Across the diverse landscapes of New York, from its verdant forests to its expansive wetlands and mountainous regions, an intriguing variety of owls flourish. The owl species found in New York range from the compact Northern Saw-whet Owls to the powerful Great Horned Owls, each boasting unique behaviors and adaptations tailored to their specific habitats.
New York’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in New York | Presence in New York | Where to Find in New York |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | Common | Year-round | Adirondack Park |
| Short-eared Owl | Uncommon | Winter | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge |
| American Barn Owl | Rare | Year-round | Long Island, open farmland |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Uncommon | Migratory | Sterling Forest State Park, autumn migration |
| Barred Owl | Common | Year-round | Catskill Mountains |
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Common | Year-round | Central Park, New York City |
| Long-eared Owl | Rare | Winter | Fire Island National Seashore, winter roosts |
| Snowy Owl | Rare | Winter | Jones Beach State Park |
| Great Gray Owl | Very Rare | Irregular visitor | Adirondack Mountains, rare winter visits |
| Boreal Owl | Uncommon | Winter | Adirondack Mountains |
Owl Species Found in New York
Where to Spot New York’s Owls
Central Park, New York City: This urban park is known for its bird diversity. You might see Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and sometimes rare visitors like the Snowy Owl.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Seneca Falls: This refuge is home to several species of owls including Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Short-eared Owls.
Adirondack Park, Adirondacks: In this vast wilderness, you can spot Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and even the elusive Boreal Owl.
Sterling Forest State Park, Tuxedo: This forested park offers a chance to spot Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and Eastern Screech Owls.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens: This urban wildlife refuge offers a unique bird-watching experience where you can spot Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and sometimes even Snowy Owls in winter, many of the smaller owls use the nest boxes.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Owls | Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum |
| New Jersey Owls | Cape May Point State Park, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
| Vermont Owls | Green Mountain National Forest, Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge |
| Massachusetts Owls | Quabbin Reservoir, Wompatuck State Park |
| Connecticut Owls | Hammonasset Beach State Park, White Memorial Conservation Center |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in New York
-
Locations: Explore a variety of habitats across the state. The Adirondack Mountains, Central Park in NYC, the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, and the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge are all good places to start. Each region will offer different species of owls.
-
Timing: Owls are primarily nocturnal, so dusk and dawn are often the best times to spot them. However, during breeding season (usually late winter and early spring), you might hear their calls throughout the day.
-
Look and Listen: Learn to recognize the calls of the different owl species in New York. Owls often roost during the day, blending into their surroundings, so listening for their calls can be more effective than looking.
-
Signs of Presence: Look out for signs of owl activity such as whitewash (droppings) and owl pellets at the base of trees. Another sign can be agitated groups of small birds, as they often mob owls during the daytime.
-
Patience and Caution: Owls require patience to spot. Be quiet, move slowly, and keep a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them.
-
Equipment: A pair of good quality binoculars or a spotting scope will help you see more details from a distance. A field guide to North American birds can also be helpful for identifying different species and learning their calls.
-
Local Birdwatching Groups: Joining a birdwatching group can provide valuable local knowledge and enhance your birdwatching experience. The New York City Audubon is a great resource for birdwatching in the city.