Capturing a Spotted Owl

Wildlife biologist Dale Herter (left) invited me along to help him capture a Spotted Owl for the purpose of attaching a tiny radio transmitter so the owl could be easily located for future study. About the size and shape of a capsule of medicine, the transmitter was attached to the two center tail feathers with epoxy. The piece of white cardboard visible in the photo on the right was temporarily inserted between the tail feathers to protect them from the epoxy until it had hardened. It could last for up to two years since the Spotted Owl molts every other year.

"Spot" was very cooperative during the whole activity and received a gourmet dinner of brown mouse as a just reward. Not having been properly trained in table manners, he swallowed it whole.