Screech Owls are small nocturnal owls with ear tuft feathers that resemble those found on the larger Great Horned Owl. These small eight inch tall owls do not “hoot”. They have a territorial song that is a low quavering or descending “whinny” that sounds somewhat ghostly. Their mating calls are three five second “trills” which are more pleasant to hear. They will often nest in old woodpecker holes that have an entrance of at least three inches in diameter. The Florida Screech owl is usually brown when compared to it’s northern cousins that are cinnamon or grey in color. These owls mostly feed on large insects, but will also eat frogs, lizards, small snakes, mice and small birds.
This geocache is placed in Highlands Hammock State Park with the permission of park management. All locations must be approved by the Volunteer Geocache Coordinator Sarah Straub (DTISarah@gmail.com) and adhere to the guidelines set by the park for geocache placement.
Vehicles are not permitted to park on any roadway within the park boundary. All vehicles must park within designated parking areas. The park is open from 8:00AM until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fees are as follows: $6.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle. $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass. Camping is available in the park as well.
Highlands Hammock State Park's Website
For more information about accessing cache locations please visit the ranger station to view a copy of Essential Eligibility Criteria for Geocaching at Highlands Hammock State Park.
Please remember to cache responsibly and stay on designated trails.