Owl

Great horned owl

Bubo virginianus

A large, powerful owl resident in farmland woodlots, river corridors and forest edges across Whatcom and Skagit counties. Pairs begin nesting as early as January.

This species is sensitive to disturbance. WildLookout doesn't map nests, roosts or colonies.

Seasonality

Peaks in January. Resident all year; easiest to find from November to March when trees are bare and pairs are calling.

Behavior

Mostly nocturnal; most active at dusk and in the hour before dawn.
Pairs trade deep, soft hoots through winter as they establish territories.
Roosts by day close to the trunk in dense conifers, where crows often find and mob it.

Photography tips

A noisy crowd of crows mobbing one tree often marks a roosting owl; watch from a distance rather than walking in.
Dusk light is low; a fast lens, high ISO and steady support work better than flash.

Field ethics

Never use flash, playback or bait for owls.
Don't share or publish roost and nest sites; WildLookout doesn't map them.
Nesting starts in January, so stay well back from any owl that appears to be sitting on a nest.

Where to look

Tennant LakeWhatcom County · Peaks in January