What time of year is best to see short eared owls?

The short-eared owl (Asio flammeus) is a medium-sized owl found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. As their name suggests, they have distinctive short feather tufts on their heads that often go unnoticed. Short-eared owls are highly nomadic, traveling widely in search of food. They inhabit open areas like grasslands, marshes, agricultural fields, and coastal dunes.

Seeing a short-eared owl can be a thrilling experience for any bird watcher. Their acrobatic flight and hovering hunting style make them a delight to observe. But when is the best time to look for these owls? The answer depends on where you live and the seasonal movements of short-eared owls. Understanding their migration patterns and wintering grounds can help pinpoint the optimal times to spot these fascinating raptors.

Breeding Range and Season

Short-eared owls nest throughout Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States. They breed from late March through July, with some variation across their range.

The peak breeding season happens in May and June in most regions. During this time frame, short-eared owls become highly territorial as they establish nesting sites and raise young. The breeding grounds offer the best chance to see their elaborate aerial courtship displays. It is also possible to find short-eared owl nests on the ground concealed in tall grass or brush.

Some key areas to see nesting short-eared owls include:

• Northern Great Plains of the U.S. and Canada
• Coastal regions of Washington and Oregon
• Great Basin and Intermountain West
• Northern New England and Maritime Provinces
• Alaska and Yukon Territories

During the nesting season, short-eared owls are nocturnal on their breeding grounds, resting in concealed locations during the day. The best times for observation are during the early morning and evening when they are actively hunting over grasslands and meadows.

Winter Range and Season

As autumn approaches, short-eared owls that nested farther north migrate south to spend the winter in more temperate regions of North America. They are highly nomadic in winter but concentrate along the Pacific Coast, throughout the southern U.S., and in portions of Mexico.

Some of the best places to spot short-eared owls in winter are:

• Agricultural areas of California’s Central Valley
• Coastal prairies of Texas and Louisiana
• Florida Peninsula
• Willamette Valley of Oregon
• Rio Grande Valley of New Mexico and Texas

During winter, short-eared owls are often active during daylight hours as they hunt over open fields. Winter sightings typically peak between November and February, making this an ideal window to find them in their southern ranges. Warm, sunny winter afternoons usually provide the best viewing conditions.

Migration Periods

One of the best times to see short-eared owls is during the spring and fall migration periods. Like many raptors, short-eared owls avoid crossing large bodies of water during migration. This concentrates them along coastlines and other land migration routes.

During migration they often hunt during daylight hours, allowing exceptional viewing opportunities. Here are some top sites to spot migrating short-eared owls:

• Cape May Point, New Jersey in late October-November
• Southern Vancouver Island from September-November
• Golden Gate Raptor Observatory in Marin County, California in October-November
• Hillman Marsh, Ontario in April-May
• Whitefish Point, Michigan in April-May

Spring migration occurs over a broader time frame, from March-May, compared to the concentrated fall migration period. Persistence is important to find short-eared owls during both seasons. Checking known migratory hotspots on a regular basis will increase your chances of sightings.

Best Time of Day

Short-eared owls are most active at dawn and dusk on their breeding grounds, especially when raising young. During the non-breeding season they will hunt opportunistically during daylight hours as well as around sunrise and sunset.

Here are some guidelines for the best times to spot short-eared owls based on season:

The hours around sunrise and sunset are always worth checking as short-eared owls may be active hunting or migrating. Mid-day observation can produce results during winter and migration, especially on sunny days with mild temperatures.

Locating Roosts

Locating a short-eared owl’s daytime roost can provide outstanding viewing opportunities. During winter and migration periods, short-eared owls typically roost on the ground concealed in tall grassy vegetation. Identifying specific roost locations allows observers to monitor activity in the evening as the owls emerge to hunt and again at dawn when they return from a night of feeding.

Roosts are often traditional sites used repeatedly by short-eared owls in a given area. Here are some tips for finding roost locations:

• Scan open habitats like grasslands, meadows, and marshes for potential roosting cover
• Focus on areas with relatively tall vegetation where owls can hide
• Note the direction short-eared owls fly at sunset to establish likely roost zones
• Arrive before dawn and observe owls emerging from night roosts
• Listen for flush responses at likely roost spots during daylight

Locating a winter or migration roost is a reliable way to get prolonged views of short-eared owls in action. Be sure to observe from a respectable distance to avoid flushing owls from sensitive roosting areas.

Habitat Types

Short-eared owls utilize a variety of open habitats across their range. Key habitat types to search include:

• Grasslands – native prairie, pastures, hayfields
• Wetlands – marshes, wet meadows, coastal salt marshes
• Agricultural lands – fallow fields, row crops, drainage ditches
• Open forests – regenerating logged areas, burns, barrens
• Coastlines – dunes, beaches, coastal prairies

The most important feature is an open terrain with low vegetation that allows for hunting. Perches like fence posts and small trees are used for hunting and territorial displays. Habitat selection can vary seasonally, but focusing search efforts in open habitats provides the best odds of sighting short-eared owls.

Weather Factors

Weather conditions can influence daily activity patterns of short-eared owls. Here are some weather considerations when planning an outing:

• Wind – Moderate winds concentrates prey and aids hunting ability
• Precipitation – Rain and heavy snow limit hunting activity
• Cloud Cover – Overcast days encourage daytime hunting
• Temperature – Mild days are preferred over extreme cold or heat
• Fog – Dense fog causes reduced activity levels

Ideally, look for light to moderate winds, mild temperatures, and sunny to overcast conditions. Prolonged heavy rain, snow, or dense fog likely means reduced owl activity for viewing. Checking weather forecasts can help select the best days to visit short-eared owl habitats.

Equipment Needs

A short-eared owl outing requires only minimal field equipment. Recommended gear includes:

• Binoculars – 8×42 or 10×42 models are ideal
• Spotting scope – For distant viewing on open landscapes
• Field guide – For aid in identification
• Notebook – For documenting sightings
• Warm clothes – Dress for potentially cold weather
• Footwear – For walking fields and grasslands
• Patience – Scanning takes time and persistence

A scope can be a great asset for awk watching, but binoculars are sufficient for many sightings. Dress for cold weather and be ready to hike across grassy terrain. Take along reference books and notepads to document your experiences.

Ethical Viewing Practices

When observing short-eared owls, be mindful of how your presence impacts them:

• Keep distance from nests and roosts
• Use vehicles or structures as blinds
• Avoid sudden movements when owls are near
• Never provoke owls to get flight photos
• Move slowly when entering/exiting owls areas
• Limit use of audio calls and baiting

Remaining a respectful distance from owls reduces stress. Move carefully around habitats and use discretion if an owl seems nervous. Prioritize the well-being of owls over getting close sightings or photos. Careful observation and common sense help ensure enjoyable owl encounters.

Best Practices for Finding Owls

Here are some key strategies for locating short-eared owls:

• Research recent eBird reports for known hotspots
• Stop frequently to scan wide areas with binoculars
• Use vantage points like hilltops to survey habitat
• Check meadows and fields at dawn and dusk
• Follow up on local tips from birding contacts
• Return to productive sites at optimal times
• Practice patience and persistence!

Covering a lot of ground via driving or walking is often the key to finding nomadic owls. Take advantage of elevated perches for long distance viewing over marshes and agricultural areas. Frequently consulting eBird and connecting with local birders provides helpful pointers to recent owl activity.

Prime Short-Eared Owl Sites

Some exceptionally good locations for spotting short-eared owls include:

• Boundary Bay, British Columbia
• Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon
• Sam Houston Jones State Park, Louisiana
• Cape May Peninsula, New Jersey
• Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio
• Hillman Marsh, Ontario
• Skagit Wildlife Area, Washington
• Bosque del Apache NWR, New Mexico
• Southeast Farallon Island, California
• St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida

Focus searches at highly productive owl sites that attract birders from across North America. Consulting bird finding guides can reveal locations with a strong track record for short-eared owls.

Conclusion

For bird watchers across the Northern Hemisphere, short-eared owls offer a chance to observe these energetic owls in action. Their nomadic movements mean pinpointing the ideal times and locations can be challenging but also very rewarding.

Paying close attention to breeding, migration, and wintering patterns is key to predicting when regionally abundant periods will occur. Fortunately, short-eared owls utilize open habitats that allow terrific viewing opportunities when present. With flexibility in timing and a search plan for prime areas, sighting these fascinating owls is an attainable goal.

So grab your binoculars and set your sights on the skies. With persistence through the seasons, enjoying thrilling encounters with short-eared owls can become a reality. Let their buoyant flights and hovering hunts remind you of nature’s diverse pageantry.