Within Washington’s broad-ranging ecosystems, from its dense rainforests and towering mountain ranges to its arid shrub-steppe regions and coastal areas, an impressive assortment of owls thrives. The owl species residing in Washington span from the petite Northern Pygmy-Owls to the majestic Great Gray Owls, each demonstrating unique behaviors and adaptations to their specific habitats.
Washington’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Washington | Presence in Washington | Where to Find in Washington |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Statewide | Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford; Tiger Mountain State Forest, Issaquah |
| Barred Owl | High | Statewide | Olympic National Park, Port Angeles; Discovery Park, Seattle |
| Western Screech Owl | High | Statewide | Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia; Magnuson Park, Seattle |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Mostly in Western Washington | Deception Pass State Park, Oak Harbor; North Cascades National Park, Sedro-Woolley |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Scattered Statewide | Yakima River Canyon, Yakima; Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Cheney |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Open Grasslands and Wetlands | Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia; Skagit Wildlife Area, Mount Vernon |
| Barn Owl | Very Low | Farmland and Open Areas | Whidbey Island, Coupeville; San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor |
| Snowy Owl | Very Low | Rare, Open Fields in Winter | Boundary Bay, Blaine; Damon Point, Ocean Shores |
Owl Species Found in Washington
Where to Spot Washington’s Owls
Olympic National Park, Port Angeles: Known for its varied ecosystem, this park is home to several species of owls including Northern Spotted Owls and Barred Owls. The Hoh Rain Forest within the park is particularly promising for sightings.
Mount Rainier National Park, Ashford: The old growth forests here provide habitat for owls like the Great Horned Owl, Northern Spotted Owl, and Western Screech-Owl.
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia: This refuge attracts a variety of birds and is known for its resident population of Great Horned Owls, Barred Owls, and occasionally Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Sinlahekin Wildlife Area, Loomis: Nestled in the Okanogan valley, this area provides habitat for Great Gray Owls and Northern Pygmy Owls, along with many other bird species and sometimes boreal owls.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Ridgefield: Noted for its wintering population of waterfowl, the refuge also hosts owls such as the Barn Owl and Great Horned Owl in its preserved habitats. The long horned owl (also called the cat owl) can also be seen here.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Oregon Owls | Mount Hood National Forest, William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge |
| Idaho Owls | Sawtooth National Forest, Coeur d'Alene's Hawk Owl Bog |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Washington
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Locations: Look for owls in Washington’s varied habitats, from coastal rainforests to Cascade Mountains and arid scrublands. Top owl-watching locations include the Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Wenatchee National Forest. Check out the Seattle Audubon Society for local bird watching groups and events.
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Time: Owls are typically most active from dusk till dawn as they’re nocturnal creatures. Early morning or late evening hours might prove most productive. Also, many owls breed in late winter and early spring, making these seasons great for owl watching.
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Listen for Calls: Familiarize yourself with the unique calls of the owl species native to Washington. For instance, the Barred Owl has a distinctive “Who cooks for you?” hoot. Owl calls can often be heard from quite a distance and will help guide you towards them.
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Look for Signs: Owls can be hard to spot due to their camouflage and tendency to roost quietly during the day. Look for signs of their presence like pellets (regurgitated clumps of fur and bone), whitewash (bird droppings), and feathers.
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Equipment: High-quality binoculars or a spotting scope will be very useful. A flashlight with a red filter can be helpful for illuminating owls without startling them.
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Respect the Wildlife: If you do spot an owl, make sure to keep a respectful distance - do not disturb the bird or its habitat. It’s also important not to use recorded owl calls to attract them, especially during breeding season, as this can cause stress and disturbance.
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Local Birding Groups: Join a local birding group or take part in a guided birding tour. The experience and knowledge of others can be invaluable, especially when starting out.