12 Nebraskaland • January-February 2026
IN THE FIELD
Owls are one of the earliest nesting birds in Nebraska,
and now is a great time to listen for them. Great horned
owls (Bubo virginianus) and barred owls (Strix varia) call to
mates and hoot to defend nesting territories throughout the
winter. Great horned owls may begin laying eggs as early as
late January, and barred owls nest as early as the first week
of February.
While dawn and dusk can be the most productive times to
view owls, there are opportunities to observe these nocturnal
birds any time of day. With no leaves on the trees in winter,
owls are more visible as they perch on branches. Take a
closer look at those dark clumps in the trees. What might
appear to be a squirrel nest could actually be an owl.
Even if you can't see an owl, you can often hear them.
Listen for the various owl calls from hoots to squawks to
barks. The great horned owl is recognizable by its low "hoo
hoodoo hooo hoo" song. The barred owl is unmistakable by
its "Who cooks for you? ... Who cooks for you all?" hoot.
Owling Do's and Don't's
• Keep your distance and do not disturb an owl's natural
behavior and activity. If an owl is fidgeting, repeatedly
staring at you or changing position, you're too close. Use
binoculars, a viewing scope or watch from the comfort of
your vehicle.
• Do not feed owls.
• Do not use electronic playback, especially if you suspect
that owls might be nesting or on territory. As winter
marches on, vocal activity will naturally pick up, and
these devices will be unnecessary.
Where to Go Owling
• To view barred owls, visit eastern Nebraska parks with
mature woods around riparian habitats, such as Ponca
and Indian Cave state parks, Schramm Park State
Recreation Area and Rock Creek Station State Historical
Park at dawn or dusk.
• Great horned owls often are observed in neighborhoods,
city parks and state parks. Try Branched Oak and Enders
state recreation areas.
• Short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) are an open-prairie
dwelling species that are most often observed in winter
and early spring when there is little snow cover. For best
chances of viewing this stealthy, nomadic species, visit
less developed areas with grassland habitat, such as
Kiowa, North Lake Basin or Jack Sinn Memorial wildlife
management areas.
• During the day, look for snowy owls (Bubo scandiacus)
in open fields or near large water bodies. Typically, there
are a few to over a dozen snowy owls that wander into
Nebraska each winter.
To discover more birding locations, visit
birdtrail.outdoornebraska.gov.
GO OWLING
By Olivia DaRugna, Wildlife Diversity Biologist
A great horned owl perches on a dead tree at Bassway Strip Wildlife Management Area in Buffalo County.
ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
