Owl calling is a practice that allows individuals to connect with these nocturnal birds by mimicking their distinct vocalizations. People engage in owl calling for various reasons, including observation, wildlife photography, or simply to experience the presence of these elusive creatures in their natural habitat.
Understanding Owl Calls
Owl vocalizations are a fundamental aspect of their behavior. Different owl species possess unique calls, making it possible to identify them by sound alone. Owls primarily use their calls for communication, which includes establishing and defending their territory from other owls, especially during the breeding season.
Male owls often hoot to attract mates, and a pair may engage in duets to strengthen their bond. They also use various sounds like screeches and hisses for warnings or signaling food. Listening to recordings of authentic owl calls provides a valuable foundation for understanding the nuances of their communication.
Mastering Common Owl Calls
The Great Horned Owl’s call is a classic “hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo,” often described as a deep, resonant sound. To produce this, form an “O” shape with your mouth and allow your tongue to drop, opening the back of your throat. The sound should originate from your diaphragm, pushing air out to create the low, booming hoots. Practice controlling your breath and the openness of your throat to achieve the characteristic rhythm and depth.
The Barred Owl’s call is distinctive, often translated as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” To replicate this, cup your hands together, forming a tight seal with your thumbs overlapping to create a small opening. Place your mouth over the knuckles and blow, aiming to produce a whistling sound. Varying the pressure and the size of the opening can help you achieve the eight to nine distinct notes of the Barred Owl’s call.
The Eastern Screech Owl produces two primary calls: a trill and a whinny. To create the trill, vibrate your tongue against the roof of your mouth while exhaling a high-pitched sound. The whinny is a shrill, descending call. Consistent practice of these techniques will refine your ability to produce realistic owl calls.
Enhancing Your Calling Success
Beyond mastering the vocalizations, several factors influence the success of owl calling. Owls are primarily nocturnal, making the hours just after sunset and before sunrise prime times for calling. During these periods, owls are most active, hunting and communicating. Clear, calm nights are generally more conducive to successful calling, as wind and heavy rain can significantly dampen sound and reduce owl activity. Sound travels farther and clearer on cool, damp nights compared to hot, dry conditions.
The time of year also plays a role, with breeding season (typically late winter to early spring) being a period of increased vocalization as owls seek mates and defend territories. Selecting appropriate locations, such as forests, woodlands, or even urban parks with suitable habitats, can increase your chances of a response. Patience is important; make a few calls, then pause and listen attentively for any response.
Ethical Owl Calling Practices
Responsible engagement with wildlife is paramount when performing owl calls. Avoid over-calling, as excessive or repeated artificial calls can stress owls and disrupt their natural behavior. Owls may respond to calls believing it is a potential mate or competitor, which can expend their energy unnecessarily or distract them from hunting. It is important to respect nesting seasons, generally from late winter through early spring, and avoid calling during these sensitive times to prevent disturbing breeding owls or their young.
Maintaining a safe distance from any responding owl is crucial; if an owl shows signs of distress, you are too close. The primary goal should be observation, not habituation or interference with their natural activities. Sharing the exact location of an owl, especially for rare species, should be done with extreme discretion to prevent overcrowding and potential disturbance by others. Minimizing your impact on the owls’ natural behavior ensures their well-being and promotes respectful wildlife interaction.