BANGOR DAILY NEWS • October 25, 2026
Maine has three common nesting owls. One of them, the tiny northern saw-whet owl, generally leaves Maine during the coldest months. The other two don’t migrate. In fact, great horned and barred owls don’t even wander very much. They always have some notion of their territories, and are apt to proclaim it periodically. The hootin’ and hollerin’ starts in August, but intensifies in October. Now that you’re eavesdropping on owls, make sure you know who you’re snooping on. The hoot of a barred owl is famously described as “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?” The great horned owl booms a deeper five-note phrase, often described as “Who’s awake? Me, too.” ~ Bob Duchesne