summary and end at 1 p.m.

Dates & Times: The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, and goes through Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Meals: This course is not catered. Participants will need to bring their own food; lunch should be able to travel in the field.

ACTIVITY LEVEL 2

  • Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
  • For more information about our activity levels, please visit our Activity Level webpage here.
  • Most activities will take place at elevations between 7,200 to 8,000 feet. Participants residing at lower elevations may want to arrive a day early to adjust to the altitude.
  • To learn more about how specific medical conditions can be affected by Yellowstone’s environment and our activities, please visit our site page on health information.
  • All field activities will be conducted as a group. If members of the group cannot participate in the day’s activities, they need to let the educator know in advance.
  • To participate in this program, each participant must fill out and sign a health questionnaire and assumption of risk waiver. These forms must be completed and returned at least 30 days prior to the program start date.

EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC TO THIS COURSE:

Suggested Packing List located in General Information document under the ‘Whom to Contact’ tab.

  • Flashlight or headlamp

Whom to Contact: For any questions, concerns, or additional information please contact the following:

Program itinerary, health forms, payment, and general program questions please contact Yellowstone Forever at [email protected] or 406-848-2400 extension 3

Road updates, park conditions, and general park information please contact Yellowstone National Park Service at https://www.nps.gov/yell/contacts.htm

If running late for a program, please contact 406-641-2185.

General Information: For general information about the facilities, preparation for classes, what to expect, cancellation policies, and more, please see the Gardiner-Based Field Seminars – General Information document.

Cancellation Policy: Review our Cancellation & Refund Policies here.

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Katy-Duffy-Yellowstone-Forever-Contract-Instructor-circle500 (1)

Katy Duffy, M.S.

Katy Duffy has taught numerous Yellowstone Institute classes on birds and other aspects of natural history. She has conducted field studies, including banding projects, of owls, diurnal raptors and songbirds in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for more than 35 years. She worked as a supervisory resource education ranger for the NPS in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks for 32 years and has a M.S. in ecology from Rutgers University.