#owl research

[thescienceturnip]

saw-whet owls are so little... and they wear "eyeliner" better than i ever could!

[thestrigiform]

Fun fact- I not only run this tumblr in my free time, but I also work with owls as well! Thought I’d share one of the Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) that I handled a month ago. 

Many Saw-whets are migratory, and this year we saw an influx of owls at many banding stations along the US east coast this past October/November. They’re very elusive and there’s still much to learn, so banding them has been an ongoing effort for many years.

They’re fierce little predators, but that can be easy to forget when you actually see them in the hand!

[decervantes]

Responsibility Practitioner: Wild Bird Research Group

Wild Bird Research Group is my Capstone Client. I am constantly impressed by the care and dedication of each person within the organization. They prioritize their work's ecological and environmental impact and lead with empathy.

The Adopt An Owl program is an excellent example of an innovative design solution. Researchers and volunteers are already banding owls during migration season. This program allows people to 'adopt' an owl and receive a photo, a certificate with its band number, and additional measurements and information. It requires minimal extra work for the internal team, makes the audience feel involved, and has a positive financial impact.