See wild saw-whet owls up-close during an annual banding project and education station at Indiana Dunes State Park this fall.

On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, between Oct. 12 and Nov. 19, visitors have a chance to see owls during banding sessions at the nature center. Sessions begin at 7 p.m. local time in October and at 6 p.m. after Nov. 4. Presentations are free after the paying the standard gate fee.

Banding sessions are weather dependent, and visitors should call ahead to confirm banding will take place on any public night.

Sessions start with an educational component, then visitors wait at the nature center as banding staff check nets in the park for owls. The park provides hot cocoa and marshmallows as visitors wait to see if any owls have been caught.

Indiana Audubon Society is sponsoring the project and providing licensed banding staff. The Indiana Dunes SP banding station is one of the most visited owl banding stations in the country, with more than 1,500 visitors each year.

Special behind-the-scenes programs will be offered on Oct. 28 and 29 and Nov. 5. Visit indianaaudubon.org/eventsto register for these events.

For more information, call (219) 926-1390.

Indiana Dunes State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2980.htm) is at 1600 North 25 E. Chesterton, 46304.



Media contacts: Brad Bumgardner, station coordinator, Indiana Audubon Society, (219) 928-6905, bbumgardner@indianaaudubon.org; Marie Laudeman, interpretive naturalist, Indiana Dunes State Park, (219) 926-1390, mlaudeman@dnr.IN.gov.