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PHOTOS: Owl Research Institute northern saw-whet owl banding survey

CASEY KREIDER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 11 months AGO
by CASEY KREIDER
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Casey Kreider is a staff photographer for the Daily Inter Lake. His work documents news, sports, wildlife, landscapes and everyday life across Northwest Montana through visual storytelling. Kreider’s keen eye captures major sporting events, community moments, and the natural beauty that defines the region. He is a graduate of Penn State University and previously worked as a photographer for Lancaster Newspapers in Pennsylvania. In 2024, he received the Montana Newspaper Association’s Mel Ruder Photograph of the Year award. IMPACT: Kreider's work brings readers closer to the people, places and moments that shape life in Northwest Montana through powerful visual journalism. | October 15, 2025 12:00 AM

Owl Research Institute scientists held a northern saw-whet owl banding survey at the Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Measurements and other data collected from the licensed research study contribute to worldwide efforts to learn more about the migratory routes, timing and habitat of the northern saw-whet owl.


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Migration mystery: Work aims to track saw-whet owls journey

Bird of the Month: Saw-whet Owl

    A northern saw-whet owl is banded by Owl Research Institute intern Zach Burke during a banding survey at the Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Data collected from the station contributes to worldwide efforts to learn more about the migratory routes, timing and habitat of the saw-whet owl. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 
    Owl Research Institute intern Zach Burke checks one of the mist nets during a northern saw-whet owl banding survey at Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Data collected from the station contributes to worldwide efforts to learn more about the migratory routes, timing and habitat of the saw-whet owl. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 
    Owl Research Institute interns Hayley Madden and Zach Burke use a UV light to illuminate porphyrins in a northern saw-whet owl’s wing to help researchers determine the age of the owl's feathers during a banding survey at Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 
    In a photo taken with a slow shutter speed, Owl Research Institute intern Zach Burke releases a northern saw-whet owl after it is banded at the Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 


    Owl Research Institute intern Zach Burke writes down data after placing a band on a northern saw-whet owl during a banding survey at Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Data collected from the station contributes to worldwide efforts to learn more about the migratory routes, timing and habitat of the saw-whet owl. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 


    A northern saw-whet owl is banded by Owl Research Institute intern Zach Burke during a banding survey at the Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Data collected from the station contributes to worldwide efforts to learn more about the migratory routes, timing and habitat of the saw-whet owl. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 
    A northern saw-whet owl is banded by Owl Research Institute intern Zach Burke during a banding survey at the Flathead Lake Biological Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Data collected from the station contributes to worldwide efforts to learn more about the migratory routes, timing and habitat of the saw-whet owl. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
 Casey Kreider 
 
 


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