The fall owl banding season is well under way after opening nets for our 17th night of the season. The season started off fast for the first night we opened nets with 11 birds, but had slowed down to many nights with 3 to 5 birds. However on the 2nd of October we reached our highest single night total of the season with 24 captures, which included two long-eared owls, one barred owl, and one recaptured northern saw-whet owl.

In all the season to this point has been pretty productive producing a total of 114 owls considering we have not had many nights with favorable winds as well as many nights of rainy weather. Which is nearly half of the total captures compared to the 2015 season, on less than half the number of days banding.

Species Totals:
Northern saw-whets – 106
Barred – 3
Long-eared  – 5

Non-owl observations – With the continuing warm weather we continue to see and hear spring peepers on a nightly basis. American toads are also commonly seen. Ermine, also known as short tailed weasel, has been encountered twice. Night time flight calls from migrants are being heard consistently. Northern lights have been visible on more than one night.

For folks wishing to stop by the banding lab, there are evening owl programs being held on Thursday and Saturday evenings at 7:45pm through October 29th.

It looks like after some rain early in the weekend we should finally get a night or two with some favorable winds.

Thanks WPBO for having us for the fall season,
Raina and Keegan

 

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