Owl Banding Experience at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory

REGISTRATION REQUIRED and limited to 30 people.

Location: Braddock Bay Bird Observatory, 10 Braddocks Ave, Hilton, NY 14468

Come learn about owl research, conservation, and the fascinating life of these elusive birds!

Join us for a hands-on Northern Saw-whet Owl banding demonstration, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how banders safely capture and study these small, nocturnal owls.  We will begin by setting up fine mesh mist nets approximately 30 minutes after sunrise along established net lanes. These nearly invisible nets are used to gently and safely capture Northern Saw-whet Owls as they move through the area.

Throughout the evening, we will walk the net trails every half hour to carefully check for any owls. If an owl is captured, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the banding process, where trained handlers will safely remove the bird, collect basic data, and place a small, uniquely numbered band on its leg before releasing it back into the wild.

When owls are captured, banding will take place in the BBBO building, offering participants a chance to witness this process up close. The nets will remain open for approximately four hours, but participants are welcome to leave at any time.

**This event is dependent on weather. If raining, snowing or too windy, the event will be cancelled, and you will be notified via text message. Parking is very limited; carpool if possible. Please arrive between 7:30pm – 7:45pm. Dress appropriately for the weather, including good boots as the trails get muddy in the spring Please bring a headlamp or flashlight.**