Saw-Whet Banding Recap
by Theresa Shaffer
On October 10, fourteen Coeur d Alene Audubon members began their trek to observe and band Saw-whet Owls, arriving at dusk at the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station. Under clear skies but darkening skies, they walked a half mile to the Owl Research Institute (ORI) banding site, set up their chairs, and were greeted by their host, Denver Holt, who provided information about Saw-whet Owls. He emphasized the importance of gathering data but also the need to conserve tree snags for roosting sites. While Denver spoke, a recording of a male Saw-whet was broadcast near the area and mist nets were set up to catch the owls.
Field biologist Lauren Tate, who holds a federal banding permit, checked on the mist nets every 30 minutes; after a few hours, she returned with two birds. Audubon members gathered around Lauren to get their first views of the tiny owls. They took photos and learned how she banded them, recorded their weight, gender, and health. She brought in one more owl for banding about 10:30 p.m. Members left soon after, enriched by the experience, carrying happy memories and possessing a deeper knowledge of these special creatures.
To cap off the evening, they were treated to a breathtaking Aurora Borealis display in the perfectly dark Montana night. This was another reminder of the beauty of nature in its myriad forms, from tiny Saw-whet owls to Montana’s famous Big Sky filled with shimmering lights in all the colors of the rainbow. The next day some members took the opportunity to visit the nearby National Bison Range and Nine Pipes Wildlife Refuge, sighting a wide array of birds at the Bison Range. These included a dozen or more Common Mergansers happily paddling with the rapid current on Mission Creek.
All in all, this was a unique and grand experience for everyone who was able to make the trip. For more information about the Owl Research Institute and its conservation efforts, check out “The Roost,” its annual newsletter coming out in November 2024. See owlresearchinstitute.org to donate and receive the newsletter.