Northern Saw- whet Owl Research
A fall migration study of a pint-sized predator
The Northern Saw-whet Owl is a common yet elusive member of our northern forests.
NBNC belongs to a network of scientists around the country, called Project OwlNet, that works to understand the life history of this seldom-seen species. Our research at NBNC reveals insights into owl movements and population trends, helping us determine whether the saw-whet population is stable or declining in Vermont.
Each October when the owls are migrating through, NBNC invites the public to visit our research station to see and learn about these owls. Visitors get to know more about owl biology, learn our research findings, and experience science in action.
Adopt-an-Owl
Support our research by adopting an owl—a fun and unique gift for friends and family! Your donation pays for the equipment and staff time required to run our community science programs. With your (symbolic) owl adoption, you will receive an official adoption certificate that includes your owl’s band number, date of capture, age, and sex. We’ll update you whenever your owl is encountered again, at our site or elsewhere in the continent. Visitors to our public demonstrations may meet their adopted owl up close and personal!
Learn More
Watch our research in action, see where owls that NBNC has banded have wound up, or visit our calendar to find an upcoming banding demonstration.