From VINS
Recapture Alert! This Northern Saw-whet Owl was encountered by the VINS research team on October 17 at 10 PM. It was quickly discovered that this bird was already banded with band number 1124-47884. Our team recognized the number as one belonging to our friends up at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. A quick message confirmed that this bird was in fact one of theirs. The bird was originally banded at North Branch on October 11 at 8:40 PM. The bird weighed 92 grams and was recorded as a Second Year Female. By the time it made its way approximately 45 miles south, she weighed 81 grams.
Recaptures like this illustrate the importance of having multiple stations utilizing the standardized protocol of Project Owlnet. Each recapture provides important migration data and helps to better understand this secretive species.
This bird was handled for the purpose of scientific research under a federally authorized Bird Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological Survey and in accordance with all state permitting requirements
It does sound like a hoot! It’s a bit frustrating that it’s a bit of a challenge to get involved in this stuff. For someone that isn’t already in a related occupation that would like to do some part time weekend stuff and that’s all, it seems difficult to legally get involved with anything handling wild animals. I’m sure it’s for the best, but it deters me from having a more active role in things.
Thankfully since the reptilians are still enemies of society, I can still fight them as time allows!