Since 2020, Great Marsh Bird Observatory has partnered with Massachusetts Department of Conservation to operate a Project Owlnet banding station—one of more than 125 across North America dedicated to understanding the migration of the Northern Saw-whet Owl. At our site, we safely capture, band, measure, and release these remarkable birds, collecting vital data on migration timing and population dynamics.

Our work goes beyond the numbers, connecting local efforts to a continent-wide story of conservation and discovery. Through this collaborative network, we recapture owls previously banded at other stations, linking populations across their migratory routes. We are passionate about sharing our work with the public to spark curiosity, foster stewardship, and deepen connections with the natural world. For many visitors, seeing a Northern Saw-whet Owl up close is a revelation—proof of the hidden migrations occurring overhead each night, and a reminder of how much there is still to observe, understand, and protect.