Not just before they fledge—nestlings should be banded at between 15 and 23 days of age. Earlier than that, the nestlings' ankles aren't fully grown and the bands can slip down and inadvertently cause injury. Older than 23 days and the nestlings may prematurely leave the nest due to the disturbance.
We see the eggs in your box this year hatched between May 29 and May 31, so you should be aiming to band between June 15 and June 21. Ideally we'd try for June 19th or 20th.
We assume you have the necessary permits, bands, etc.?
Not just before they fledge—nestlings should be banded at between 15 and 23 days of age. Earlier than that, the nestlings' ankles aren't fully grown and the bands can slip down and inadvertently cause injury. Older than 23 days and the nestlings may prematurely leave the nest due to the disturbance.
We see the eggs in your box this year hatched between May 29 and May 31, so you should be aiming to band between June 15 and June 21. Ideally we'd try for June 19th or 20th.
We assume you have the necessary permits, bands, etc.?
Matthew
AKP Staff
Thank you for your help Matt.
We have a licensed bander and owl researcher who has written many books and has been on Hope for Wildlife TV show.
James is known for his rehab and education seminars.
Check out his web site link to https://discoverowls.ca/ He is very educated.
Nu-Sun Cinema, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
We expected nothing less, but we had to ask :) Good luck! If you get any good photos or videos from the banding session, we'd love to see them.