Critters & Cocktails

Speaker: Judy Wink, CBEC Executive Director Emeritus

Discover a little-known series of Great Horned Owl behaviors. Great Horned Owls are monogamous birds, yet they spend much of the year alone, each occupying a large, solitary territory. As mating season approaches, these elusive raptors must find and reconnect with their mate—but how do they do it? This presentation explores the fascinating process of how Great Horned Owls locate each other, recognize their original partner, and reestablish their pair bond. From the male’s haunting courtship calls to the female’s subtle signs of acceptance, we’ll take a closer look at the behaviors that bring these powerful birds back together each year—long before nesting even begins. If you have GHOs around your residence, it’s timely. You will be able to put your “newfound knowledge” into action.

Speaker: Rudy Lukacovic, Fish Biologist and CBEC volunteer

Dive into the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay with this fun, informative presentation inspired by CBEC’s popular “Catch a Bay Critter” program. Just like our seine net adventures with students of all ages, each haul reveals something new and unexpected. In this talk, we’ll spotlight three fascinating creatures that sometimes make an appearance in our nets: eels, horseshoe crabs, and Rudy’s favorite fish (surprise!). Discover why these creatures live in our waters, what makes them unique, and the important roles they play in the Bay’s ecosystem. Come get a closer look at the surprising life just beneath the surface!

Speaker: Michael Raupp, Ph.D., Entomologist and Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland

Ticks are responsible for transmitting more disease-causing agents to humans in the United States than any other arthropod pest. We will explore tick biology, ecology, and their links to human and animal diseases in Maryland and throughout the United States. Learn how to tell the differences between common ticks (including black legged ticks, American dog tick, and lone star tick) as well as the most common vectors of diseases in our region. Discover how climate change is affecting ticks in Maryland, plus learn about A.I.R. and what you can do to prevent falling victim to tick-borne illness.

Speaker: Vicki Paulas, CBEC Executive Director

Join Vicki for a lively, insightful, and slightly humorous look into the fascinating world of foxes. In this entertaining lecture, Vicki will unveil the surprising intelligence, complex family dynamics, and quirky behaviors that make foxes one of North America’s most charming and adaptable predators. From their cunning survival strategies to their unexpectedly tender parenting, you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for these bushy-tailed icons of the wild—and maybe even spot them in a new light next time you catch a glimpse in your backyard. Whether you’re a nature lover, wildlife watcher, or just curious about these charismatic creatures, this program promises an evening full of discovery, laughter, and a few “who knew?!” moments. As a special bonus, two lucky attendees will win a signed copy of Vicki’s beautifully illustrated children’s book, A Foxy Way to Learn Your ABCs—a perfect keepsake to share the fox love with grandkids, classrooms, or anyone young at heart.