Owl Update 04/19/2023

This week started with a continuation of the nice push of owls we were experiencing when we gave our last update. The weather pattern eventually shifted, slowing things down later in the week. On April 12, we caught 95 owls, which will likely be the busiest night of the season, but you never know. On April 10, we caught 73 Northern Saw-whet Owls (NSWO) and thought that would be the peak night for NSWO this season, so we were a bit surprised to catch 73 again two nights later. Along with the 73 NSWO, we also banded 22 Long-eared Owls (LEOW) that night. The nights became increasingly slower in the following days before the weather shut us down last night. It looks like we’re in for a few more rough nights in regard to the weather, but at least there was a nice push of owls out in front of this system.

Boreal Owl (left) and a Northern Saw-whet Owl (right). Photo by Chris Neri

Along with the owls, the amphibians picked up this past week. As per usual, blue-spotted salamanders were the first to appear. Over the next few nights, spring peepers, wood frogs, eastern newt, and spotted salamanders made their first appearances too. We used to be shocked at the sight of salamanders crawling over fields of snow that were a few feet deep; now, we expect it.

Spotted salamander. Photo by Chris Neri

Although it has happened to me twice before, I still do not expect to find a fish in the woods. Surprising Nova with this one in the middle of the night was fun. I believe this is a creek chub, but I could easily be wrong.

A random fish found in the woods.

Season Totals to Date of Banded Owls
Northern Saw-whet Owls: 392
Long-eared Owls: 65
Boreal Owls: 2
Barred Owls: 2
Total owls banded: 461

Season Totals to Date of Recaptured Owls
Northern Saw-whet Owls: 34

~ Chris Neri & Nova Mackentley
2023 Spring Owl Banders