A northern saw-whet owl
You don't know what's out there unless you look.
Sagging nets
During a "heavy" flight, there's not much time to dawdle
Saw-whet extraction
I like to get the owl out of the nets, band it, and release it as soon as I can.
A swet in the hand
This is not spinal manipulation therapy. I am just getting the owl ready for banding
Aegolius acadicus
A male swet weights around 85 grams...or right around 3 ounces!
A swet gets a band
Saw-whets take a Size 4, butt-end, aluminum USFWS band
"Hey. Did you hear some guy's trapping owls?"
Once word gets out, it doesn't take long for crowds to gather.
Strix varia
Saw-whets and boreals aren't the only owls that meet my nets
Bubba the barred
If there's swets, there's sure to be barreds
Bubba
Why are the barreds here? Cuz the swets are.
Nikky Lane: Field Assistant
It sure helps having an able helper.
Patience is a virtue
Nikky knows that it is just a matter of time before the owls arrive.
NIkky's first swet
I am soooooo proud of my son!!!!!
That's my boy!
He knows how to handle an owl already: firmly yet gently.
NIkky "rubs the animal"
All in the comforts of his back yard.
Curiousity
Investigating his captive friend.
Owlman and his muse
After 2 hours, I finally trap the bas#%@*
Aegolius funereus
What a beautiful Minnesota boreal!!