A Very Good Flight of Northern Saw-whet Owls

Northern saw-whet owl banded at Sewickley Heights Park, 17 Oct 2026 (photo from Bob Mulvihill on Facebook) 22 October 2026 When Bob Mulvihill announced the start of this year’s Project Owlnet to band northern saw-whet owls, he was not optimistic about the weather. The predicted weather for tomorrow night’s [Friday 16 October 2026] start of the fall owl banding season at Sewickley Heights Borough Park is not ideal, to say the least. There is a chance of showers, and the wind may be a bit strong. Nevertheless, I plan to show up and give it the old college try! — Facebook post from Bob Mulvihill on 15 October 2026 Northern saw-whet owls (Aegolius acadicus) migrate through Pennsylvania from mid-October through early December. Though they are one of the most abundant owls in North America, they are very small and secretive. Project Owlnet is usually our only chance to see one. There were no owls on opening night but the next day, Saturday 17 October, was spectacular. The project captured…