Weekends at Wolf Ridge: Saw-whet Owl Banding

Spend a glorious fall weekend on the North Shore of Minnesota gaining hands-on experience and learning from experts in their field.

Workshops take place on the Wolf Ridge campus and surrounding areas, with lodging and meals provided. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just a curious learner, the experience is designed for lifelong learners who have a passion for the natural world. Participants select a single workshop for the weekend but will have an opportunity to connect with other workshop groups during meals and evening programming.

Register for this Workshop

Lodging Information

Dining Information

Directions to Wolf Ridge

Workshop: Saw-whet Owl Banding

Hands-on/ activity-oriented introduction to fall raptor banding focusing on owls migrating down the Lake Superior corridor. The emphasis will be on Northern Saw-whet owls, however, we will spend time talking about other species (i.e. Long-eared, Boreal, and Great Grey owls) that use this corridor. Workshop participants will receive fundamental and focused instruction on how to capture, handle, age, and process owls. Time will also be spent talking about other owl monitoring techniques used in Minnesota.

Instructor: Dave Grosshuesch

Dave received a B.S. in Wildlife Management and Biology from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point (1994), and a M.Sc. in Biology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth (2009) for research on the nesting habitat of Northern Hawk Owls. He has worked on the Superior National Forest since 2007 and currently is the Wildlife Biologist on the Kawishiwi District in Ely, Minnesota. Dave has been involved with a variety of songbird and raptor related research projects in several states and Provinces across the U.S. and Canada. He assisted with the fall migration owl banding program at the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth between 1995 to 2007, and he continues to band migrating owls in the fall up the North Shore during his spare time.

Note: In the case of rain alternative programming will be offered.

Weekend Workshop Schedule

Friday, Sep 27, 2024

• 3:00 – 4:45 pm — Registration and check-in at the Wolf Ridge office
• 4:00 – 4:45 pm  — Tour of the Margaret A. Cargill (MAC) Lodge
• 5:15 pm  — Dinner
• 6:00 – 6:30 pm  — Orientation in MAC Lodge Weesner Commons
• 7:00 – 9:00 pm — 1st learning session
• 10 pm  — Quiet time

Saturday, Sep 28, 2024

• 7:30 am — Breakfast
• 8:30-10:00 am  — Continental breakfast for Owl Workshop
• 8:30-11:30 am  — 2nd learning session
• 12:15 pm  — Lunch and bag lunch
• 1:00 -2:00 pm – Naturalist program
• 1:30 – 4:30 pm — 3rd learning session
• 5:15 pm  — Dinner
• 6:30 – 7:15 pm  — Evening presentation
• 7:30 – 9:30 pm  — Social hour & campfire
• 10:00 pm  — Quiet time

Sunday, Sep 29, 2024

• 7:30 am — Breakfast
• 8:30-10:00 am  — Continental breakfast for Owl workshop
• *check out of rooms by 10:00 am
• 8:30-11:30 am —4th  learning session
• 12:15 pm — Lunch & check-out
• 12:30 – Owl workshop ends
• 12:30-1:30 pm — Optional: Use of designed rooms to shower before leaving
• 1:00-2:00 pm – Naturalist program

On Friday afternoon before registration or on Sunday afternoon you’re welcome to hike our trails and enjoy the fall colors.

Packing List

You should plan to venture out in rain or shine and the instructors may follow up with more information on specific details about your workshop if applicable. You can expect nighttime temperatures to range from 25°F to 50°F and daytime temperatures up to 65°F. Please be prepared so you can feel comfortable if it is cool or rainy. Most of the walking you will do is on nice graveled trails, but some trails are rugged. Photography will be a common thread throughout the weekend so we encourage you to bring a camera. If you do not own a digital camera, we can loan you one for the weekend.

• Rain suit with pants and hood
• Walking or hiking shoes
• Warm jacket
• Sweater or fleece
• Warm hat
• Light shirts
• Light pants
• Wool Socks (recommended for hiking)
• Soap, shampoo, other toiletries
• Personal water bottle
• Sunscreen, sun hat

Optional Items:

• Knee-high rubber boots
• Non-aerosol insect repellent
• Camera
• Sunglasses
• Alarm clock
• Small backpack for day use
• Snacks (space available in group refrigerator)

Wolf Ridge will provide linens, blankets, towels, and a pillow.