Among the 65 Golden Eagles that Calvin tallied this Fall, was a female named Athena. We know her through her satellite transmitter, which was put on by researchers with the Eastern Golden Eagle Working Group and the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest near Louisville, Kentucky. To learn about her amazing journeys north and south between Kentucky and Churchill, Manitoba, and how, when, and where they intersect with those of her mate Harper, click here to read Steve Baker’s informative blog post.

Of the Saw-whets, 24 were already banded, two by MSRW in earlier years, one from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, one from Hilliardton, Ontario and several from this year’s banding program at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. The highlight came on the final night. A female was caught that was banded in October 2017 in Falmouth, Maine. Since that researcher determined she had hatched in 2016, she is now 5 years old.

As Nancy Drilling explained in her blog titled "Why We Band Owls", owl banding sheds light on saw-whet migration – patterns and timing that no one understood until this work began in the early 2000s. “Not only does this data help us understand migration in Michigan, the MSRW banding stations are part of Project Owlnet, a continent-wide network of owl-banding stations. Banding not only elucidates migration routes, but also contributes to our knowledge of owl populations.”

MSRW’s research and outreach depend entirely on donations. Right now is a critical time for our research planning. In order to secure the best researchers during the spring season, MSRW must advertise available positions in December and January. If you can help financially at this time by donating as part of #GivingTuesday (which is December 1st this year), your gift would be put to good use.  On-line donors of $100 or more to MSRW will receive the Saw Whet Owl poster, showing faces of some of the birds caught and banded during one season.  

You would also help support a global effort that encourages people to give.  "GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world."  So join the movement and give - whether it’s some of your time volunteering, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community, YOU are needed!  Please check out the Volunteer opportunities available at MSRW, to apply your existing skills or learn new ones to help a great cause. Thanks!