We’re sorry, but this field trip is full. If you’d like to be placed on a waitlist, please complete the form found below, or at this link.

PVAS Trip Leader: Laurel Schwartz

PVMN Continuing Education Eligible

Registration is required for this event. Please register below.

This event is free and open to the public, however, a donation of $5 or $10 per person to the South Mountain Owl Banding station is suggested. This donation will help support the station’s work and can be made upon arrival at the banding station.

Join PVAS on one of two annual Owl Banding field trips to watch expert and licensed bander, Steve Huy, catch, band and release migrating saw-whet owls on South Mountain in Washington County, MD.

This trip will be held on Friday, November 1. It will start at about 9:00 p.m. and last until approximately 11:30 p.m.

The trip will depart from the commuter parking lot in Boonsboro. The commuter parking lot is well lit and at Route 67 and Alt-Rout 40 (main street) – near Thompson gas.

These trips have long been a favorite for whole families, and interested members of the public are invited to participate.

Steve Huy will be conducting the banding and has been banding owls on the mountain for many years as part of Project OwlNet.

The owls he will be banding are the Northern Saw-Whet Owl, the smallest owl in eastern North America. Visits to his banding site offer a unique opportunity to see these birds up close and learn about their life history.

Pre-registration is essential because space for the trip is limited to 30 persons.

For more information, please contact Krista Hawley at adultprograms@potomacaudubon.org or 681-252-1387.

The trip involves a walk over uneven ground so please wear sturdy walking shoes, dress warmly and make sure to bring a flashlight.

**Owls do not fly if it is raining, so the trip may be cancelled if conditions warrant.