In the multifaceted habitats of Wisconsin, from its extensive forests and wetlands to its prairies and lakes, a diverse array of owls flourishes. The owl species found in Wisconsin range from the compact Eastern Screech-Owls to the commanding Great Horned Owls, each showcasing unique behaviors and adaptations suitable for their specific environments.
Wisconsin’s Owls
| Owl Species | Frequency in Wisconsin | Where to Find in Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Great Horned Owl | High | Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo; Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek |
| Barred Owl | High | Kettle Moraine State Forest, Campbellsport; Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest |
| Eastern Screech Owl | High | Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee; Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl | Moderate | Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Bayfield; Flambeau River State Forest, Winter |
| Snowy Owl | Low (Seasonal) | Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Mayville; Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville |
| Long-eared Owl | Low | Crex Meadows Wildlife Area, Grantsburg; Navarino Wildlife Area, Shiocton |
| Short-eared Owl | Low | Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, Muscoda; Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, Suamico |
| Northern Hawk Owl | Very Low | Superior Municipal Forest, Superior; Pattison State Park, Superior |
| Boreal Owl | Very Rare | Boreal forests near Superior |
| Great Gray Owl | Very Rare | Boreal forests near Superior during harsh winters |
| Barn Owl | Very Rare | Old barns and open fields in rural areas |
| Northern Pygmy Owl | Uncommon | Coniferous forests and woodland |
| Burrowing Owl | Very Rare | Open grasslands |
Owl Species Found in Wisconsin
Where to Spot Wisconsin’s Owls
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife refuge hosts a variety of owls such as Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and Barred Owls.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest: Stretching across northern Wisconsin, this forest is home to several owl species including Great Gray Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Boreal Owls.
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area: Located in the northwest of Wisconsin, Crex Meadows is known to host many owl species including Short-eared Owls, Northern Saw-whet Owls, and Barred Owls.
Devil’s Lake State Park: Located in the Baraboo Range, this park offers bird watchers the chance to see Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and Northern Saw-whet Owls.
Necedah National Wildlife Refuge: In the central part of the state, this refuge is known for a variety of owl species, including Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech Owls, and Barred Owls.
| State | Main Owl Watching Sites |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Owls | Sax-Zim Bog, Superior National Forest |
| Iowa Owls | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Yellow River State Forest |
| Illinois Owls | Starved Rock State Park, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge |
| Michigan Owls | Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Hiawatha National Forest |
Tips on How to Spot Owls in Wisconsin
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Locations: Search in habitats like mixed woodlands, open country areas, wetlands, and along water bodies. Visit places like Horicon Marsh, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and Crex Meadows for the best chance of spotting a variety of species.
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Time: Most owls are most active from dusk till dawn. Some owls, like the Barred Owl, might be active during daylight hours, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
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Listen for Calls: Each species of owl has a unique call. The deep hoots of the Great Horned Owl, the trills of the Eastern Screech Owl, or the rhythmic too-too-too of the Northern Saw-whet Owl can lead you to them.
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Look for Signs: Check for owl pellets at the base of large trees, splatters of white bird droppings, or molted feathers, which may indicate an owl’s roosting spot.
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Equipment: Bring along a good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. If you are looking for owls at night, a flashlight with a red filter is less likely to disturb them.
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Respect the Owls: Keep your distance and try not to disturb them, especially during nesting season. Also, refrain from using recorded owl calls as this can stress the birds.
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Join Local Birdwatching Groups: Groups such as the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology organize birding trips and could offer the chance to learn from experienced bird watchers.