Hammond Hill Owls (HHOWLS) 2016 tally (south end of Hammond Hill 2.2 miles east of Slaterville Springs): This year HHOWLS captured 121 individual Northern Saw-whet Owls, exceeding the previous high by 19 birds. We tried to capture owls on only 15 nights, fewer than in other years. On several nights we had very high capture rates, and we didn't get skunked on any night. We caught two foreign recaptures: one banded by John and Sue Gregoire near Watkins Glen last year, and one banded this year about 200 miles north of us. We caught two of our birds: one banded last year and one from three years ago. The age distribution was 58% hatch year birds, 19% second year birds, 21% after second year. Banding records show that the proportion of hatch year birds is considerably higher for most very good years. Analyses of blood samples for parasites are incomplete. Preliminary analyses suggest our birds have less than a 50% incidence of parasitism. Our birds, which come primarily from Ontario, have a lower incidence than surveys taken with birds to the east and to the west of us. Over 30 individuals helped with the banding. The results and the great pleasure of banding depends on these incredible participants. THANKS SO VERY MUCH. John and Karen Confer
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