Join Bob Dean for Saw-whet Owl Bird Banding Demonstration!

PVAS Hosts: Bob Dean

This event is free and open to the public. Anyone with an interest is welcome to come along, regardless of their birding skills.  Children 12+ are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.  Pre-registration is required.

Ever wonder how birds, especially owls, are caught and studied by biologists?  Join us for a saw-whet owl banding demonstration by Bob Dean and find out how! This is a rare opportunity to see an owl up close if one is netted.

Saw whet owls are the smallest owl in eastern North America.  These nocturnal hunters have a distinct, “toot-toot-toot” call we will hear at the program.  After arriving at the site, participants will get a brief orientation to the process.

This is a great family program with opportunities to visit the nets in small groups. A brief discussion about the banding process and the saw whet owl will take place followed by small groups walking to the nets to see if a catch has been made. There will be a lot of downtime between visits, so please prepare for that accordingly. Dress for the weather, insects, and terrain.  A flashlight or headlamp will be useful but you may be asked to limit its use near the nets.

Participants will meet at the Martins parking lot located on Route 9 near Hedgesville, WV.  Only then will directions to the site be provided.  We will leave the parking lot promptly at 5:45pm and drive to the site. The trip involves walking over rough terrain in the dark.  The ground is rocky and uneven, and wild animals may be present.  Weather events such as thunder, lightning, and heavy rain or snow may cause us to cancel the event. It will be rescheduled for November 11th if cancelled.

Preregistration is required, please use the form below.