A Post for the Owls (7-Nov-2016)

As I said in the previous post, I was invited up to a banding station to observe Northern Saw Whet Owls being captured and banded. Banding is done to monitor certain bird populations. Not only are the birds banded, there is a lot of data collected on the individuals as well.

Not just anyone can go out and band birds in their backyard. Both state and federal permits are needed to be able to band our native birds. Much training is needed to ensure these birds are not harmed during the banding process and this training goes along with the permitting. Here Steven Kloiber is removing one of the caught Saw Whets out of a mist net, fellow bander Corinne is helping him with light on the other side of the net. These mist nets are specifically made for this purpose and are designed not to hurt the birds in any way when they are caught. There are also specific sizes for specific species. 

Once the birds are caught they are then processed. Some, like the individual above being weighed, cooperate and make things easy for the banders. In addition to being weighed the owls are also checked for fat reserves. From what I was shown it is fairly simple to tell weather the owls are nice and plump or are in need of a few meals. Out of seven owls that were captured while I was there, only one looked like it needed to eat a little more. 

Measurements of the wings and beak are also taken. All of the data recorded is compiled and is available to researchers in both the US and Canada who are working with this species. 

After measurements are taken the Owls then get a band. The bands are issued by the federal government and come in an array of sizes for different species. A special tool is used to determine the proper size for the individual bird. Most Saw Whets get the same size band, but not all. Just like humans, there is variability between individuals and some do need a slightly smaller band. Each band has a unique identification number and a phone number to call if the band is found. This allows researchers to track an individual from place to place when they are recaptured. If you ever find a dead bird check its legs for a band and if you find one, call the number. Even knowing where a bird died can tell something to researchers about the birds life. 

The last two checks before release were to get an estimate of the owls age. Under a blacklight new feathers turn pink. On the left is a first year bird. All new feathers glow bright pink. On the right you can see gaps in the pink. The ones not glowing are older feathers. I find it amazing that researchers were able to figure this trick out. 

Another way an approximate age can be determined is by looking at one specific feather and the white spots or lines on it. These spots and lines change throughout the birds life as it looses and replaces this feather. If I remember correctly the lines on this one indicated it was an older owl.

The data collection is a relatively quick process and before being released the owls are held out in the dark for five minutes before being released. This helps them to acclimate back to the dark after dealing with the lights of the banders. 

I would like to thank both Steven and Corinne for allowing me to observe them working with these astonishing creatures. I would also like to thank all of those who spend their time banding and collecting data on our native birds. It is very important that we have an understanding about the health and migration routes of our wild bird populations. This research can help with current and future conservation efforts to keep these species around for a long time to come.  
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