WASHINGTON TWP. - Jon Dore, 9, loves owls but he is a little squeamish about picking through the regurgitated remains of their prey.
"I think I got a beak," he said, gingerly picking a tiny jaw bone from the tight pellet of fur and bones he was dissecting with his dad during Owl Day at Endless Mountains Nature Center in Wyoming County on Sunday.
The family from Beaumont was one of dozens that attended the event, which included live bird demonstrations, crafts, a lecture and exhibits.
Marcus Hernandez, 10, another owl fan from Tunkhannock, expertly described some differences between an Eastern screech-owl and an American kestrel, both of which were touring the lodge on their handlers' gloves.
He declared the owl "my favorite bird of all the birds, and of all animals, pretty much."
Holden Cole, 13, a volunteer, introduced visitors to Owen, the screech owl, who mostly managed a hoarse squawk.
"He usually doesn't talk much during the day," Holden said.
The event helped educate visitors about the impacts humans have on birds and their habitat. Center director Rebecca Lesko said development and intensive agricultural practices can threaten owls by leveling the forests, hedgerows and grasslands they need to nest and hunt.
Her family decided to mow less lawn, for example, to allow meadow to grow back on her property.
"There is a lot more wildlife," she said. "By sharing our space we've made more space for them."
Contact the writer: llegere@timesshamrock.com