Their disk shaped face collects and concentrates sounds in the bird’s ears, so the owl can precisely gauge the direction and distance of hidden prey. It is non-migratory and occurs throughout the state in good numbers year round. Owls can whip their heads 270 degrees so quickly, they give the illusion of being able to turn their heads in a complete circle. Location: Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) © Edward J Plaskon. Far Hills, NJ 07931, © 2018 New Jersey Conservation Foundation. And to learn more about preserving New Jersey’s land and natural resources, visit the New Jersey Conservation Foundation website at www.njconservation.org or contact me at info@njconservation.org. “It’s happened that we’ve received a nest full of baby owls because of tree trimming,” said Shari. Pine Barrens, New Jersey (unknown). European Hawk Owl, New Jersey (Steve Greer / SteveGreerPhotography.com). The Great Horned Owl is New Jersey’s most impressive owl. The Avian Wildlife Center, Raptor Trust and Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge also provide public education programs at various locations using “ambassador” owls. Barred owls prefer thick, swampy woodlands, such as the Great Swamp, and are one of the most vocal owls. Michele joined New Jersey Conservation in 1982 as coordinator of our advocacy efforts in the Pine Barrens. These usually indicate an owl’s favorite roosting place. Medium sized, 13 to 17 inches tall with a wingspan of 39 to 44 inches, the Short-eared Owl was once a frequent nester in the marshes and meadowlands of New Jersey, but development of these wetlands have greatly reduced the habitat for these birds, and recent breeding records are scarce. What’s valuable about New Jersey’s forests? SNOWY OWL Bubo scandiacus is a large bird, 21 to 28 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 50 to 65 inches. Trim your trees in the fall or early winter rather than late winter or spring to avoid nesting owls. Snow Owl, Stone Harbor, New Jersey (Steve Greer / SteveGreerPhotography.com). It prefers open country such as fields, pastures, coastal beaches and airports. The Barred Owl is one of our largest owls, 16 to 23 inches tall with a 38 to 45 inch wingspan. Barn Owls, sometimes called “Monkeyfaced” owls because of their heart-shaped faces, are strictly nocturnal. LONG-EARED OWL Asio otus Preferring open woodland terrain, it lives in rural suburbs, farming districts, city parks and apple orchards. This owl lives in deep woodlands, preferring dense groves of conifers. It is small, 7 to 10 inches tall with a wingspan of 18 to 24 inches, and occurs in two color phases, or morphs: gray and red. February 7. Great horned owls feed on small animals – mice, moles, rabbits, squirrels and skunks – and other birds, including crows and hawks. “The greatest challenge is that owls can camouflage themselves very well,” says Giselle. You can help owls by taking care of their habitat: For guaranteed owl spotting, visit the Raptor Trust or the Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. SAW-WHET OWL Aegolius acadicus For the owl can see that which others cannot, and this is the essence of true wisdom. Great horned owls breed in early winter, starting of their mating and nesting season in December. From The Garden State, Bamboo Brook, 170 Longview Road Great Horned Owl, Mountain Lakes Vilma, a barred owl found by the side of the road when she was a year old, had a compound fracture of the left wing has no sustainable flight. Barred Owl, Pine Barrens, New Jersey (Steve Greer / SteveGreerPhotography.com). It’s likely, though, that you will hear them first. The Saw-Whet Owl is New Jersey’s smallest bird of prey. However, research studies show that Barred Owls … SCREECH OWL Otus asio BARRED OWL Strix varia “They’re calling now to establish their territories and find mates,” explains Giselle. For more photos of New Jersey Owls visit my website. In 1999 Michele became Executive Director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Most other New Jersey owls breed in late winter, which is a great time to hear courtship calls at night. New Jersey’s largest and best-known owl is the great horned – nicknamed the hoot owl – which makes a distinctive HOOH-hoo-hoo-hooh-HOOOOH-hooh call at night. Primarily a woodland species, the Great Horned Owl is occasionally found in parks and orchards. Primarily a woodland species, the Great Horned Owl is occasionally found in parks and orchards. The Screech Owl is New Jersey’s most common breeding owl and is a permanent, year round resident. SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus |, In 1999 Michele became Executive Director of New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Although it does breed in isolated locations in New Jersey, it is best known as a winter visitor, when several owls can often be found roosting In the same evergreen tree. Barn Owl, New Jersey (Steve Greer / SteveGreerPhotography.com). American Revolutionary War – battle of Monmouth. Look for the large feather tufts on the top of their heads, resembling cat ears. Barred Owls (like Great Horned Owls and Eastern Screech Owls) remain in New Jersey throughout the year. Both have resident owls that have been injured and cannot survive in the wild. “Owls are a little more obvious at this time of year because the leaves have fallen off the trees,” says Shari Stern, education director at the Raptor Trust in Millington. They are regular winter visitors here, but their numbers vary greatly from year to year. An owl’s ears are located on the sides of the head, but are off-set, not symmetrical like human ears. The Great Horned Owl is New Jersey’s most impressive owl. 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