Article
The Influence of Audio-Lures on Capture Patterns of Migrant Northern Saw-Whet Owls
Journal of Field Ornithology
(1999)
Abstract
The effect of audio-lures on capture patterns of migrant Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) was assessed. The majority of new owls were captured within 12 m of the lure and capture frequencies decreased with increasing distance away from the lure. Recaptures tended to occur farther away from the audio-lure than new captures. Capture locations of foreign retrapped owls, however, were not significantly different than new owls. Although capture locations did not differ between adult and immature owls, there was a detectable size bias in the distribution of capture locations. Smaller owls tended to be caught farther away from the lure than larger owls. Our results demonstrate that when an audio-lure is used, a small number of mist nets is sufficient to capture substantial numbers of Northern Saw-whet Owls. However, studies targeting recaptures may benefit from the use of more nets spaced over a larger area.
Disciplines
Publication Date
Spring 1999
Citation Information
David M. Whalen and Bryan Watts. "The Influence of Audio-Lures on Capture Patterns of Migrant Northern Saw-Whet Owls" Journal of Field Ornithology Vol. 70 Iss. 2 (1999) p. 163 - 168 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/bryan-watts/256/