Michigan is transforming into a winter wonderland, bringing thrilling opportunities for bird enthusiasts to more easily spot and hear owls. Each winter, our state becomes a temporary home for remarkable visitors from the Arctic tundra, such as the majestic snowy owl*. This northern species doesn’t visit us in great numbers every year, making its presence a rare treat for birders lucky enough to spot one.
Snowy owl populations fluctuate greatly each year, based on the availability of their summer prey: lemmings. When lemmings are plentiful, snowy owls can have a successful nesting season in the Arctic and produce a lot of healthy chicks. This boom in population can cause an “irruption” in the winter, when snowy owls are seen far outside of their usual winter range and in greater numbers. In past irruption years, snowy owls have been spotted in Florida and Hawaii! This year, there has been an early push of snowy owls south into Michigan and across the Great Lakes region, which is promising.
Winter also provides a chance to marvel at Michigan’s year-round residents, like the great horned owl and eastern screech owl. Amid leafless trees and snow-covered surroundings, these nocturnal creatures are often easier to spot and hear. Their haunting calls echo through still, winter nights, offering a magical experience for those who venture out to find them.
Although spotting owls is a rare occurrence, it’s part of what makes winter birding so special. Check out MI Birds’ blog, Enchanting Owls: Your Guide to the Great Lakes’ Winter Birds, for tips on where and how to responsibly observe these captivating creatures. Then bundle up, head outdoors and enjoy the wonders of winter birding in Michigan!
This story is brought to you by MI Birds, a public outreach and education program created by Audubon Great Lakes and the DNR. MI Birds aims to deepen all Michiganders’ engagement in the understanding, care and stewardship of public lands that are important for birds and local communities.
