The snowy owl is a magnificent bird of prey that breeds in the Arctic tundra. During winter months when food becomes scarce in their usual habitat, some snowy owls will migrate south into the northern United States and southern Canada in search of food. Bird watchers eagerly await the arrival of these seasonal visitors. But when is the best time to try and spot a snowy owl? And what is the optimal time of day to see one in action? This article will provide tips on the best times and locations to see snowy owls during winter.
When do snowy owls migrate south?
Snowy owls begin their southern migrations in late fall, typically during the months of November and December. The exact timing of their arrival in the northern US and southern Canada can vary from year to year depending on environmental conditions in their Arctic breeding grounds.
During years when lemming populations—a key food source for snowy owls—are high, fewer snowy owls may venture south in search of food. But in years when the lemming population crashes, larger numbers of snowy owls will migrate south to hunt for food to survive the winter.
Some key facts about snowy owl migration patterns:
- In northern states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, snowy owls generally begin to arrive in November and December.
- Further south (e.g. New England, New York, Ohio) sightings typically begin in December but peak in January and February.
- Snowy owl sightings usually taper off in March, but some individuals may linger into April.
- Migration hotspots in the Great Lakes region include Duluth, Minnesota and Port Huron, Michigan which are situated along the lakeshores that snowy owls tend to follow.
So for the best chance of seeing migrating snowy owls, plan trips to known snowy owl wintering grounds in the northern states during December, January and February.
What times of day are best for snowy owl viewing?
Snowy owls are most active around dawn and dusk, so these crepuscular hours offer your best chance of witnessing their hunting behaviors. During midday, snowy owls will typically be roosting and less active. Here are some tips on daily timing to optimize snowy owl sightings:
- Arrive at least an hour before sunset to observe snowy owls waking up and getting ready to hunt.
- Stay until dusk to potentially see snowy owls take flight and begin actively hunting.
- Return before dawn and watch for returning owls or owls setting out for the night’s last hunt.
- Avoid midday hours when the owls are least active.
If you can only go out once a day, the hours around sunset often provide better viewing opportunities than dawn since the owls will remain active hunting all through the night.
Where are the best places to see snowy owls?
Snowy owls winter in open habitats—typically grasslands, marshes, dunes, and agricultural fields. Here are some of the top spots in the US to spot migrating snowy owls:
- Cape May, New Jersey – Sandy dunes and beaches.
- Montauk Point, New York – Open moorlands.
- Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport, Massachusetts – Coastal salt marshes.
- Lorain Harbor, Ohio – Rocky breakwaters and beach areas.
- Duluth, Minnesota – Grasslands around the Duluth International Airport.
- Muskegon, Michigan – Open fields near the wastewater treatment plant.
Scope out open habitats near the Great Lakes or Atlantic Coast to increase your chances of sighting a snowy owl in winter. Check eBird for recent sightings to pinpoint specific locations.
How to spot a snowy owl
Snowy owls blend in well to their pale winter environments. Here are some tips to help spot them:
- Scan fence posts, hay bales, dunes, and other elevated perches which give owls a vantage point.
- Look for white specks on the landscape. A resting or roosting snowy owl will resemble a white lump!
- Listen for commotion or alarm calls from smaller birds that may indicate a roosting owl.
- Once you’ve spotted an owl, look closely for bands or tags on their legs to help researchers track migrating individuals.
Use binoculars or spotting scopes to meticulously scan suitable habitat. Seek local guidance to known owl haunts—once you’ve spotted one snowy owl, you’ll have an easier time recognizing their plumage.
What do snowy owls eat?
Snowy owls are opportunistic hunters on their wintering grounds. They mainly feed on small rodents:
- Voles
- Mice
- Rats
- Squirrels
But they will also prey on larger animals such as rabbits, ducks, seabirds, and even fish near coastal habitats. Their winter diet is much more varied than the lemming-focused diet on their Arctic breeding territories.
Observing snowy owls hunting or consuming prey provides a unique glimpse into their adaptations as predators. Look for elevated, open perches which they use as hunting vantage points. You may witness dramatic dives and pounces on prey. Or watch them meticulously pluck feathers and consume bird or rodent prey.
Photographing wild snowy owls
Snowy owls make striking photographic subjects against winter backdrops. But be careful not to disturb them:
- Use a telephoto lens to photograph owls from at least 30 yards away.
- Do not approach roosting owls or active nests as this can disrupt critical feeding and breeding behaviors.
- Do not use bird calls or recordings to attract or elicit responses from owls.
- If an owl displays signs of agitation such as upright alert posture, leave the area.
Responsible photographers will give these wild birds appropriate space and respect. With patience, you can capture beautiful owl behaviors in their natural winter settings.
Why are snowy owl sightings so rare outside of winter?
While snowy owls occasionally wander south of their Arctic breeding territories in summer, sightings in the contiguous US during spring and summer months are very rare. Here’s why snowy owls head north each spring:
- Snowy owls rely on abundant food sources in the Arctic to successfully breed and raise chicks.
- Lemmings and small rodents are much more plentiful in the tundra summer environment.
- The female snowy owl lays eggs in May/June and stays continually at the nest until chicks fledge in August/September.
- The male owl provides food for the incubating and brooding female throughout the breeding season.
Snowy owls are strongly motivated to return to the Arctic each spring to establish breeding territories, find mates, and raise their young. So while not impossible, sightings of lingering or wandering snowy owls in the lower 48 during summer are extremely uncommon.
Legal protections for snowy owls
In the US, snowy owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which prohibits harming, killing, or possessing migratory birds or their parts (feathers, eggs, etc). Here are some key protections this law provides to snowy owls:
- Prohibits killing, capturing, selling, or trapping snowy owls.
- Makes it illegal to possess any parts of a snowy owl including feathers and eggs.
- Bans intentionally disturbing or harassing snowy owls including provoking responses.
- Requires permits for any activities such as banding, research, rehabilitation, or photography that may disturb or alter snowy owl behaviors.
These protections allow snowy owls to safely migrate and overwinter while conserving them as a vulnerable species. Unauthorized disturbance of snowy owls carries legal penalties including fines and even potential imprisonment.
Declining snowy owl populations
Although precise population estimates are lacking, most experts agree that snowy owl numbers have declined over the past century:
- Habitat loss in breeding areas reduces nesting sites and food sources.
- Climate change alters prey abundance in the Arctic tundra ecosystem.
- Collisions with vehicles and aircraft are common during southern migrations.
- Lead poisoning from scavenging carcasses shot with lead ammunition.
Sightings seem to fluctuate yearly but the long-term population trend is troubling. Protecting migratory habitats and reducing disturbance are key steps to support snowy owl conservation.
Report snowy owl sightings
Contributing observations of snowy owls to citizen science databases aids researchers tracking populations:
- eBird: Online checklist program to log bird sightings.
- iNaturalist: App to record wildlife observations.
- Project SNOWstorm: Initiative specifically tracking snowy owl migrations.
When photographing or reporting owl sightings, note specific location, date, time, and owl behaviors. This information helps scientists gain valuable insights into snowy owl migration patterns and winter habits.
Enjoy the experience!
Seeing a majestic snowy owl in the wild is a thrilling experience for any bird enthusiast or nature lover. Follow these best practices to safely observe these Arctic migrants without disturbing their essential behaviors. Understanding snowy owl migration timing, patterns, and habitats will help you maximize your chances of sighting one of these exquisite winter visitors. So bundle up, scope out those open fields, and enjoy the hunt for one of North America’s most spellbinding owls!
Conclusion
Spotting a snowy owl in winter takes a combination of timing, location, and patience. Their migrations from the Arctic down into the northern US occur in late fall through early spring, peaking in December to February. Visiting known owl wintering habitats in the Great Lakes or along the Northeast coast during these months provides your best opportunity. Time day trips for the dawn and dusk hours when owls are most active hunting. Slowly scanning open landscapes with binoculars will help spot the well-camouflaged owls. Always respect protected wildlife and give roosting or hunting owls appropriate space. With preparation and care, you’ll be rewarded with a thrilling glimpse into the mysterious world of these regal Arctic migrants.
