Although it appears that the Long-eared Owl migration has begun to slow down, we had another productive week. We banded another 118 owls over the last seven nights; 78 Northern Saw-whet Owls, 36 Long-eared Owls, three Barred Owls, and what is likely the last Boreal Owl of the season. Additionally, we caught seven previously-banded owls, including two long-eareds, one from last spring and the other from summer 2018. This brings the season total to 639 owls banded and 36 previously-banded owls recaptured.
The recaptured Long-eared Owl from July, 2018.
In addition to the owls, this week’s lunar eclipse was a stellar site. We could not help but wonder what the migrating owls thought of it or if they thought of it at all. We did try to point it out to a few of the owls as we released them, but who knows. Regardless, it was amazing to be out in the woods working with the owls while the eclipse went on for hours.
-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!
