CHESTERTON – Indiana Audubon will host the return of its northern saw-whet owl banding demonstrations at the Indiana Dunes this fall, continuing a tradition that blends science and public education in one of the Midwest's key owl migration hotspots.

The program opens with two free nights at the Duneside Shelter in Indiana Dunes State Park on Oct. 17 and 18. Attendance is limited to 50 participants each evening.

Ticketed demonstrations will run Oct. 23 through Nov. 15 at the same location. Proceeds support Indiana Audubon's Project Owlnet research, part of a continental network of over 100 banding stations studying owl migration. In 2024, the Indiana Dunes station banded 93 owls, bringing its 16-year total to above 800.

Indiana Audubon will again partner with Humane Indiana Wildlife, which will bring its education owls to the Duneside Shelter on select nights (Oct. 17-18, 24-25, 31; Nov. 1, 7-8). These encounters let visitors see owls up close and learn more about them, even if wild saw-whets are not captured.

Registered participants will learn about ongoing research, observe saw-whet owls if captured, and enjoy a campfire with s'mores when the weather allows. Demonstrations begin at 7 p.m. Central time from Oct. 16 through Nov. 1 and shift to 6 p.m. beginning Nov. 2.

Special behind-the-scenes experiences are also offered on select nights for $50 (adults) and $30 (youth ages 8-17), with participants helping with net setup, takedown, and owl checks. Pre-registration is required for all demonstration nights.

For more information, visit indianaaudubon.org/events or contact Indiana Audubon at info@indianaaudubon.org or 765-205-1255.

Supporting Conservation Efforts

Local businesses are again stepping up to support bird conservation. Chesterton Feed and Garden Center, 400 Locust St., will host a roundup fundraiser through Oct. 31, giving customers the chance to round up purchases in support of Indiana Audubon's conservation, education, and research programs.