Virginia’s diverse landscape, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, provides an ideal environment for a variety of owl species. The presence of owls, which range from the smaller Eastern Screech Owls to the larger Great Horned Owls, indicates the health and balance of Virginia’s wildlife and habitats.
Virginia’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Virginia | Presence in Virginia | Specific Locations in Virginia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Shenandoah National Park, Luray; Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach; George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Roanoke |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Statewide | James River Park System, Richmond; Newport News Park, Newport News |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Mostly in Western Virginia | Sky Meadows State Park, Delaplane; Grayson Highlands State Park, Mouth of Wilson |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Statewide | Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach; Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Grasslands and Wetlands | Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria; Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge |
| Barn Owl | Very Low | Farmland and Open Areas | Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles; Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague Island |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low | Rare, Open Fields in Winter | Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Charles; Shenandoah Valley, Various Locations |
Owl Species Found in Virginia
Where to Spot Virginia’s Owls
Shenandoah National Park, Luray: This park’s extensive woodland is home to species like the Eastern Screech Owl, Barred Owl, and Great Horned Owl. The park’s night sky programs often include owl-spotting.
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Chincoteague Island: Besides its famous wild horses, this refuge hosts a variety of birds including the Great Horned Owl and Barred Owl.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach: A resting place for migrating birds, you may spot the Great Horned Owl and the Barred Owl in this coastal habitat.
Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk: This mysterious swamp is a home to owls like the Barred Owl and the Great Horned Owl. Be patient, and you might spot one in the dense cypress trees.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Roanoke: These twin forests are a haven for owls, including the Northern Saw-whet Owl, which has been known to breed here. During breeding season you can often see juvenile owls in nest boxes and many other owls in the area.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| North Carolina Owls | Smoky Mountains National Park, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Tennessee Owls | Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Reelfoot Lake State Park |
| Kentucky Owls | Mammoth Cave National Park, Daniel Boone National Forest |
| West Virginia Owls | Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge |
| Maryland Owls | Catoctin Mountain Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Virginia?
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Locations: Virginia has a wealth of natural areas suitable for owl-spotting. Top spots include the Shenandoah National Park, Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Your local parks or even wooded backyards can also be great for spotting common species like the Barred Owl.
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Time: Owls are primarily nocturnal, so the best times to spot them are during the early morning hours before dawn and during the twilight hours after sunset.
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Calls and Sounds: Each owl species has a unique set of calls. Learning these sounds can significantly increase your chances of detecting an owl. For instance, the Great Horned Owl has a deep, stuttering series of four to five hoots.
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Look for Signs: Owls can be difficult to spot due to their excellent camouflage. Therefore, look for signs of their presence such as owl pellets (regurgitated clumps of indigestible material like bones and fur), whitewash (owl droppings), and feathers under roosting sites.
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Equipment: A pair of good quality binoculars will be a crucial tool. A field guide to birds of North America can also help in identification.
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Guided Tours and Birding Groups: Consider joining a local bird watching group or signing up for an owl prowling tour. These groups often have experienced birders who can offer valuable guidance and insights.
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Patience and Respect: Patience is key in bird watching. Be prepared to wait silently in one spot for a while. Also, remember to be respectful of the owls and their habitats. Don’t disturb them or their nests, and refrain from using recorded owl calls as they can cause unnecessary stress to the birds.