Indiana’s first Northern Saw-whet Owl banding station was established in Yellowwood State Forest, Brown County, in 2002 by Dr. Ross Brittain and Jess Gwinn with the goal of discovering more about the migratory habits of the species as a whole. The researchers also hoped to learn more about the different sex and age classes of this small, migratory owl.
Northern Saw-whet Owl banding
The NSWO banding station has been operating each fall since its establishment. Drs. Susan and Jim Hengeveld became the project coordinators in 2010.
Community outreach and education has been an important part of the project from the beginning, offering citizen scientists a chance to observe and assist.
Read IU undergraduate Katherine Johnson's report to learn more about the NSWO banding station.
About Northern Saw-whet Owls
Northern Saw-whet Owls nest in mixed boreal forests in southern Canada and the northern United States as well as in higher elevation habitats in the eastern and western U.S. It is one of a minority of owl species that undergo substantial migrations.
Northern Saw-whet Owls are present in Indiana only during spring and fall migrations and in small numbers during the winter.
How you can participate
The NSWO banding station runs from mid-October through November at Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County, Indiana.
Contact banding project coordinator Susan or Jim Hengeveld for more information.
