Seeing a saw-whet

©Scott Weidensaul The Ned Smith Center's banding sites are able to accommodate a limited number of small (15 people or less) groups during the fall banding season. Arrangements must be made well in advance by contacting the center.

 The general public is invited to the center's annual Halloween Owls program, held each year the Saturday closest to Halloween, at the center's grounds in northern Dauphin County, Pa. During the nighttime program, research crew members net and band migrant saw-whets, allowing participants a chance to see the owls firsthand.

There are a limited number of openings each year on the center's banding crew. Volunteers are expected to make a significant commitment of time, including preseason training and at least one night per week throughout the eight-week banding season. Good physical condition is essential, as some hiking is required. Prior experience with bird-banding is obviously welcome, but is not essential.

 For more information, contact the Ned Smith Center at nedsmith (at) epix.net, or by calling (717) 692-3699.