Vermont is home to several species of owls that bird enthusiasts can spot throughout the state. Owl watching is a popular activity in Vermont, especially in the fall and winter when these nocturnal birds are most active. Knowing the best places to find owls in Vermont can help make your owl watching experience more successful.
What kinds of owls live in Vermont?
There are 8 regular owl species that can be found in Vermont:
- Great Horned Owl
- Barred Owl
- Great Gray Owl
- Long-eared Owl
- Short-eared Owl
- Northern Saw-whet Owl
- Eastern Screech Owl
- Snowy Owl
Of these, the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl are year-round residents. The other four species are migrants or winter visitors.
The Great Horned Owl is Vermont’s most common owl, found statewide in a variety of wooded habitats. Its distinctive horizontal white throat stripe makes it easy to identify.
Barred Owls prefer large tracts of mature forest and swamps. Listen for their distinctive “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” hooting.
The tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl breeds in coniferous and mixed forests across Vermont. It gets its name from the sound its wings make in flight, which resembles a whetting saw.
Great Gray Owls are rare forest dwellers of northern Vermont. At up to 30 inches tall with piercing yellow eyes, they are an impressive sight!
When is the best time to look for owls in Vermont?
Late fall and winter are the optimal times for owl watching in Vermont, for several reasons:
- Owls are most vocal during their breeding season from October to April.
- Sparse foliage makes owls easier to spot.
- Most migratory owl species arrive in Vermont in late fall.
- Deep snow cover concentrates prey like voles into limited areas.
October through December is an excellent time to hear breeding resident owls like Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls calling more frequently as they establish territories and attract mates. November also marks the arrival of Northern Saw-whet Owls migrating south from Canada.
January and February are cold but great months to search for Snowy and Short-eared Owls that come from the arctic to overwinter in Vermont’s open fields and marshes. Great Grays also become easier to find as they are forced to lower elevations in search of food.
By March most migratory owls have headed north again, but you can still enjoy resident owls on warm early spring evenings as they hoot and call to defend nest sites.
Where are the best places to find owls in Vermont?
Here are some of the top spots in Vermont to look and listen for owls:
Northwest Vermont
- Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge – Open fields harbor Short-eared Owls in winter.
- Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area – Hundreds of Snowy Owls congregate here some winters to hunt ducks and geese.
- Groton State Forest – Extensive mixed and coniferous forest with Boreal owls like Great Gray Owls.
Northeast Vermont
- Darling State Park – Scenic ridges and mature forests sheltering Barred Owls.
- Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area – Wetlands for Short-eared Owls and early spring Saw-whets.
- Burke Town Forest – Quiet roads and trails near owl habitat.
Central Vermont
- Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park – Barred Owls and Saw-whets in the forests around the mansion.
- Northfield Mountains Recreation & Environmental Center – Woodland trails along the Winooski River.
- Green Mountain Audubon Center – Varied habitat near a Saw-whet owl banding station.
Southwest Vermont
- Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge – Prime owl habitat protected on this conservation land.
- Green Mountain National Forest – Vast tracts of unbroken forest perfect for Barred Owls.
- Lake Bomoseen – Owls hunt along the lakeshore and roost on wooded points.
Southeast Vermont
- Putney Mountain Hawk Watch – Trained observers help locate raptors, including occasional owls.
- Fort Dummer State Park – Scenic trails along forested ridges and wetlands.
- Jamaica State Park – Diverse habitat includes meadows for Short-eared Owls.
Tips for finding owls in Vermont
Here are some top tips for improving your chances of locating owls:
- Go owling at dawn or dusk when owls are most active.
- Listen for owl calls like barking, hooting, or screeching.
- Search around snags and cavities that provide nesting sites.
- Scan open areas like fields, meadows, and marshes for hunting owls.
- Look for pellets and whitewash under roosts to confirm owl presence.
- Use a flashlight to shine for eye shine reflections at night.
- Visit known owl hotspots repeatedly to learn staking patterns.
- Attract owls by broadcasting recorded calls.
Dressing warmly, moving quietly, and having patience are also keys to successful owl watching. Consider going with an experienced birding guide your first time out to learn the best techniques.
Owl watching etiquette
When looking for owls, be mindful to limit disturbance to these sensitive nocturnal birds:
- Watch owls from a respectable distance and do not approach nests or roosts too closely.
- Use flash photography and bright spotlights sparingly.
- Keep noise levels low when owls are responding to calls or calling spontaneously.
- Never bait owls with food to attract them.
- Avoid playback calls near nest sites during breeding season.
Following proper owl watching etiquette will lead to more rewarding experiences while ensuring these fascinating birds are not unduly stressed.
Conclusion
Owl watching can be an extremely rewarding activity in Vermont. Late fall and winter are prime times to see these elusive birds, especially in areas with large tracts of forest and open fields. With patience and proper care to not disturb them, you stand an excellent chance of being able to admire the Catskill region’s diverse and fascinating owl species.