We finally had a calm weather week, and the owl migration continued to be relatively productive. We banded 106 owls over the last seven nights, highlighted by another six Boreal Owls and 65 more Long-eared Owls. It’s become apparent that Northern Saw-whet Owls are at a low point in their cycle this spring, but coming off two consecutive record spring seasons for Long-eared Owls, we’re pleased that they are occurring in decent numbers this year. Boreal Owls have just become so unpredictable as their numbers have crashed in recent years. Not knowing what to expect with these guys, six more boreals this past week simply made us happy. We also recaptured seven more previously banded owls, including two long-eareds and one barred. To date, we have banded 242 Northern Saw-whet Owls, 11 Boreal Owls, 148 Long-eared Owls, and eight Barred Owls. We have also recaptured 28 previously banded owls.
The opportunity to see all of these owls up close still amazes us. There are certain things that we especially appreciate about every species. There is nothing that amazes us more than Boreal Owl feet. Of the owls we have worked with, only they and Snowy Owls have such feathered legs, feet, and toes. The fact that there are bird species that come to the U.P. to escape winter still amazes us. Go further south, you crazy birds; that’s why you have wings! Knowing that Boreal Owls only move down into the U.P., and occasionally the Lower Peninsula, to escape winter conditions leaves us in awe of them. The vast majority don’t even come this far south for the winter; it’s insane. We’ve been fortunate enough to band hundreds of these guys. Never once have we failed to be amazed by how feathered their legs and feet are. The feathering on the feet and toes seems more like fur than feathers. We love them.
The incredibly feather legs and feet of a Boreal Owl.
A Boreal Owl’s foot pads.
-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.
Support WPBO’s Research During Birdathon on May 28
Our skilled team of bird counters and volunteers at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory will set out on a mission to count as many bird species as possible in one day on May 28, 2022, as part of an annual fundraising event supporting the amazing work happening at WPBO! In 2021, a whopping 152 species were counted and the event brought in $6,826.65! Let’s hope this year is just as successful.
This is where you come in! Because our work is 100% donor-funded, Birdathon provides all of our supporters with an opportunity to make a significant impact on our work by making a pledge or direct donation to Birdathon (even after the event). Any amount is helpful, but have some fun with it and consider letting your donation or pledge be inspired by a per-species amount.
Learn more about Birdathon and find links to donate at wpbo.org/birdathon.
Thank you so much to everyone who supports the work being done at WPBO!
