WHOOO’S OUT THERE? OWLS OF CENTRAL WA

WHOOO’S OUT THERE?
OWLS OF CENTRAL WA
The Canyon River Ranch Lodge
SATURDAY MARCH 21ST, 2026 
February 11th, 2026– Ellensburg, WA. Calling all owl enthusiasts to The Canyon River Ranch for an exclusive event with Kittitas County ecology enthusiast Deborah Essman. Did you know that we have 14 different species of owls in Kittitas County? Both revered and feared by ancient cultures, owls are still mysterious creatures to most of us.
Join local birder and naturalist Deborah Essman for an information packed program about these denizens of our local fields and forest, then come back for an evening prowl to listen for owls in the Yakima River Canyon! It’ll be a real Hoot! 
Event Details: Saturday, March 21st at Canyon River Ranch Lodge 14700 Canyon Road, Ellensburg
·       Morning Owl Talk:
o   Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
o   Learn about the owl species that call Kittitas County home, including the Yakima River Canyon.
o   Get to know owl calls, habits, and how to spot them in the wild.
o   Tips on how to be a good owl host in your own backyard.
·       Evening Owl Prowl (Optional, but a real hoot):
o   Time: 7:00 PM at Big Horn Campground located at 21856 Canyon Road (location subject to change base on owl activity).
o   Meet Deborah Essman at the parking for an evening prowl to discover owls and other wildlife in the canyon. This hike is on mostly flat ground, wear hiking appropriate shoes.
·       Who’s Invited:
o   Owl lovers, nature fans, and curious night owls alike 8 years+.
·       Cost:
o   $10 per person (cash at the door). Register for the presentation and optional evening prowl here: https://form.jotform.com/260335973504155
·       Make a Day of It:
o   Enjoy a riverside lunch after the presentation at the Canyon River Grill where the menu changes daily with the freshest seafood and seasonal fare. Reservations recommended at www.CanyonRiverGrill.com.
Meet Deborah Essman:
·       A resident of Kittitas County for 36 year and originally from California, Deborah majored in Natural Resources Management at Cal-Poly S.L.O. and worked as a naturalist at Morro Bay State Park while attending college.
·       She has worn many hats in the conservation world: raptor rehabilitator for almost a decade in California, taught ornithology at a community college, veterinary technician and eagle release coordinator at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Game Warden for the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife for 8 years (including a couple years as a Detective in the Special Investigative Unit).
·       Currently Essman volunteers as: WDFW Hunter Education instructor, birding field trip leader for several organizations (including over 20 years for the Kittitas Environmental Education Network’s annual “Get Intimate with the Shrub-steppe event); and teaching kids about wildlife tracking at Ellensburg School District’s 5th Grade Camp for over 30 years.
·       Essman continues to serve on several committees for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources.
 Stay, Play and Dine:
·       Tour one of our luxury 2-bedroom condos and stunning grounds located on the Yakima River.
·       Visit Red’s Fly Shop to see our shop expansion and preview new season merchandise.
·       Chat with our guides and learn about new classes and services. Reserve your guided fishing, hunting, and river cruises for this season.
·       Riverside overnight accommodations are available at The Canyon River Lodge www.CanyonRiver.net or call 509-933-2100.
"We are thrilled to have Deborah Essman introduce us to the owls and other animals that call this historic canyon home. It’s a unique opportunity to enjoy the lodge, see what’s new at Red’s as you make your spring and summer recreation plans, build community, and connect with nature.”
- Brenda DeVore, The Canyon River Lodge
 Questions? Email Events@CanyonRiver.net or call 509-933-2100.
 
  @Red’sflyShop @CanyonRiverRanch  @CanyonRiverGrill
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