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Subject:

Lamb's Knoll Saw-whet Owl Banding Visits

From:

"J. Steven Huy"

Reply-To:

Maryland Birds & Birding

Date:

Thu, 27 May 2004 23:16:00 -0400

The number of visitors to my saw-whet owl banding operation on South
Mountain has been increasing over the years.  I host several club visits as
well as home-school groups, conservation organizations and individuals.  In
the past scheduling was easy as there were plenty of "free" weekends when
most people could attend.

It seems I must be putting on a good show as interest has really exploded
the past two years.  Field trip planning season seems to be upon us as I've
had one date requested and even promises to visit from a local club (heard
that before...).

I'll take scheduling requests up through the season on a first-come,
first-served basis.  This coming season might have difficulties as there is
the possibility a new tower will be erected to replace the one I currently
work under. So we may need to plan around unexpected construction related
difficulties.

Anyway, peak season is usually last week of October and first couple of
weeks of November.  I band every night that weather permits so week-days
are a great opportunity for home-schools, families or individuals that have
more flexibility than an organized group. Arrival time is normally about
9:30 - 10:00 PM but is sometimes flexible (I do have a real job during the
day) and it is recommended that you plan to stay as late as midnight if you
want to see owls (there have been many last minute captures on the "one
last time" check).

Please submit serious requests only to be fair to everyone.  Published
field trip dates will take priority as long as you have confirmed with me
that your chosen date is free before publishing your date. Its better for
me to handle the club dates now and individuals as the season nears or
progresses.

As always, there are no guarantees of successful netting the night of your
visit (Most visitors have been very lucky the past couple of years). Bad
weather, construction, national security concerns, illness or exhaustion
can also result in cancellations.  And all visitors are attending the
operation at their own risk!

I hope to see you there and thank all who have visited and supported the
operation over the years.

One last thing:  I will be losing the bunker in which I band, that tiny
concrete block I have shared with spiders and flying squirrels since 1999.
 I will be looking for something on the lines of an 8x12 garden shed to
band in.  Something with enough room for myself and my assistant as well as
to demonstrate the banding indoors on those very cold nights. If you know
of one or can provide one I would love to hear from you.  My brother-in-law
recently got one for himself free from a neighbor that was moving.  He only
had to pay to have it moved.

Thanks,
J. Steven Huy
Middletown, MD, USA
Project Owlnet
www.ProjectOwlnet.org