Northern Saw-whet Owl Banding

“Glowing feathers” are just one of the amazing things about almost all species of owls.  An organic compound called porphyrin, found in newly grown feathers, causes feathers to glow when exposed to UV light.  And since the compound fades over time a bander can easily identify different generations of feathers using this technique and age the owl accordingly.

Northern Saw-whet Owl

Banding Northern Saw-whet Owls

We are attempting to help understand the migration patterns of the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Where do some of them migrate to in the Winter? How far do they travel? Do they winter here?

Northern Saw-whet Owl
Banding a Northern Saw-whet Owl
Northern Saw-whet Owl