The value of any migratory bird study is not based solely on numbers, but we can’t help celebrating setting a new North American banding record for Long-eared Owls. This is not only a celebration of the success of WPBO’s owl research but also an opportunity to express how rewarding it is to document the critical role that Whitefish Point itself plays in the lives of these incredible birds. As of last night, we have banded 448 long-eareds this spring, breaking our record of 423 from spring 2017. We have also recaptured five previously banded long-eareds, including one we banded as a juvenile last summer, pictured in the banner. Although we regularly get return visits from saw-whets that we have banded as juveniles in the summer, we think this is the first juvenile long-eared we have recaptured at the Point. We have now banded over 1,100 owls this spring. I just came very close to posting 11,000 owls, which would be impressive, but would also result in us requiring both mental and physical therapy.
2021 Spring Owl Banders
Chris Neri & Nova Mackentley
You can read Chris and Nova’s weekly blog post and follow WPBO’s social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for owl banding highlights this season.
Owl Banding Presentations — We apologize, but live education demonstrations of our owl banding program will not be offered in 2021 due to COVID-related risks and restrictions.
If you visit WPBO, please practice social distancing while doing so. Although not required, we encourage you to wear masks if you are in close proximity to other people, even if outdoors. You may read the full 2021 COVID-19 Updates for Michigan Audubon and Whitefish Point Bird Observatory here.
Celebrating Spring Migration at Whitefish Point — A Webinar Series
Owls of Whitefish Point
May 6 | 7 p.m.
Would you like to learn more about the owls at Whitefish Point? Join us for a presentation by Owl Banders Chris Neri and Nova Mackentley, who introduce the ten species of owls seen at the Point, explain the banding process, and review data collected over the years. Their wealth of knowledge about the owl banding history at WPBO is enlightening and inspirational! Please note that Chris and Nova’s presentation is prerecorded (they are in the middle of their banding season, after all!). We will have other avian experts and WPBO veterans on hand to answer your questions about these wondrous raptors and how banding supports avian research efforts.
This event is the first in a four-part series of free webinars celebrating spring migration at the Point and highlighting WPBO research programs.
