Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding Program
27 September - 3 November 2013
Mark Manske of Adirondack Raptors with a Northern Saw-whet Owl at the Paul Smiths VIC Banding Station
The Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding Program begins 27 September and runs through 3 November 2013. The project is one of the research programs run by Adirondack Raptors, a privately owned business that monitors and studies the local raptor populations. The Northern Saw-whet Owl (NSWO) is a small owl that lives in woodlands and preys mainly on mice. The goals of the Paul Smiths Saw-whet Owl Research Program (which was established in 2011) are to:
- Monitor long-term changes in Northern Saw-whet Owl populations
- Track timing of migration of age/sex groups
- Study stopover patterns
- Study molt and other aspects of biology in NSWOs
- Use owls and owl banding to educate the public about conservation and wildlife issues
- Train volunteers in bird-banding techniques
- Train students in raptor research methods
Last year, 35 owls were banded. The intent was to continue the program until 4 November, but the nets were pulled early due to the impending inclement weather.
This
year, the owl
banding station will be open to the public on a first come first
serve basis starting 1 October and running through to the end of
the season. The activity starts at sunset each night, weather permitting. Those wishing
to participate are asked to register in advance. (Walk-ins are not accepted.)
The cost for a night is $10.00.
For people wishing to be part of the banding team and get a more personal experience, the cost is $50.00. The activity started on those nights at sunset and runs till 11:00 PM or later (depending on bird activity). As with all animals, there will be nights when no birds are caught, but October is when the majority of saw-whets are migrating through, providing the best chance to see an owl.
The Paul Smiths College Visitor Interpretive Center's Saw-whet Owl Banding Station is a member of Project Owlnet, a series of banding stations throughout Canada, the United States, and Mexico that is tracking the smallest owl in the northeastern part of North America.