We have been trying not to get to upset about the rough stretch of rainy/windy weather. After the first 21 days we only had 2 nights off, and then over the next 14 days we have had 6 nights off due to rain and/or windy conditions. The first three weeks of the season produced some good numbers and I would have guessed that we would have passed the 2015 season total by this point. However we are currently 42 owls behind. If we continue on our 6 owls per night pace we should finish with close to 300 owls for the season. That total would put us as the 4th best season since 2006. Which considering the number of nights we have not been able to operate is pretty amazing.
Boreal Owl
Finally, on to some good news. We captured our first boreal owl of the season, and most likely the first boreal owl captured in the lower 48 states. What also makes this capture so exciting for us is that other stations to the north of us that typically have good numbers of boreals have only captured a handful this fall. We were getting to a point of wondering if we would get any at all this season. But some how we got stroke of luck and had one sneak into our nets on one of the few nights we were able to get open. Which points to one of the many values of mist netting for birds, without it this bird most likely would never have been detected.
We also continue to get a pretty good variety of owls this season and in fairly good numbers. As I mentioned in a previous post our barred owl total of 13 owls is a pretty good season. If my research is correct it should be the third highest total of barreds since 2012 and just 5 behind the second best season during that same span. We also passed our 200th owl of the season on the night of the 18th.
Species Totals:
Northern saw-whets – 180
Barred – 13
Long-eared – 10
Boreal – 1
On to some non owl sightings. We were treated to a great view of the super moon rising on the night of the 16th. Also we spotted a 4-toed salamander near the bored walk one night. Over the next few nights we are hoping to get to see some good views of the meteor shower that is set to peak around the 21st. Also we are enjoying the amazing fall colors around the point.
Peeper 
4 toed-salamander
The upcoming forecast does indeed indicate some favorable northwest winds and a small chance of rain for the next 7 days. Also with the full moon waning, which some banders claim to affect captures negatively, should help us out as well. We are in the last two weeks of our season and we only have 4 more evening owl programs left. They are starting at 745pm on Thursday and Saturday nights.
Supermoon
Last, I wanted to share this story on a rufous hummingbird that successfully overwintered and returned to a home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania a city near my hometown. Just a remarkable story of bird migration, hope you enjoy!
http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/tiny-western-u-s-hummingbird-flies-miles-returns-to-same/article_3ee9c5ee-922b-11e6-be70-3b06cf1834a3.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=user-share
Raina & Keegan
What night did you get the Boreal? We were there on 19th but bailed after the first two empty runs. Curious if it came later that night. Have seen several NSWOs at WPBO but would have loved that.
We caught that one on the 16th.