Curious about how biologists catch and study birds, especially owls? Join us for an exciting evening alongside volunteers banding saw-whet owls—a rare chance to see one of these tiny nocturnal predators up close!
PVAS Host: Doug Inkley
$15/person: the base rate will be donated to support the volunteer birdbanding operations. There will be an additional voluntary suggested donation to support PVAS administrative costs. For ages 10 and older. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15 participants.
PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible
Saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus), the smallest owls in eastern North America, are known for their distinct ‘toot-toot-toot’ call, which you might hear during the program. After a brief orientation on arrival, you’ll get an inside look at the scientific research and banding operations that help biologists learn more about these fascinating migratory birds.
The program fee helps subsidize the cost of the saw-whet owl banding equipment and supplies, which is paid for out of pocket, as the program is 100% volunteer-operated and supported. The higher levels in the suggested donations are optional and help cover PVAS’s administrative costs.
Please note that in case of inclement weather, such as high winds, fog, or rain, we will notify you by email by 3:00 pm on the day of the event. Like all birding, there is no guarantee that we will see the birds, even with the best weather! However, we will nonetheless learn about the study of these birds. While we wait for the birds, we will enjoy each other’s company by a campfire.
Don’t miss this chance to learn about these wonderful creatures in a fun and educational setting!
- Walking Distance: Minimal (~200 feet)
- Pace/Activities: Essentially an outdoor class.
- Exposure: This event is held outdoors in the evening and is likely to be cold. Please bundle up!
- Terrain: Asphalt and gravel
- Restroom: A restroom (Porta Potty) is available onsite.
- Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the Brigadier General Samuel Garland, Jr. Marker Trailhead Parking. This is a parking lot for the Appalachian Trail. Here is the link to its location on Google Maps. At the parking lot we will consolidate participants to car pool to the site, which has limited parking.
- What to Bring: Dress warmly, as you will be outside and it is much colder at night. Bring a flashlight. Pictures are allowed, but no flash photos are permitted. You may also want to bring a folding/camp chair!
Registration will remain open until the start of the program.
If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.
Read our pricing structure & policies.
About our Host: Your host will be Doug Inkley, who retired from the National Wildlife Federation after a 30-year career with them. His responsibilities included development of scientifically sound conservation policies, conservation advocacy with the U.S. Congress and federal and state wildlife agencies, spokesperson with the media, conservation education, and working with Ranger Rick! Policy issues included endangered species, birds, wetlands protection, conservation funding, polar bear conservation, management of public lands, and managing wildlife in a changing climate (climate change), among others.