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How to Find Owls at Night

Those who love near swamps and woodlands often hear owls hooting at night, especially during the late autumn breeding season. Because of their large size and distinctive facial features, owls are easily recognizable. Since owls are nocturnal, however, most don't see the birds unless they make an effort to do so. Several owls are common throughout North America, and may inhabit city parks and suburban areas.

Things You'll Need

Gloves
Tweezers
Tape recorder

Instructions

- 1
  Look for owl pellets during the day to determine where owls are active. Owl pellets are the regurgitated remains of small rodents and other prey. Look for pellets on the ground under trees in woodlands or parks, especially near swamps and streams.
- 2
  Put on gloves and pick at the pellet with a pair of tweezers to verify it comes from an owl. Pellets should have small rodent bones and fur inside.
- 3
  Look for a hole in a tree nearby or a squirrel or hawk nest, which owls sometimes reside in. Make a note of your location so you can find it at night.
- 4
  Learn some common owl calls. The common Great Horned Owl has a distinctive "whoo hoo hoo, hoo, hoo" call, the Barred Owl has a higher-pitched "who cooks for you?" call, while the Screech Owl has a trilled, monotone whistling call. You can listen to the calls on the FCPS or eNature site. Imitate the call that sounds like owl calls you have heard at night. If you can't imitate the call yourself, make a recording with a tape recorder.
- 5
  Return to the owl habitat you found earlier, preferably on a non-windy, moonlight autumn night, when owls are most active. Make a bird call or play your tape a few times. Stop making the call once the owl approaches. If the owl doesn't come after a few calls, try again another night.

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