Saw-whet Owl Banding: Behind the Scenes

Go beyond the public banding demonstration (called "Saw-Whets & S'Mores") and spend an evening behind the scenes with Indiana Audubon’s Project Owlnet team in the Indiana Dunes.

For more than 17 years, Project Owlnet in the Dunes has studied migrating Northern Saw-whet Owls while giving the public a rare window into active migration research. On select nights, a small number of participants can join our experienced banding crew in the field and see how the work happens from start to finish.

This is not simply an extended banding demonstration. You'll accompany the crew on field checks, learn how the research station operates, and experience a night of Saw-whet Owl migration research alongside the people doing the work.

What to Expect

During the Behind the Scenes experience, participants will assist with net set up and take down, observe hourly owl removal, and witness banding at our outdoor field station. Banding staff will conduct a minimum of three checks each night. Note that participants must provide their own transportation for the 10-mile round trip each hour.

Banding staff typically conduct at least three field checks during the evening. Because these are wild migrating birds, owl activity varies from night to night and sightings or captures cannot be guaranteed.

Participants must provide their own transportation for the approximately 10-mile round trip required for each field check. Expect to travel between the banding station and research site several times during the evening.

Dress for a cool fall night outdoors. Bring a lawn chair, snacks, warm layers, sturdy footwear, and a headlamp or flashlight. Restrooms are available, and we'll have a campfire and s’mores back at the banding station.

Registration

Registration is $50 for adults and $35 for youth ages 8-17. This experience is not recommended for children under age 8.

Space is intentionally very limited so participants can have meaningful access to the field crew without interfering with the research or the welfare of the owls. Advance registration is required.

Registration fees directly support Indiana Audubon's ongoing Project Owlnet research, including field equipment, banding operations, migration research, and public education.

Looking for our regular public owl banding program instead? Saw-Whets & S’mores is free this year, with advance registration required. Register for a public banding night here.

If you use Apple's "Hide My Email" feature, forwarding may stop after 30 days, which can block event correspondence. Use a regular email to make sure you receive all event info. We do not add you to our mailing list unless you opt in during registration.

Terms and Conditions

By registering for this field trip, you agree to Indiana Audubon's In-State Field Trip Terms and Conditions. Please review the complete terms before registering.

Location

All banding in 2025 will take place at Duneside Shelter in the Indiana Dunes State Park, located at 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, Indiana. After entering the state park, follow signs past the Wilson Shelter. All event times are in Central Time.

Cancellations

Owl banding is weather dependent. Rain, high winds, or other unsafe conditions may require us to cancel a field night, sometimes on short notice.

If Indiana Audubon cancels your registered night because of weather, we will contact you using the email provided at registration and help you move to another available Behind the Scenes later in the season, pending availability.

Participant-initiated cancellations are non-refundable. All sales are final.

Merchandise

Project Owlnet merchandise is available for purchase online and supports our mission.