Great grey owls are majestic birds that can be found throughout Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. With their large facial discs and bright yellow eyes, these owls are a spectacular sight for birdwatchers visiting the park. Though elusive, great grey owls can be spotted if you know where and when to look for them.
Overview of Great Grey Owls
The great grey owl (Strix nebulosa) is the largest owl in North America and can have a wingspan of up to 5 feet. They have a large rounded head with no ear tufts and impressive facial discs outlined in white and black borders. Their plumage is mottled gray and brown which provides great camouflage when perched against a tree trunk.
Great grey owls are mostly nocturnal and roost during the day against the trunks of large trees. They will often return to the same roost sites. Unlike other owls, great greys have been known to be active on overcast days as well.
These owls prefer remote boreal and montane forests near meadows, bogs, and other open areas that provide habitat for prey like voles, pocket gophers, and mice. The dense conifer forests of Grand Teton provide ideal habitat. Great grey owls have specialized feathers that allow them to fly silently while hunting.
Breeding and Nesting
Great grey owls nest in broken-topped trees, old raptor nests, or natural cavities in tree trunks. They do not build their own nest. Breeding season starts in late winter with males trying to attract females by flying in circles and performing pendulum displays on branches while calling out.
Once a pair bond has formed, the female will lay 1-5 eggs that hatch after about 30 days. The male hunts and brings food to the female who does most of the incubating. The owlets will fledge 4-5 weeks after hatching but will continue to be fed by the parents for some time after leaving the nest.
Hunting and Diet
These owls are opportunistic hunters and employ a “sit and wait” strategy, perching on an elevated snag or stump overlooking open areas. Their exceptional hearing allows them to locate prey moving under the snow. They mainly feed on small rodents like voles, pocket gophers, deer mice, and jumping mice but will also take birds and even fish occasionally.
When to Look for Great Grey Owls in Grand Teton
In Grand Teton, great grey owls are present year-round but are easier to spot during the breeding season from late winter through spring when they are most vocal and active. The best viewing opportunities are between February and June.
Here are the optimal months for spotting great grey owls in Grand Teton:
- February – March: Breeding season gets underway in late winter. Listen for the deep hooting of males trying to attract a mate.
- April – May: Females are incubating eggs and males are actively hunting to feed their mates. Adults are very vocal at this time.
- May – June: Recently fledged owlets emerge from nests and adults continue supplying food. Families may be visible near nest sites.
- June – August: Owls are harder to find in summer as the young disperse from nests and adults are not as vocal.
The months of February through June offer your best chance of sighting great grey owls during daylight hours in Grand Teton National Park.
Where to Find Great Grey Owls in Grand Teton
Great grey owls can be found scattered throughout suitable habitat in Grand Teton but there are certain areas of the park that have historically proven better for spotting these majestic birds.
Here are some of the top locations to search for great grey owls:
- Owl Creek Area: The meadows and aspens around Owl Creek and its tributaries provide excellent habitat.
- Willow Flats: Scan the meadows and willow thickets in this area north of Jackson Lake.
- Christian Pond: Check the ponderosa pines and snags surrounding this small pond.
- Swan Lake Area: Mixed conifer forests with meadow openings harbor great greys here.
- Taggart and Bradley Lakes: Nesting owls are occasionally seen around these high-elevation lakes.
- Antelope Flats: The scattered pines and sagebrush are home to small mammal prey.
Focus your efforts in these prime owl habitats in the early morning and late afternoon hours when great greys are most active. But keep an eye out wherever you explore in Grand Teton as their large range covers most of the park.
Best Viewing Spots
Here are some specific viewing spots and trails where visitors regularly spot great grey owls:
Location | Viewing Tips |
---|---|
Owl Creek Trail | Hike through aspen groves and scan snags. Listen for hooting. |
Christian Pond | Walk the loop trail and check pine trees around the pond edge. |
Willow Flats Road | Drive slowly and stop periodically to scan meadows and willows. |
Taggart Lake Trail | Watch for owls in the forested sections of this popular trail. |
Tips for Spotting Great Grey Owls
Great grey owls can still be tricky to find even when you know the best places to look. Here are some useful tips to improve your chances of spotting a great grey owl in Grand Teton National Park:
Scan tree trunks
Carefully inspect the trunks of large trees, stumps, and snags which offer ideal perches for roosting owls. Their mottled plumage provides great camouflage.
Use binoculars or spotting scope
A good pair of binoculars or spotting scope will be indispensable for spotting owls high up in trees or distant across meadows. Look for owl silhouettes.
Listen for calls
Great grey owls are especially vocal on their breeding territories. Listen for their deep hooting to help pinpoint potential locations.
Search near dawn and dusk
Focus your efforts in the early morning and evening when owls are most active hunting and defending territories.
Seek help from park rangers
Park rangers can provide updated tips on recent owl sightings. Limiting disturbance of nests is important.
Be patient
It often takes patience and persistence to spot these elusive birds. Don’t give up! Their camouflage makes them easy to overlook.
Unique Behaviors to Watch For
Here are some fascinating owl behaviors to watch for if you are lucky enough to spot a great grey:
- Head bobbing: They bob their head up and down to get a better view of objects at different angles.
- Wing stretcing: Watch for wide wing stretches as they often do this after roosting for a long time.
- Prey delivery: Males will periodically deliver prey items to incubating females or brancher young.
- Pellet casting: Pay attention and you may observe an owl casting a pellet after digesting their food.
Observing their unique behaviors and interactions provides an even greater appreciation of these spectacular owls.
Key Facts About Great Grey Owls
Here is a quick overview of key facts to know about the great grey owl:
- Species Name: Strix nebulosa
- Average Length: 24 to 33 inches
- Wingspan: 4 to 5 feet
- Weight: 1.4 to 2.5 pounds
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years in wild
- Habitat: Boreal and montane forests
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, amphibians
- Active: Mostly dusk till dawn
- Nest Sites: Broken trees, cavities, old raptor nests
- Clutch Size: 1-5 eggs
These key traits highlight what makes the great grey owl special among North America’s owls.
Conclusion
Spotting a great grey owl perched silently atop a pine tree in the mountain forests of Grand Teton National Park is an unforgettable experience. Their camouflage and nocturnal nature make them a challenge to find, but the payoff of observing one of these magnificent raptors makes it well worth the effort. Optimal viewing is during the late winter and spring breeding season in areas like Owl Creek, Christian Pond, Willow Flats, and other locations supporting ideal great grey habitat. Focus your efforts at dawn and dusk, listen for their calls, carefully scan trees and snags, and be patient. With some luck and persistence, you’ll be rewarded with a sighting of one of the park’s most spectacular avian residents.