MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • February 5, 2023
Here are a few tips for increasing your chances of hearing, and hopefully seeing, an owl soon. Great horned owls call a distinct hooting: “Who’s awake? Me too.” The barred owl gives a slightly higher-pitched “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” Northern saw-whet owls have high loud “toots” that are often likened to the sound of a truck backing up. Look and listen for great horned owls in areas where there are large open spaces bordered by white pines. Barred owls are more likely to be found around mixed forests, especially with lots of oaks. Look and listen for saw-whets in more spruce dominated patches. There are others to be looking or listening for. Try staking out large meadow/grassland areas, or marshes (especially at higher tides) during the late afternoon for snowy owls and short-eared owls. ~ Maine Audubon Staff Naturalist Doug Hitchcox