Owl Banding at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (2025)

This annual fall migration of owls occurs from September until early November, with October being the peak in their abundance. Species targeted include Northern Saw-whet Owls, Long-eared Owls and Boreal Owls. Join our biologists for an evening in the woods to learn about the research being conducted on our feathery friends and hopefully see a live owl up close and personal!*

*We do not guarantee that an owl will be captured during your visit. They are wild animals and are influenced by the time of year and weather patterns. However, at the BBO we do catch between 300-500 owls per season so there is a high chance of seeing an owl!

Hot drinks and light snacks will be provided and between net checks our biologists will lead discussions about our research initiatives and projects.

Nets open 30 mins after sunset and run for 6-7 hours, weather permitting. 

You may arrive at any point during the 6 hours of banding. Keep in mind that it is easier to navigate to the banding station before dark.


TICKET CANCELLATION POLICY

Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable to someone else. otherwise, the ticket cost will be considered a donation. Please note that our ticketing platform has a self-serve option where you can transfer or move your tickets if needed.

If the weather decides to rain on our parade (or nets), don’t worry—we have an exciting lineup of activities to keep things lively! You can explore our interactive specimen display, build crafts and color, get up close and personal with our educational ambassador birds, and participate in a presentation on our research with one of our enthusiastic biologists. Rain or shine, there’s plenty to discover!

Weather that would prevent us from opening or force us to shut down our nets include: rain/heavy snow, wind >30 km/hr, and temperatures below -15˚C. The weather forecast for Tofield, Alberta can be found here.

Directions on how to get to the BBO can be found on our website HERE.

We ask that you please park in the Visitor Parking Lot and hike into the observatory via Harrier Highway and Warbler Way unless otherwise arranged with the Head Biologist via email at biologist@beaverhillbirds.com

No Pets allowed at events. Thank you for your understanding.

TICKET PRICES (website fees included in price)

Family Pass (2 adult, 2 youth): $50

Adult (18+ years): $20 each

Youth (6-17 years): $10 each

Children age 5 and under are FREE

Seniors (65+ years): $15

WHAT TO BRING:

• Headlamp/flashlight
• Warm clothing – dress for the outdoors!
• Hand/foot warmers
• A thermos/travel for a warm beverage (you will want it!)
• Cash to purchase merchandise

MERCH FOR SALE!

• BBO Toque - $25 (cash or card)
• BBO Hats - $25 (cash or card)
• Bird Friendly Coffee - $20 (cash only)
• Window Writing Pens - $2 (cash only)
• Milkweed Seeds (for Monarch Butterflies) - $5 (cash only)
• Wildlife of the North Book (co-written by BBO chair) - $30 (cash or card)