Wider Horizons School is the only non-religiously affiliated school in Hernando County.
The Wider Horizons Owls
Wider Horizons School students chose the owl as its mascot. And then several years ago an Eastern Screech Owl took up residence in the top of our gazebo. Even though classes went on in the gazebo the little owl was not bothered. It did not even mind having its picture taken. The owl would leave every summer but would reappear later in the fall and stay all winter.
A couple of years ago another little owl joined our resident owl and both occupied its own corner in the top of the gazebo.
The owls became so tame that students could stand just below the branch where the owls were perched and the students and owls would look at each other.
We have close contact with the Florida Wildlife biologists who work at the Chinsegut Nature Center where our classes frequently go for nature lessons. They too fell in love with our owls and donated an owl nesting box. The owls seemed to like it but we do not know if there were any little owls this spring.
Our owls add to the special place that is Wider Horizons School.