Under Moonlit Skies: A Journey into Owl Banding

This presentation explores when and how owl banding takes place, the techniques researchers use, and the valuable data collected to support research and conservation efforts. Learn about the owl species commonly encountered, how to identify them, and what banding reveals about their migration and behavior.

Presenter: Jill Heimrich is an avid birder and wildlife photographer with more than 25 years of field experience. Her dedication to raptor conservation began in 2015, when she started volunteering with the Braddock Bay Raptor Research (BBRR) organization. That same year, she began training in raptor banding and shortly earned her banding license, deepening her commitment to monitoring and protecting migratory birds of prey.

Jill currently serves as the Vice President of BBRR, where she helps guide projects, support volunteers, and contribute to the organization’s mission of studying and protecting birds of prey. As an educator, she also works closely with BBRR’s educational ambassador birds, helping audiences of all ages connect with raptors through hands‑on learning and storytelling. Combining decades of birding experience, technical skill, and a passion for conservation, Jill strives to inspire curiosity, stewardship, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.