Our final days brought several nights of weather non-conducive to banding, but it also brought us seven more Northern saw-whet owls (NSWO). For that we were quite grateful! As the season wound down, we had plenty of time to reflect on our time here. The weather was certainly the largest factor in number of owls banded this season. We had a multitude of setbacks: a delayed start from two feet of snow being dumped on us, partially operational with less than half of our nets up most of the season, and many days of inclement weather forcing us to keep our nets closed for the safety of the owls. Owls could have still been moving on nights where we were unable to open our nets, but there is no way to know for sure. What we do know is that while this spring migration season definitely lacked in numbers, each owl banded and recaptured is an important piece of the scientific puzzle that helps biologists and researchers learn more about trends within the species. That is what matters and is why we continue to persevere, even when it is a bit tough!
Three Northern saw-whet owls
A big thanks to everyone who kept up with us throughout this season. Thanks to all of the employees at Cheboygan State Park for their assistance and kindness. Thanks to everyone who helped us set up nets: Ed Pike, Scott Davis, Nick Alioto, and Emily Pierce. Stay tuned for the fall owl banding season, and keep your fingers crossed that the weather is a bit more cooperative!
Season Totals:
Banded NSWO: 81
Foreign Recaptures: 9
Long-eared Owls: 3
Barred Owls: 1
Total: 94