Why Winter is the Best Time to Look for Owls

Owls always rank high on birder’s “most wanted” lists.  The “most wanted” are those species that hold a special place of importance in the field guide. When you look at the illustrations that depict such birds, your mind just about goes blank with the yearning desire to lay your eyes on them, to actually prove to yourself that such incredible looking creatures truly exist. Owls are so distinctive and emblematic that we can’t help but want to see them. Their shape, camouflage, and other characteristics make them appear to be from some other realm and their appeal is heightened by the fact that we see so few of these wonderful creatures.

In some areas, it’s not too difficult to watch diurnal species such as the Little Owl, Burrowing Owl, and various species of pgymy-owls but those are definitely the exception to the rule. Most owls only come out in the dead of night and this is precisely why they can be so tough to see. Even common species such as the Tawny Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl are rarely seen compared to the numbers that actually occur. There are some factors that can help you see more owls though and one of the most important concerns the time of the year when you go looking for them. Although you give up a few species that migrate to tropical areas when looking for owls in January and February (Eurasian Scops, Elf, and Flammulated Owls), you will see more owls if searching for them during the winter. The reasons for this include:

• Wintering birds: While a few owls have flown out of your area to winter further south, if you live in northern Europe, southern Canada, or the northern USA, many more owls have probably chosen your region to spend the winter. Most owls are hardy birds that either stay in place for the winter or migrate to areas with slightly milder winters than the boreal forests where they breed. Some species also roost together during the winter. Check dense stands of pine at this time of year and you might discover groups of Long-eared and Short-eared Owls.
• Less foliage on the trees: Owls are easier to find during the winter because they have fewer places to hide. While it’s still difficult to locate them, you don’t have to contend with leaves that shield them from view. They also tend to roost in conifers for this reason. Many also roost in tree cavities so be sure to carefully check those sites as well.
• Breeding: Most owls breed during February and are thus more active at this time of the year. They can be easier to locate because they vocalize more often (although you still need to go out at night to find the calling birds). Some species also build large, bulky nests that reveal their presence. Focusing a scope on such nests from a safe distance may reveal a fuzzy youngster and a careful check of the surrounding limbs and branches might also reveal the sleeping, camouflaged adult birds.

To see more owls, bundle up and head out into the cold now and through February. Have you looked for owls during the winter? Tell about your experiences in the comments!

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