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Whoooo’s There? | A Beginner's Guide To Winter Owling In Wisconsin
Jada Thur
Jada Thur is a communications specialist in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
Winter in Wisconsin can offer a unique opportunity to experience owls – but you’ll need planning, patience and just a bit of luck.
These fascinating birds are well-camouflaged, often only active at night, vocalize unpredictably and are spread out across the landscape. You’re more likely to hear an owl than see one.
Here’s a guide to help you learn more about Wisconsin owls and how to enjoy winter owling, while respecting nature and having fun along the way.
Wisconsin Owls
The four most common year-round owl species in Wisconsin are the great horned, Northern sawwhet, barred and Eastern screech owls. Barn owls are common in the southern part of the state, while the long-eared owl prefers the dense forests of the Northwoods.
Other species might drop in now and then, including winter visitors such as snowy, short-eared and great gray owls. On rare occasions, a Northern hawk owl or boreal owl might even stop by the state.
When And Where
Wisconsin owls come in many sizes and have distinct behaviors. Owls can be diurnal, or active during the day; crepuscular, active at dawn and dusk; or nocturnal, active at night.
Owls also can be found in a variety of habitats, depending on species, from forests to farmlands. Learning the preferences for each type of owl means you can focus your search on the right areas. Prepare to be an owl detective!
Calling All Owls
If there’s a secret to owling, it’s to listen to owl calls ahead of time so you know who’s out there. Even if you can’t see an owl, you might get to hear one. Try nights with less wind and locations away from traffic to make hearing them easier.
Great horned owls and barred owls are quite vocal from late summer to early winter. Others such as Northern saw-whet, Eastern screech and long-eared owls are more likely to be heard from late winter through spring.
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin Bird ID app can help you learn to identify owl calls.
The eBird Explore webpage is another great resource, allowing you to search by species for audio and video, bird photos, range maps and more.
Owl Evidence
Owls like to roost in specific spots. These can include tree cavities, dense conifers, barns or abandoned buildings. Look for signs to find roosting locations where you can observe owls.
Whitewash: Essentially the owl’s excrement, it’s usually found at the base of trees that have been used for roosting.
Pellets: These are regurgitated bones, fur and feathers from previous meals; owl pellets usually are larger and contain more bones than the pellets from other birds of prey.
Ecological counterparts: Owls may be found in areas also frequented by ecological counterparts such as the red-tailed hawk. If you see hawks in the daytime, chances are owls will be there at night.
Feathers: Owl feathers are usually very large and are extremely soft, more so than the feathers of most other birds.
Tools And Tips
Take a few necessities with you when owling and remember some important tips for a better chance to hear and maybe even see these beguiling birds. What to bring:
Binoculars; bonus points if they’re equipped with night vision. Using a lower magnification (such as an 8x) will allow you to see a greater field of vision and give you a better chance of finding what you seek.
Flashlight or headlamp with a red filter; or use the light of the moon on a bright night.
Notebook and pen to record your observations.
Camera – but do not use flash photography!
Safety First
Bring a buddy but speak softly and avoid making any loud noises; owls have sensitive hearing.
Wear appropriate clothing. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Dress in reflective clothing to help others see you in the dark.
Stay on marked trails and know the area to avoid getting lost.
Check the weather, always making sure it’s safe for an outdoor trip.
Ethical Owling
First and foremost, respect the owls and their environment and keep your distance. Just because the owl may tolerate a close approach doesn’t mean you should. Always remember: The goal is to observe, not to interfere.
If the owl is visibly reacting to your presence – fidgeting, repeatedly staring at you, narrowing its body shape, bobbing its head or changing position – back off slowly but immediately.
Don’t feed owls.
Don’t use electronic owl calls or recordings to attract owls.
For more tips, check the American Birding Association’s Code of Birding Ethics.
Animal Indicators
Other animals can be your allies in finding owls. Sensing a threat, chipmunks and squirrels will make identifiable calls when they know an owl is close.
Smaller birds also become very vocal and agitated when an owl is nearby. If you hear a lot of commotion from other animals or smaller birds, pay attention – there might be an owl in the vicinity.
Connect With Others
Joining a local bird-watching group or nature club can make your owling experience more enjoyable. These groups often share tips, organize group outings and can help you learn more about owls.
It’s a great way to meet fellow nature enthusiasts and discover new owl-watching locations. Plus, it’s always fun to share your sightings and experiences with others.
Even the internet can help make you feel like part of a community. Sites like eBird and iNaturalist allow you to share information with fellow owlers and discuss findings.
Fun Facts About Owls
• Silent flight: Owls have special feathers that allow them to fly silently, helping them to sneak up on prey.
• Eyes and head: Owl eyes are very large compared to their head size. They can’t move their eyes, but they can turn their heads almost all the way around – 270 degrees! – to see in different directions.
• Great night hunters: Owls have excellent hearing, which helps them locate prey even in the dark. Their ears are positioned asymmetrically on the sides of their head, allowing them to pinpoint sounds more accurately.
• Owl diet: Depending on species, owls are known to eat everything from small mammals, rodents and snakes to insects and other birds. Having owls nearby can help keep mice under control – a single barn owl family can eat over 1,000 mice in a year! Owls’ diverse diet helps them find food in different places and all seasons.
• Lone lifestyle: Most owls are solitary, living alone or near a nest during breeding season. But did you know there’s a fun word for a group of owls? It’s called a parliament.
