Northern Saw-whet Owl Migration Banding

Here at Beaver Creek Reserve we have a ton of new experiences that can connect you with different parts of nature throughout the entire year!  One exciting journey that keeps going is our bird banding programs. Bird banding is a practice that has been around since the 1800s. To get in on the inside scoop, I talked with Tully Frain, Beaver Creek Reserve’s Avian Field Technician, about the bird banding we do here. 

Beaver Creek Reserve is part of an international program in North and South America that tracks birds. A small metal tag with a 9-digit identification number is attached to the bird’s leg, which can then track the bird’s migration patterns, movement, and life history. This data is compiled and sent to a government organization that has it available for researchers who can use the information.

Currently, our bird banders are focusing on the Northern Saw-whet Owl. This small owl wears a brown and white coat with a white “V” between the eyes. The name of the owl comes from the noise they produce, which is said to sound like the sharpening of a mill saw. September to October is generally when we band, and this species of owl is the focus because it’s one of the only true migrating owls. They’re truly a “hoot!” 

Other species of birds that are banded throughout the year include songbirds and the American Kestrel, which is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. As our bird banders collect more and more data about these different species of birds, this data can support larger sets of findings from all over the nation. 

The more species of birds we band and the more information we can collect, the more we can learn about nature and its wildlife. Connecting with wildlife is not only healthy for your physical health, but your mental health as well. The discoveries are endless here at Beaver Creek Reserve, so come visit and be inspired! 

If you’re interested in experiencing bird banding,  keep an eye out for our bird banding volunteer trainings offered at certain times throughout the year, or reach out to us with any questions. We have a couple programs coming up this October if you wanted to observe our Northern Saw-whet Owl banding sessions here at Beaver Creek Reserve.

Stay updated on our events calendar & register for our upcoming programs today! https://beavercreekreserve.doubleknot.com/app/calendar/month/4370