Observing owls at night offers a unique connection to the natural world, allowing people to witness the stealth and majesty of these nocturnal raptors. Unlike diurnal birdwatching, successful owling shifts the focus from visual searching to auditory detection and requires specialized techniques. Finding these elusive creatures requires preparation, respect for wildlife, and an understanding of their nighttime habits. This guide emphasizes preparation and patience for a memorable, low-impact encounter.
Identifying Optimal Habitats and Timing
Successful nocturnal observation begins with scouting the proper environment during the day. Owls inhabit a variety of landscapes, but a productive search often focuses on the edges of forests that meet open fields or meadows. These transitional areas offer dense cover for daytime roosting and wide-open hunting grounds where small mammals are plentiful. Barred Owls, for example, frequently favor large blocks of mature forest, especially those near water sources like swamps or riverbanks.
Searching for signs can narrow down a roosting location. Look for “whitewash,” which is the white streak of droppings on tree trunks, or discarded owl pellets containing undigested fur and bone. Late fall and winter are advantageous for owling because deciduous trees have lost their leaves, making it easier to spot an owl’s silhouette. Most owls are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight periods of dusk and pre-dawn, which are the best times to begin listening for calls.
Essential Gear and Active Observation Methods
The right equipment significantly improves the experience and minimizes disturbance to the owls. A good pair of binoculars with sufficient light-gathering capability is important for viewing silhouettes and movement against residual night light. Night vision is best preserved by using a dim red-light flashlight or headlamp. The longer wavelength of red light does not destroy the eye’s dark adaptation, which takes up to 40 minutes to achieve.
Active searching involves careful scanning. This is often done by sweeping the red beam of a light across the canopy and looking for “eye-shine,” the reflection of light off the owl’s tapetum lucidum. A more effective technique is to scan the tops of trees for any unusual shape, such as a “lump” or a silhouette that does not conform to a branch. Once a shape is located, focus on looking for subtle movement, as an owl’s camouflage is designed to conceal it when stationary.
Deciphering Owl Calls and Behaviors
Hearing is often the most effective tool for locating an owl in the dark, as they use a wide range of vocalizations for communication. The classic hoot, such as the deep, rhythmic “hoo-hoo-hooooo” of the Great Horned Owl, typically serves as a territorial claim or a mating advertisement. Males and females often engage in duets to reinforce their pair bond and assert their presence in a territory.
Other sounds indicate different behaviors. A Barn Owl uses an eerie, drawn-out screech for territorial declaration, rather than a hoot. Juvenile owls and those feeling threatened may produce sharp, defensive sounds like hisses, barks, or bill clacking. The monotonic, repetitive “toot” or trill of a Northern Saw-whet Owl or an Eastern Screech-Owl is usually a contact or mating call that carries effectively through dense woodland.
Responsible Viewing and Personal Safety
Respecting the owl’s welfare is paramount. Maintain a considerable distance to avoid stressing the bird or causing it to “flush,” or fly away. Never use flash photography or bright white light directly on an owl, as this can temporarily impair its specialized night vision. Using audio playback of owl calls to lure a bird into view is discouraged, as it can disrupt its natural behavior, mating, or territorial defense.
Personal safety during nighttime observation requires careful planning and awareness of the environment. Always inform a friend or family member of your exact location and expected return time, and carry a fully charged communication device. Dress warmly in layers, as temperatures drop quickly after sunset, and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Scout the area during daylight hours to identify potential hazards and establish safe walking paths.