There's something magic about hearing an owl call in the night. Elusive to see (even if they are right in front of you, due to their coloration), these nocturnal predators keep the balance of life in check as they hunt for prey including rodents, other small mammals, even birds.

The call of the Eastern screech owl is a “mournful whinny or wail” and is “tremulous, descending in pitch” according to the Peterson Field Guide.

Here's an opportunity to meet great horned, Northern saw whet, barred and screech owls – up close – and learn their life stories: A Place Called Hope's “Owl-O-ween” is on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Meigs Point Nature Center in Hammonasset Beach State Park. Christine and Todd Secki of A Place Called Hope lead the program which starts at 6 p.m. Ranger Russ Miller, director of the nature center, and volunteers will be dressed in costume – and they invite visitors to get creative and wear their own get-ups to meander through a “spooky” decked-out center. Admission is free, donations will be accepted.

“The barn owl (an endangered species in the state) occurs in low numbers in Connecticut, probably because grasslands and farmlands are declining. The historic population status of the barn owl in Connecticut is unknown because the species is difficult to locate. Barn owls are principally found along the coast and within the large river valleys of the state,” according to the DEEP, which monitors an active site near Middletown. Meantime to hear owl vocalizations here's a link to Cornell University page.

Coventry may have a resident population of owls due to the town's open fields, woodsy areas and farms mixed in with residential areas, but stories of a different sort are the focus of a special event – “Things That Go Bump in the Night” at Connecticut Landmarks’ Nathan Hale Homestead, on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27.

Candlelight tours led by a guide will take visitors on a room-by-room walk from the ground floor along creaky stairs to the attic to hear first-hand accounts and ghost stories. Tours at 6 and 8 p.m.; admission is $25. Refreshments include beer, wine, cider and doughnuts made on the homestead's hearth.

The homestead also hosts the Coventry Regional Farmers’ Market on Sundays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday Oct. 28 is the “Great Pumpkin Festival & Powwow.”

Or maybe try “Trick of Treat on Pratt Street” at the new Hartford HodgePodge Market on Sunday, Oct. 28 (cookies, candy, costumes). This open air market features a different theme every Sunday through Nov. 18 – sort of a street bazaar, festival and farmers’ market combined, noon until 6 p.m. More about it at www.hartfordhodgepodge.com.

Looking to roam? Southwest Virginia offers some of the prettiest country in the world (in our opinion) and the knock-your-eyes-out views on a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah mountains to get there – well, just as wonderful.

The mule jumping competition is a highlight at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival at Ferrum College, Saturday, Oct. 27. Draft horse and coon dog contests, sheep herding demos, fiddlin' and live music, food, artisans, quilting – well, it's a day each year that is filled with a celebration of country and folklife living. Don't miss the moonshining (the real thing, people, photos and stories about Franklin County) exhibit.

Try the country ham biscuits while you're there.

Warm and cozy time indoors by the woodstove or fireplace ahead, so stock up on knitting supplies at the third annual Fiber Festival of New England is on Saturday, Nov. 3 and Sunday, Nov. 4 at Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds, West Springfield, Mass.

Featuring more than 200 vendors, demonstrations and plenty of yarn, needles, spinning equipment, fleece by the bag and patterns, it's a good walk around the Mallory Complex (indoors) to see it all. Admission; free parking.