I can remember the first time that I saw an owl like it was yesterday. I was walking alone on a path near the Welland Canal, and I heard a hoot. A great horned owl was in a tree off to my right just as dusk was setting in. It wasn’t bothered by my presence. In fact, as I continued along the path, the owl took flight - landing in tree after tree, just as curious as me - matching my pace along the canal path.
First and foremost, owls deserve respect. Part of their charm is that they like to hide, often in plain sight. Remembering to keep distance and noise to a minimum is very important for making them feel comfortable. Secondly, when looking for owls, its sometimes easier to look for signs of owls rather than the owls themselves… and by signs, I mean pellets and poop. Owls like to perch themselves in trees, usually against the trunk during the day. They will often relieve themselves while resting and you might find a tight little fur ball (or sometimes several) on the ground… I’ll spare you the details, but maybe do an online search for owl pellets to get a good visual. Sometimes, to spot an owl, you need to use your ears. It’s not as crazy as it sounds. Knowing your owl calls is important to some degree, but it’s not all that common to hear them calling out. What you should listen for is smaller birds like blue jays or crows. When smaller birds feel threatened, they will gather and squawk at owls that are hiding out in their territory. I’ve actually spotted many owls and other birds of prey this way!
Owls, for the most part, like to be in a forest with lots of coniferous trees with some space between them. Some will nest, and some will take up residence in tree hollows. You’ll often find them in forests that border fields or meadows where they can freely access voles, mice, and other critters.
In closing, take a minute to search for some owl calls online. I think most people have always associated the traditional “whoooo whoo whoo who” with any old owl. You’d be surprised how different they all sound! My personal favourite is the screech owl’s call. Which is yours?
Happy Hooting!
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