Recaptures: Northern Saw-whet Owl Study

Overview

Since 2004, when we began to study Saw-whet Owls, we have documented 34 recaptured owls. Thirty of the owls were captured at Westchester Community College (WCC) in Valhalla NY. These are noted on the map as squares for those banded at WCC and recaptured elsewhere, and circles for those banded elsewhere and recaptured at WCC. Yellow indicates a same-season recapture, and blue indicates a different-season recapture.

Saw-whet Recapture Data since 2004, T. Battaly and D. Panko

One owl was banded at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx NY, and is noted on the map in salmon, 4YR,8MO. This owl represents our longest time between captures.

Three owls were banded at Harriman State Park NY, and are noted on the map with a bright magenta.

For all owls the time between captures is given.

Same Season Recaptures

Thirteen owls were recaptured in the same season as originally banded. These were all owls banded at WCC during fall. Times between captures varied from 5 days to 40 days. The owl that was recaptured in 5 days traveled 178 miles, about 35 miles a night. The owl that was recaptured in 40 days traveled 528 miles, about 13 miles a night.
Squares indicate owls banded at WCC and recaptured elsewhere, and circles indicate owls banded elsewhere and recaptured at WCC.

Saw-whet Recapture Data since 2004, T. Battaly and D. Panko

Six owls were banded north of us and recaptured at WCC. Seven of the owls that we banded were recaptured in the same season. Of those seven, two went north, but for a shorter distance than those that traveled south.

For all owls the time between captures is given.

Different Season Recaptures

Twenty one owls were recaptured in a different season from originally banded. Fourteen were captured at WCC, three at Harriman, and one at Pelham Bay. Times between captures varied from 3.5 months to 4.7 years.

Saw-whet Recapture Data since 2004, T. Battaly and D. Panko

Squares indicate owls banded by us and recaptured elsewhere, and circles indicate owls banded elsewhere and recaptured by us.

For all owls the time between captures is given.