We had a better stretch of weather the last few nights which led to some better nights of netting. The last two nights treated us to some calm north winds. We even had a chance to see the stars for the first time in a long time it seemed. The last two nights we were catching almost an owl a net run, which was a nice change after only catching 3 total owls combined on the 19th and 20th. Since our last post we have added 22 saw-whets, 1 long eared owl, and 1 more boreal owl. On the 20th we spotted a barred owl perched near the saw-whet nets, however he has not been seen since then.
Something that has been quite interesting is on the two nights that we captured just a total of three owls, the banding site to the south of us near Mackinac Bridge (about 80 miles) captured 58 owls on those same two nights. For sure it is frustrating for us to see a site so close catching so many more owls but at the same time it is interesting to learn a little bit about the movement of owls!
Furry boreal feet
Northern saw-whets – 202
Barred – 13
Long-eared – 11
Boreal – 2
Non-owl observations included snow bunting feathers dispersed along one of our trails. We had a great night of blue-spotted salamanders and plenty of mushrooms are still present.
We had quite the diverse mix of visitors this week. One night we had a group of students from Lake State University and the next night we had a room full of state troopers (no we didn’t do anything). The great takeaway from the last few nights has been that no matter what brings folks to the banding lab they are all captivated by the sight of a saw-whet owl up close!
The forecast for our last 8 nights of banding look windy and mostly cloudy. Based on the entire season it is hard to predict what our captures will be like the rest of the way. However mist netting is always an unexpected adventure and anything can happen!
Would like to know all-time how many saw-whets have been banded at Whitefish & how many saw-whets have been recaptured by another bander.
Thanks.
I enjoy reading about your experiences as the season winds along. I was there in early Autumn this year and we were amazed by the several owls banded that night, in addition to the fabulous treat of the Northern Lights. Whitefish Point is a special place…you must come here to appreciate the serenity of the north woods, the fierceness of the lake, the grandeur of the natural world. Thank you for the work you do.