A memory of a lifetime...Banding Barn Owls.Birding Dude

A memory of a lifetime...Banding Barn Owls.

On August 19th, I volunteered, with other volunteers, DEP and the Jamaica Bay Guardian, to assist in the banding of Barn Owls in Queens NY.  The first nest box that we arrived at was occupied and the female Owl actually got out of the nest box before the nets were in place to prevent her flight; however, Chris our banding expert was quick enough to get hold of her before she took off.

Upon examination, of the nest we found that the female Owl was incubating five eggs.  The Owl was also found to be one that was not banded and so the team proceeded in following all the necessary procedures in getting her banded.  Once the banding was completed, Chris removed sample pellets from the nest for further research and the owl was returned and we proceeded onto the second box, which was empty, though there was evidence of the box being used by some critter…suspected to be raccoons as evidenced by fecal and other remains.

The third nest box was occupied and had a female with two eggs.  The same procedures were followed and I had the thrill of a lifetime of holding her while the banding was applied…thanks to Elanie who volunteered me knowing that it was my first time out banding.  It was one of the coolest things that I have ever done and one that will remain with me forever; I felt so proud that I was able to calm the female Owl, to the point where she was closing her eyes through the ordeal…I guess the owl must have sensed that she was in good hands :) Also, on the way out of the nesting site, we observed several great egrets and a female juvenile Peregrine Falcon.   Here are some pictures…more to follow.