Audio By Carbonatix
Wed 4/23
The joys of stalking owls in a dark park
Flashlights are optional. Your eyes slowly adjust to the moonlight as you step gingerly through a path of silhouetted oak trees in Greynolds Park (17530 W. Dixie Hwy., North Miami Beach). It’s a leisurely hike with a name as descriptive as it is cute: Owl Prowl.Naturalist Paula Schneeberger uses a flashlight sparingly to guide the hikers through the woods. The light source is equipped with a special cover to respect the sensitive eyes of nocturnal creatures. Participate in these events and you just may be treated to the sight of screech owls perched in the trees.
But it’s not all about the owls. Being in the park after dark is half the fun. The sounds, the smells, the other animals. The smells emanating from the other animals. Skuuunk! In addition to owls, it’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of raccoons and possums as they scamper through their chores.
Sometimes the critters even stare right back. On a previous hike Schneeberger said a gray fox decided to check out the human guests in his neighborhood. The hikers all stood quietly enjoying the encounter while the fox peered at them and then bounded off.–PATTI ROTH
Owl Prowl is at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5; reservations are required. Call 305-948-2891.
Sat 4/19
Pedigree This
Mixed breeds mix it up
From Chihuahua/Great Dane mixes to spaniel/Doberman blends, all mongrels are welcome at the Mutt Derby at Hollywood Greyhound Track (831 N. Federal Hwy.) Here’s your chance to put your little poo-poo in the spotlight he or she definitely deserves. Fluffy will race on a portion of the track, as well as an obstacle course. This is a down-and-dirty contest. No snobby judges examining the symmetry of Rover’s scrotum. No foofy French poodles prancing around like drag queens. No trainers sizing up their competition. This day honors the canned-beer gene pool of doggydom. Registration starts at 9:00 a.m. Call 954-924-3200.–JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ