OAKHURST, CA – The Yosemite Area Audubon Society is inviting community members to learn more about one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic and elusive residents during an upcoming presentation in Oakhurst.
The program, titled “Great Gray Owls of Yosemite National Park,” will take place on Monday, February 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sierra Senior Center, located at 49111 Cinder Lane in Oakhurst. The presentation is open to the public, and all ages are welcome.
The featured speaker will be Dustin Garrison, a wildlife biologist with Yosemite National Park who has been working with great gray owls since 2014. Garrison has spent more than a decade studying these large forest owls, contributing to research and monitoring efforts aimed at better understanding their population, habitat needs, and long-term conservation within the park.
Great gray owls are the largest owl species by length in North America and are a symbol of Yosemite’s high-elevation meadows and mixed conifer forests. Although their size makes them impressive, they are often difficult to spot due to their quiet behavior and preference for remote habitats. Garrison’s presentation will provide an in-depth look at the natural history of the Yosemite great gray owl, including information about their life cycle, diet, nesting habits, and seasonal movements.
In addition to discussing owl biology, Garrison will address photography and owling ethics, an increasingly important topic as wildlife photography and birding grow in popularity. He will share best practices for observing and photographing owls in a way that minimizes stress and disturbance, helping ensure that human activity does not negatively impact sensitive species.
Another focus of the presentation will be fire ecology and its relationship to great gray owl habitat. Fire plays a natural role in shaping Sierra Nevada ecosystems, and Garrison will explain how changing fire patterns, forest management, and post-fire landscapes can influence where great gray owls live and hunt. The talk will also touch on threats such as vehicle collisions, which remain a significant cause of injury and mortality for wildlife in and around Yosemite National Park.
Attendees can also expect a hooting demonstration, offering a chance to hear and learn about the vocalizations great gray owls use to communicate and establish territory. The program will conclude with a question-and-answer session, allowing participants to engage directly with Garrison and ask about current research, conservation challenges, and ways the public can help protect wildlife.
The Yosemite Area Audubon Society regularly hosts educational programs, presentations, and field trips throughout the year, aimed at fostering appreciation for birds and the natural environment of the Sierra Nevada. The organization welcomes both longtime birders and those who are new to wildlife observation.
Community members interested in birds, nature, photography, or Yosemite National Park are encouraged to attend this free and informative event.
Badger Pass Ski Area Continues Tradition
