How to Find Owls at Night

Owls are fascinating animals, but the fact that they are nocturnal makes it hard for people to spot them in nature.  If you’ve heard an owl’s hooting around your home, there are several simple tips you can follow to find the famous bird of prey at night and observe it in its natural habitat. 

• Imitate an owl’s call.  Some species of owls respond to owl calls, so you may be able to locate one by imitating its call.  If an owl responds, stop making the noise when it approaches.  Owls get spooked easily, and you need to be respectful of their habitat.  If you are not sure what an owl’s hooting sounds like, you can listen to sound clips on nature websites.  You can also tape an owl’s call using a tape recorder and play it back in nature later.


• Look at trees around your neighborhood during the day for signs of owls.  Owls live in a variety of different habitats ranging from marshes to pine woods.  Look for big holes in trees or nests and return to the area at night if you think you’ve located an owl’s habitat. 


• Explore areas that would make good hunting grounds for birds of prey like owls.  Owls look for habitats where they can find plenty of food.  Check areas in your neighborhood where there is a large population of rodents and small animals.  Don’t limit your search to woodsy areas.  Some owls prefer swamps and even deserts.


• Look for pellets during the day.  After eating, owls leave pellets behind that contain remnants of their prey such as feathers and bones.  If you spot pellets, it’s a sure sign that you’ve found an owl’s hunting grounds.  Return to the area at night to see if you can find it.