Across the diverse habitats of New Hampshire, from its northern hardwood forests to its expansive wetlands and Appalachian foothills, a remarkable array of owls thrives. The owl species in New Hampshire range from the petite Northern Saw-whet Owls to the stately Great Horned Owls, each exhibiting unique adaptations and behaviors specific to their environments.
New Hampshire’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in New Hampshire | Presence in New Hampshire | Specific Locations in New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | Common | Year-round | Throughout the state |
| Short-eared Owl | Uncommon | Winter | Wetlands, marshes |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Common | Year-round | Dense coniferous or mixed forests |
| Barred Owl | Common | Year-round | Wooded areas |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Common | Year-round | Wooded areas, often near water |
| Long-eared Owl | Uncommon | Winter | Dense stands of trees near open areas |
| Snowy Owl | Rare | Winter | Coastal areas, open fields |
| Great Gray Owl | Rare | Winter | Northern boreal forests |
- Great Horned Owl: These owls are very adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests to city parks.
- Short-eared Owl: Typically found in open areas, such as meadows, marshes, and agricultural fields. They're most active during the day in the winter months.
- Northern Saw-whet Owl: This small owl species prefers dense thickets or forests. They are often found in coniferous forests but can also inhabit deciduous forests.
- Barred Owl: They prefer large, mature forests, both deciduous and mixed deciduous-coniferous. They are also often found near water.
- Eastern Screech-Owl: These owls prefer open mixed forests, deciduous forests, parklands, wooded suburban areas, riparian woods along streams and wetlands, and orchards.
- Long-eared Owl: These secretive birds tend to inhabit dense forests or woodlands near open fields.
- Snowy Owl: These Arctic birds are occasionally found in New Hampshire during the winter, often in large open areas like airports, beaches, or fields.
- Great Gray Owl: Rare in New Hampshire, this bird prefers dense coniferous or mixed woodlands, usually near open fields or meadows.
Owl Species Found in New Hampshire
Where to Spot New Hampshire’s Owls
White Mountain National Forest: This expansive forest offers the chance to spot a variety of owl species, including the Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham: Known for its rich biodiversity, this state park is home to owls such as the Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl. Other owls sometimes spotted include the northern hawk owl.
Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Errol: This refuge straddling the New Hampshire-Maine border provides a habitat for several owl species, including the Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, and Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Pisgah State Park, Winchester: The largest state park in New Hampshire, it is an excellent spot to find Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls.
Odiorne Point State Park, Rye: Though best known for its ocean views, this park also offers opportunities to spot Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Maine Owls | Acadia National Park, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge |
| Massachusetts Owls | Quabbin Reservoir, Wompatuck State Park |
| Vermont Owls | Green Mountain National Forest, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in New Hampshire?
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Locations: Consider visiting the White Mountain National Forest, the Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge, or the Lakes Region, which are known for their variety of bird species. State parks and local nature reserves are also good spots.
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Timing: Owls are primarily nocturnal, so your best chance to see them is around dawn and dusk. Winter can be a great time to spot owls as they’re more active during their breeding season and the bare trees can make them easier to spot.
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Listen for Calls: Familiarize yourself with the different calls of the owl species in New Hampshire. Listening for these calls can often lead you to their location.
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Look for Signs: Owls can leave behind certain signs, such as pellets (balls of undigested food), white wash (droppings), or feathers. These can usually be found beneath roosting or nesting spots in trees.
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Patience and Caution: Be patient and move quietly. Owls can be sensitive to noise and sudden movements, so approach any potential spotting location with care.
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Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential for bird watching. A red-filtered flashlight can also be helpful for locating owls in the dark without disturbing them.
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Join Local Birding Clubs: These organizations often have field trips and experienced members who can help you spot and identify different species of owls. They may also have up-to-date information on recent owl sightings.
Remember, never disturb an owl’s nest or use recordings to draw them out, as this can cause them unnecessary stress. Be respectful of the owls and their habitats while observing them.