Across the varied landscapes of Maryland, from its dense deciduous forests to its coastal marshes and Appalachian foothills, a diverse assortment of owls makes their home. These twilight Maryland birds of prey hold a critical position in Maryland’s ecosystems, functioning as key predators and valuable components of their food chains.
Maryland Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Maryland | Presence in Maryland | Where to Find in Maryland |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont; Gunpowder Falls State Park, Middle River |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Potomac; Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City; Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian |
| Barn Owl | Moderate | Across Maryland, primarily in Open Fields | Pocomoke River State Park, Snow Hill; Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Across State | Soldiers Delight Natural Environmental Area, Owings Mills; Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Fields and Grasslands | Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall; Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, Elkton |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Low (Seasonal) | Northern and Western Maryland in Winter | Garrett State Forest, Oakland; Green Ridge State Forest, Flintstone |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low (Seasonal) | Occasional sightings in Winter | Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Linthicum; Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis |
Owl Species Found in Maryland
Where to Spot Maryland’s Owls
Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont: This national park provides a diverse habitat for many bird species, including Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls hunt here.
Assateague Island National Seashore, Berlin: This barrier island is home to a variety of bird species, and owls can often be seen in the island’s forested areas. Look for Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and in winter, the Short-eared Owl.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, Cambridge: This refuge provides an excellent habitat for a variety of bird species, including several other owls such as the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, and Eastern Screech Owl.
Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City: Covering riverbanks, hills, and forests, this state park is a good spot to see Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls. To help spot them look for owl feathers on the ground to find their breeding grounds.
Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont: With its extensive forest, the park is an excellent habitat for Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Maryland Owls | Assateague Island National Seashore, Catoctin Mountain Park |
| Pennsylvania Owls | Allegheny National Forest, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary |
| West Virginia Owls | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, New River Gorge National Park |
| Virginia Owls | Shenandoah National Park, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
| Delaware Owls | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Maryland?
-
Identify Ideal Locations: Prime owl-spotting areas in Maryland include Catoctin Mountain Park, Patuxent River State Park, and the Eastern Shore, particularly Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Check local birdwatching forums or groups for current owl sightings.
-
Spot Owls at the Right Time: Owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, so your best chances of seeing them are at dawn or dusk. However, during the breeding season in late winter and early spring, you may spot or hear them during the day as well.
-
Learn Owl Calls: Each species of owl has its distinct call. Familiarizing yourself with these calls will help you locate owls even when they are hidden. You can find recordings of owl calls on various birding websites or apps.
-
Look for Signs: Signs of owls can include whitewash (owl droppings) on the ground or tree trunks, owl pellets, or even feathers. These can give you an idea of where an owl might be roosting.
-
Be Patient and Quiet: Owls can be elusive, so patience is key. Move slowly and keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling them.
-
Proper Equipment: Bring a pair of good quality binoculars to help spot owls at a distance, and a field guide to help you identify different species. If you’re owl-spotting at night, a red-filtered flashlight can be useful as it’s less likely to disturb the owls.
-
Join Local Birdwatching Groups: These groups often conduct owl prowls and other birdwatching events, which can be an excellent way to learn from more experienced birders.