Spanning North Dakota’s diverse landscapes, from its sweeping prairies to its meandering river valleys and extensive wetlands, a variety of owl species thrive. These nocturnal birds of prey contribute significantly to the state’s ecosystems, serving as efficient predators and vital indicators of environmental conditions.
North Dakota’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in North Dakota | Specific Locations in North Dakota |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora |
| Eastern Screech Owl | Moderate | Turtle River State Park, Arvilla |
| Barred Owl | Moderate | Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area, Walhalla |
| Barn Owl | Low | Sullys Hill National Game Preserve, St Michael |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, Upham |
| Short-eared Owl | Moderate | Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge, Kenmare |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Low | Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, Stanton |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low | Near Fargo in winter months |
| Burrowing Owl | Moderate | Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora |
| Boreal Owl | Very Low | Near Bottineau in winter months |
| Northern Hawk Owl | Low | Lake Metigoshe State Park, Bottineau |
| Great Gray Owl | Low | Near Cavalier in winter months |
Owl Species Found in North Dakota
Where to Spot North Dakota’s Owls
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora: This national park’s mixed-grass prairie is home to owls like Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and occasionally Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, Pingree: This refuge provides habitats for a variety of bird species, including several owl species such as Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Short-eared Owls.
Jamestown Reservoir, Jamestown: This reservoir and surrounding habitats are good spots for birdwatchers, known to host Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and occasionally Snowy Owls in winter.
Turtle Mountain State Forest, Bottineau: This forested area offers bird watchers a chance to see Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
Sheyenne National Grassland, Lisbon: This vast grassland provides habitat for various owl species, including Short-eared Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Great Horned Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| South Dakota Owls | Badlands National Park, Custer State Park |
| Minnesota Owls | Superior National Forest, Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge |
| Montana Owls | Glacier National Park, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in North Dakota?
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Locations: The Prairie Pothole Region, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge are all great places to find owls due to their varying ecosystems.
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Timing: Most owls are active from dusk to dawn. Winter can be an excellent time for owl-spotting in North Dakota, especially for species like the Snowy Owl that migrates south during this season.
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Listen for Owl Calls: Each species of owl has a distinct call. Familiarize yourself with the sounds of North Dakota’s owl species, as you’re often more likely to hear an owl than see one.
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Look for Signs: Look for “whitewash” (owl droppings) on the ground, owl pellets, or places where smaller birds are making a lot of noise during the day. These are often signs of an owl’s presence.
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Patience and Caution: Finding owls requires patience. Be quiet, move slowly, and respect their space. Avoid shining lights directly at them as this can blind and disorient them.
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Optimal Equipment: A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope will be invaluable for spotting owls at a distance. Additionally, a field guide for North American birds can help you identify the species and understand their calls.
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Join Local Birdwatching Groups: Local groups such as the Fargo-Moorhead Bird Club or the Audubon Society can provide valuable knowledge and organized birdwatching events.