“Whoooo Goes There?” Discovering Yellowstone’s Secretive Owls
For most visitors to Yellowstone National Park, spotting an owl is a rare and unforgettable experience. These elusive birds, cloaked in secrecy and stealth, are masters of camouflage and often go unnoticed by the casual observer. Their primarily nocturnal habits, keen senses, and shy disposition only add to their allure. While many people hope to catch a glimpse of one, few are fortunate enough to do so.
A rare sighting of a boreal owl resting on a small limb in Yellowstone’s Northern Range. Photo by Evan Watts
Owls are considered a sensitive species, meaning they are especially vulnerable to human disturbance. Even seemingly quiet or respectful approaches can disrupt their behavior, stress them out, or cause them to abandon nesting or roosting sites. For these reasons, it is imperative that viewers respect these avian predators from a respectful distance, and immediately leave the area should any owl change their behavior as a result of human presence.
Great grey owl surveying its surroundings. Photo by Isaac Rath
Owls thrive in diverse habitats across Yellowstone, from dense coniferous forests and riparian woodlands to sagebrush flats and high alpine meadows. Each owl species prefers its own type of terrain. For example, the Great Gray Owl (Strix nebulosa) often resides in mature, moist forests near open meadows, where it hunts voles and other small mammals. Boreal Owls (Aegolius funereus) favor high-elevation spruce-fir forests, while the Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) can be found in mixed conifer woodlands. These habitats provide essential cover, nesting sites, and a reliable food source — all of which can be easily disrupted by increased human activity or environmental change.
A Northern Pygmy owl inspects its surrounds for possible prey. Photo by Isaac Rath
If you are lucky enough to encounter an owl, the most respectful way to observe it is from a distance using a spotting scope or binoculars. Avoid loud noises, sudden movements, or trying to get closer for a better photo. Sharing your sighting with others can be rewarding, especially if it helps foster appreciation and awareness — but it’s equally important to educate fellow visitors on how to observe wildlife responsibly. Encourage others to view owls in a way that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
Winter naturalists use high quality optics to maintain a respectful distance while observing a northern pygmy owl on a tree top. Photo by Erik B
For those who want a closer look at owls or learn more about them, a great alternative is to visit a raptor rehabilitation center or a wildlife-focused zoo, where you can see these majestic birds up close without putting wild populations at risk. These institutions often play an important role in conservation and education.
By respecting owl habitats and observing from afar, we ensure that these incredible birds remain a part of Yellowstone’s wild legacy for generations to come.
Blog written by YW Naturalist Guide Isaac Rath
To learn more about Isaac and the rest of the Yellowstone Wild team visit our “About Us” webpage.