We feel like we’re in repeat mode every time we sit down to write a blog this spring. The weather continues to be particularly unsettled, frequently limiting our ability to open the nets. The first thunderstorm of the year is currently passing over the Point as we write this. The first decent push of owls occurred last night, ahead of this weather system, when we banded 35 Northern Saw-whet Owls, 10 Long-eared Owls, and the first two Barred Owls of the season. We also caught seven previously banded saw-whets, including four originally banded here as juveniles. To date, we have banded 150 saw-whets, 15 long-eareds, and two barreds. Additionally, we have recaptured 17 previously banded saw-whets.
There is still a lot of snow in the woods, and the nighttime lows have recently remained above freezing, making getting around the net lanes very difficult. It has hit that point in the season when we put in a lot of extra effort into digging the trails out to run net checks more effectively. Hopefully, all the rain that is falling right now will create a lot of melt.
Snow levels in the net lanes.
We’re always amazed but no longer surprised by how early salamanders emerge here in the spring. There was still effectively complete snow cover, including drifts a few feet deep, and only in the mid-30s when we saw our first blue-spotted salamander this week. We’ve come to know that this is not unexpected.
Blue-spotted salamander.
~ Chris Neri & Nova Mackentley
2022 WPBO Spring Owl Banders
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 — Visitors may observe owls that have been banded on Friday and Saturday evenings from dusk until midnight. Please note that banding is weather dependent and it is at the banders’ discretion to cancel banding accordingly. Observation will be limited to outdoors only and we encourage participants to wear masks and continue to practice social distancing whenever possible. For the safety of the owls, flash photography and recording video is prohibited.
