In Utah’s varied landscapes, from its rocky canyons and high mountain forests to its arid deserts and sprawling valleys, a host of owls flourish. The owl species that inhabit Utah range from the petite Northern Pygmy-Owls to the formidable Great Horned Owls, each displaying unique behaviors and adaptations designed for their specific habitats.
Utah’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Utah | Specific Locations in Utah |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Antelope Island State Park, Syracuse; Zion National Park, Springdale |
| Western Screech Owl | High | Mill Creek Canyon, Salt Lake City; Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins |
| Barn Owl | Moderate | Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Brigham City; Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Dugway |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Wasatch Mountain State Park, Midway; Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Salt Lake City |
| Flammulated Owl | Moderate | Mount Timpanogos, Provo; Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Jet; Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area, Farmington |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Red Butte Garden, Salt Lake City; Cottonwood Canyon, Kanab |
| Burrowing Owl | Low | Antelope Island State Park, Syracuse; Goblin Valley State Park, Green River |
| Barred Owl | Rare | Dense forests in the Wasatch Range |
| Snowy Owl | Very Rare | Northern Utah, particularly around the Great Salt Lake |
| Great Gray Owl | Very Rare | Sporadic sightings in the Uinta Mountains |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Rare | Mountainous regions, like the Wasatch Range |
Owl Species Found in Utah
Where to Spot Utah’s Owls
Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, Layton: This expansive wetland preserve hosts a variety of bird species including the Short-eared Owl. The boardwalk and viewing tower offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Antelope Island State Park, Davis County: Nestled within the Great Salt Lake, this park provides habitats for a number of owls, including Burrowing Owls and Great Horned Owls. Other owls in Utah often include the mexican spotted owl.
Bryce Canyon National Park, Bryce: With a variety of habitats, you can spot owls like the Northern Saw-whet Owl and Great Horned Owl in the park’s stunning landscapes.
Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Dugway: The refuge is a prime spot for birdwatching, hosting species like the Barn Owl and Long-eared Owl.
Zion National Park, Springdale: The park’s diverse habitats are home to several owl species, including the Northern Spotted Owl and Northern Pygmy Owl.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Nevada Owls | Great Basin National Park, Ruby Mountains |
| Idaho Owls | Sawtooth National Forest, Craters of the Moon National Monument |
| Wyoming Owls | Yellowstone National Park, Bighorn National Forest |
| Colorado Owls | Rocky Mountain National Park, San Juan National Forest |
| Arizona Owls | Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino National Forest |
| New Mexico Owls | Gila National Forest, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Utah
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Locations: Antelope Island State Park is a great bird-watching location, with many owl sightings reported. Other good places include the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Red Butte Garden, and the many national forests throughout the state.
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Time: Owls are primarily nocturnal, so the best time to spot them is during the early morning or late evening hours. However, during the breeding season, you might also see some activity during the day.
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Calls and Sounds: Knowing the different calls of the owl species in Utah can significantly improve your chances of spotting them. Online resources can help familiarize you with these sounds.
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Nests and Roosting Spots: Look for nests in large tree cavities, on cliff faces for the Great Horned Owl, or old buildings for Barn Owls. Often, spotting a nest can lead to spotting an owl.
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Equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential for bird watching. If you’re venturing out at night, a red flashlight can help you see without disturbing the owls or other wildlife.
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Guided Tours and Birding Groups: Consider joining a local bird watching group or participating in a guided tour. The local expertise can be invaluable and increase your chances of spotting owls.
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Patience and Observation: Spotting owls requires patience. Look for subtle movements among the trees and listen for distinctive calls.
Remember to always respect wildlife and their habitats. Avoid getting too close or disturbing nests or roosting birds. Using recorded owl calls to attract owls is generally discouraged and can be harmful to the birds.