This cache is placed as part of the 2008 Geocaching Adventure, a
geocaching game placed by MiGO members as a tribute to the
Metroparks Geocaching Adventure series. In order to complete the
2008 Geocaching Adventure, you will need to find the 11 caches
hidden in the different Metroparks (full list). At each cache you will obtain a keyword
or phrase to enter into a puzzle found in our brochure. The
brochure is available to print at www.metroparks.com. The caches
will be in place from May through December 2008.
We will be holding a geocachers picnic at Huron Meadows
Metropark, N 42 29.374 W 83 46.395, on September 13th. Watch the
Geocaching.com website for more details.
Great horned owls are large birds that stand 18-25" tall with
a wingspan of 36-60" long. These owls are usually non-migratory.
They will establish a territory and stay there unless the supply of
food is low. The Great Horned Owl is very adaptable, and it will
live in a variety of habitats. These owls are one of the earliest
spring nesting birds. Their eggs are laid as early as January. They
don't build their own nests but, instead, use the abandoned stick
nests of other birds such as heron, hawk and crow. They also nest
in rock alcoves, abandoned buildings and hollow trees. Sometimes
they use abandoned squirrel nests...and sometimes a squirrel
becomes a meal! The Great Horned Owl also eats mice, rabbits,
snakes and other animals. They even eat skunks! Yuck! You can see
what an owl eats by looking at the pellets they regurgitate (yuck
again!) The pellets contain the undigested parts of the animals
they eat, like bones and fur. The 'who' of the Great Horned Owl is
the most 'typical' of all the owls. Great Horned owls can rotate
their heads 270 degrees—it’s almost like having eyes in the back of
your head!
When we were choosing a location for this cache back in
March, there was a nesting pair of Great Horned Owls near the
entrance to the park. These owls, along with many other animals,
live in the woodlot at Lake Erie Metropark. The woodlot is a
less-visited area of the park that has footpaths and a bike trail.
It’s a great place to observe nature in the peace and quiet. The
area can become very muddy, so dress appropriately.
The cache is a medium sized clear lock-n-lock guarded by a
friendly owl.
Summer hours for the park are 6AM to
10PM.
This cache is located within Lake Erie Metropark, a part of the
Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority park system. The park is open
daily from 8AM to 8PM. The Nature Area Trails are open from dawn to
dusk. Dogs are allowed in the park on a six-foot leash, and under
control. Dogs are not allowed on the nature trails. Please use the
"Doggit" bags provided for your convenience. A Metropark Vehicle
Entry Permit is required: Annual Permit $20, Senior Permit $12,
Daily Permit $4. The Metropark may be closed on certain days for
deer management programs typically in the fall; please call ahead
for closure information on the day of your visit. Although hunting
is not permitted in Lake Erie Metropark, there is duck hunting off
the shore in the fall. For general information please call
810-227-2757 or 1-800-47-PARKS,, or visit our website www.metroparks.com.
All park rules and regulations apply. Park in parking lots
only.