Within the diverse habitats of Maine, from its deep forests to its rocky coastlines and sprawling wetlands, a captivating array of owls can be found. These nocturnal Maine Preying Birds play an integral role in Maine’s ecosystems, serving as both formidable predators and important links in their respective food chains.
Maine Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Maine | Presence in Maine | Where to Find in Maine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor; Baxter State Park, Millinocket |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay; Maine Wildlife Park, Gray |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | Allagash Wilderness Waterway, North Maine Woods; Mount Desert Island, Hancock County |
| Snowy Owl | Moderate (Seasonal) | Statewide in Winter | Portland International Jetport, Portland; Presque Isle, Aroostook County |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Statewide | Camden Hills State Park, Camden; Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Milford |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Across State | Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells; Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge, Steuben |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Fields and Grasslands | Kennebunk Plains, Kennebunk; Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Milford |
| Great Gray Owl | Very Low | Northern Maine | Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Limestone; Allagash Wilderness Waterway, North Maine Woods |
| Barn Owl | Uncommon | Found mainly in the southern part of the state | Towns of Kennebunkport and Wells |
| Boreal Owl | Rare | Seen in the northernmost part of the state, particularly in the colder months | Baxter State Park and the Allagash Wilderness Waterway |
Owl Species Found in Maine
Where to Spot Maine’s Owls
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor: Known for its biodiversity, the park is home to various owl species including Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Baxter State Park, Millinocket: This expansive wilderness is a great spot to find Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and during the winter, Snowy Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Baring: As a major migratory path, this refuge is home to several owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and during migration season, Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Allagash: This remote wilderness provides habitats for Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and in colder months, Snowy Owls.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells: This refuge, with its mix of coastal and forest habitats, is a great place to spot Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Maine Owls | Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park |
| New Hampshire Owls | White Mountain National Forest, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Maine?
-
Know the Prime Locations: Some of the best places to see owls in Maine include Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and the Maine Birding Trail, which features numerous wildlife areas where owls are often sighted. In winter, the snowy fields of Aroostook County can offer sightings of the majestic Snowy Owl.
-
Be Aware of the Time: Owls are mainly nocturnal, so the best times to spot them are at dawn and dusk. During the mating season, in late winter and early spring, you may hear their calls more frequently as they establish territories and seek mates.
-
Learn the Calls: Different species of owls have unique calls, and learning these can help you identify them even if you can’t see them. Recordings of owl calls can be found in various bird-watching apps and websites.
-
Look for Signs: Look for owl pellets at the base of large trees, which can indicate an owl’s roosting spot. Also, in the winter, you can look for their distinctive tracks in the snow.
-
Move Quietly and Be Patient: Owls are secretive and can be easily spooked. Move slowly and quietly, and be prepared to wait. Sometimes, the owls will come to you!
-
Equip Yourself Properly: A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope can be invaluable, as owls can often be quite high in trees or hiding in dense foliage. A flashlight with a red filter can help spot owls at night without disturbing them.
-
Join Bird Watching Groups: Connecting with local bird watching groups or guided tours can enhance your birding experience. They often know the best spots and times for seeing specific species.