Nestled in the diverse habitats of West Virginia, from its dense hardwood forests and high mountain peaks to its serene river valleys, a range of owl species flourishes. The owl species that inhabit West Virginia span from the petite Eastern Screech-Owls to the formidable Great Horned Owls, each exhibiting unique behaviors and adaptations fitted to their specific habitats.
West Virginia’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in West Virginia | Specific Locations in West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Kanawha State Forest, Charleston; Coopers Rock State Forest, Bruceton Mills |
| Barred Owl | High | Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis; Monongahela National Forest, Elkins |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Glen Jean; Hawks Nest State Park, Ansted |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Dolly Sods Wilderness, Davis; Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, Seneca Rocks |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis; Beartown State Park, Hillsboro |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis; Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Williamstown |
| Barn Owl | Very Low | Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Williamstown; Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis; Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Williamstown |
Owl Species Found in West Virginia
Where to Spot West Virginia’s Owls
Monongahela National Forest, Elkins: Covering over 900,000 acres, this forest is home to a number of owl species, including Eastern Screech-Owls, Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Davis: This refuge’s diverse habitats support a variety of owls, including Great Horned Owls and Barred Owls. It’s also known to occasionally host rare sightings of Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, Hillsboro: Within the Monongahela National Forest, this area’s unique wetlands and forests make it a suitable habitat for Eastern Screech Owls and Barred Owls.
New River Gorge National River, Glen Jean: This area’s large tract of forestland provides excellent habitat for a variety of owl species, including Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls. Other owls often seen here can include the Northern hawk owl.
Coopers Rock State Forest, Bruceton Mills: The forested areas here are known for sightings of Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech Owls, among others.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Owls | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Presque Isle State Park |
| Maryland Owls | Catoctin Mountain Park, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge |
| Ohio Owls | Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Cuyahoga Valley National Park |
| Kentucky Owls | Mammoth Cave National Park, Daniel Boone National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in West Virginia
-
Locations: Explore diverse environments from the Appalachian Mountains to wetlands and deciduous forests. Notable bird-watching spots include the Monongahela National Forest, Canaan Valley, and the New River Gorge National Park.
-
Time: Owls are primarily nocturnal creatures, so the best time to spot them is from dusk till dawn. Many owls breed during late winter and early spring, which may increase the likelihood of spotting them.
-
Listen for Calls: Learn the calls of different owl species in West Virginia. The distinct hoots of the Barred Owl, the eerie whinnies of the Eastern Screech-Owl, or the toots of the Northern Saw-whet Owl can guide you to their location.
-
Look for Signs: Owls are masters of camouflage and are often motionless during the day, which makes them hard to spot. Look out for signs of their presence such as owl pellets, whitewash (bird droppings), or feathers.
-
Equipment: A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope can be extremely useful. For observing owls at night, use a flashlight with a red filter which will not startle them as much as a normal light.
-
Respect the Wildlife: If you’re lucky enough to spot an owl, remember to keep your distance so as not to disturb the bird. Avoid using recorded owl calls to attract them, as this can stress the birds, especially during the breeding season.
-
Join Local Bird Watching Groups: This can provide a supportive learning environment and the benefit of experienced guides. Check out organizations like the Brooks Bird Club for local bird-watching activities.