Fall Owl Banding Week 2

Since our last post, things have been a little slower. Unfortunately, on the night of Sept. 21, we were closed all night due to strong winds. The night of Sept. 22 only saw us with one Northern Saw-whet Owl. This bird came right before closing early in the morning of Sept. 23. We were really excited to see it as there had been a lot of empty net checks up until that point in the night.

Friday, Sept. 23, brought a nice little push with seven Northern Saw-whet Owls. We were lucky enough to show a couple of these birds to people who were visiting the owl banding that night.

Northern Saw-whet Owl.

Just a reminder that visiting hours for the owl banding are Friday and Saturday nights from dusk to midnight. It’s always nice to get a bird to show people during these visiting hours.

The night of Sept. 24 once again left us with only one Northern Saw-whet Owl. This individual also came right before close, making a nice way to end the night.

Unfortunately, a storm system rolled through our neck of the woods Sept. 25–27, leaving us closed due to rain/wind. The weather looks like it’s going to clear for the rest of the week, so fingers crossed we can open and catch some birds. With the change in the weather, a chill has set in, and it is really starting to feel like fall up here.

While owls are our main objective, walking around the woods at night also allows you to see some other creatures. Eyeshine from deer always gives us pause when we catch it in our headlamps glow.

A deer looks up as an owl bander passes by at WPBO.

Finally, we ran into this guy on our trail the other night. It’s not the greatest photo, but we both think it’s a mink — although admittedly, our mustelid ID skills are not the greatest.

It’s always fun to see what other creatures are hanging out in our little area of the woods along with us.

Season Totals
Northern Saw-whet Owl: 32
Long-eared Owl: 1

~ Tori Steely and Dana Reid
2022 Fall Owl Banders