The guest speaker for our March 20th member’s dinner meeting was Chris Prohaska. Chris is the Outdoor Recreation Specialist for Suffolk Parks and Recreation. He works through out the city at various parks planning outside activities such as canoe trips, hikes and disc golf tournaments. He is also active with local youth in the city’s “before and after” school care programs.
Chris gave a talk on local area wildlife. His presentation touched on everything from owls to snakes and turtles. He described the differences and behaviors of Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, Bard Owls and Screech Owls. Cotton Mouths, Copperheads and Kane break rattle snakes were included in his list of the areas poisonous snakes. Among the turtles in the area he described Snapping , Yellow Belly Sliders and Painted turtles.
Chris completed his presentation by sharing a collection of snake skin sheds, various animal skulls and foot print impressions from other area wildlife.