Fall Owl Banding Week 6

We are in the home stretch of the fall banding season here at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. The season officially ends the night of October 30. This past week brought us a couple of weather days, as well as some owls. Northern Saw-whet Owls continue to pass through the Point, with our best night this week bringing us 17 new owls. This is our third-best night of the season for Northern Saw-whet Owls, and we were pleasantly surprised to catch so many so late in the season.

Northern Saw-whet Owl.

With this little push of Northern Saw-whet Owls, we could also band our 200th bird for the season. While Northern Saw-whet Owls dominate our numbers, this was the 200th bird for all bird species banded, not the 200th saw-whet of the season. We aim to get to 200 Northern Saw-whet Owls banded during these last few days of the banding season.

The Northern Saw-whet Owl that marked the 200th bird banded this fall.

We were also excited to get another Long-eared Owl this week. As I’ve stated in a previous blog, this owl species is not as common in the fall as in the spring, so getting one of these birds is always a treat.

Long-eared Owl.

Finally, the weather this past week brought out the salamanders. We haven’t seen as many of these guys this season, so it was a nice change. It also means we must watch our steps much more during our nightly net checks. Here are just a few of the salamanders we found this week.

Eastern newt.

Baby spotted salamander in comparison to Dana’s hand.

Blue-spotted salamander.

Be sure to check in next week for our season wrap-up and see if we reach our goal of 200 Northern Saw-whet Owls banded.

Season Totals
Northern Saw-whet Owl: 195
Long-eared Owl: 3
Barred Owl: 7

~ Tori Steely and Dana Reid
2022 Fall Owl Banders