This past week, the weather has been most dreary and unconducive to saw-whet movement. But movement does seem to be picking up, on the clear nights at least. For the last three nights of opening the nets, I’ve caught an average of 8 owls, which is great considering how slow the first two weeks have been.
On October 4, Ed, Rich, and I hosted a wildlife techniques class from Sault College, Ontario. Conditions were promising… it was nearing freezing, with a clear sky and mild winds… sure enough we totaled our standing best of the season, at 10 owls. It was so great to show the student how saw-whet owls vary in size and molt limit pattern.
As of now, we’ve banded 47 northern saw-whet owls, and caught 3 foreign recaptures. One long-eared owl and one barred owl have also graced us with their presence.
Until next time,
-MH
