great gray owl. They are mostly owls of the boreal forest with small populations in western mountains, but in some years they move farther south in search of food, … Barn Owl; Barred Owl; Boreal Owl; Burrowing Owl; Flammulated Owl; Great Gray Owl; Great Horned Owl [en español] Long-eared Owl [en español] Northern Saw-whet Owl [en español] Short-eared Owl; Snowy Owl; Spotted Owl; Western Screech Owl [en español] Click a photo to view an owl fact sheet. When and Where to Find in Washington Great Gray Owls breed in eastern Okanogan and western Ferry Counties and probably elsewhere in the eastern part of the state. Only a handful of great gray owl nests have ever been found in Washington state. Mr. Fuller will explore the mysteries and the facts surrounding this tallest North American Owl. Great gray owl ranges are naturally remote and secluded from most human disturbance. Great Gray Owls are currently included on the Washington Gap Analysis Project's at-risk list. The great horned owl is the largest and most recognizable owl in Washington.Keith Nelson. Track 8 - Blue Grouse WMA MP3; Track 9 - Western Screech Owl WMA MP3; Track 10 - Great Horned Owl WMA MP3; Track 11 - Northern Pygmy Owl WMA MP3; Track 12 - Spotted Owl WMA MP3; Track 13 - Barred Owl WMA MP3 Ranges from Brooks Range, south to Cook Inlet, east into Canada. Modified forest management can enhance habitat for Great Gray Owls by opening up dense forest stands. When there is a population crash of voles and other rodents in the boreal forest, numbers of Great Gray Owls may drift into … Figure 1. The main limiting distribution factor is the availability of suitable nesting sites and habitats conductive to their lifestyle. In the stillness of a cold mountain meadow the elusive giant quietly floats on broad wings across meadows and openings in evergreen forests. Harry Fuller is an Ashland-based birder and author who is currently writing a book on the Great Gray Owls of Washington-Oregon-California. In a good year, Washington is home to 15 different species of owls, the most of any state. In the state of Washington, extensive logging has caused habitat loss and as a result, there are few nesting records to date. The main limiting distribution factor is the availability of suitable nesting sites and habitats conductive to their lifestyle. RANGE: One of the most reclusive owls in North America, not often seen although widely distributed. The owl has positioned itself in front of a pattern that resembles its own cryptic coloration in this case, the trunk of a Douglas fir in Oregon. When I saw them look at me in the wild, I was mesmerized by their bright yellow … Key reference or plan. They are mostly owls of the boreal forest with small populations in western mountains, but in some years they move farther south in search of food, … This species readily accepts artificial platforms, even when previously-utilized, natural nest sites are available. Its great size is partly illusion: it has very thick fluffy plumage, and its body size is smaller than it would appear, so it preys mostly on tiny rodents. The Spotted Owl is not the only Washington owl that has been affected by expanding Great Horned Owl populations. In eastern Washington, Great … They have wide wings, lightweight bodies, and feathers specially designed to allow them to silently swoop down on prey. Survey Protocol for the Great Gray Owl within the Range of the Northwest Forest Plan Owls of Washington. Great Grey Owl Robert Moses State Park Great Grey Owl Behavior All images created by Diana Whiting or Diana Whiting Photography are the property of Diana Whiting, and may not be reproduced, downloaded, replicated or printed without express written permission of Diana Whiting. The Great Gray Owl is a dapper owl dressed in a gray suit with a bow tie across its neck and a surprised look on its face. They do not have ear tufts but they have the largest facial disc of any raptor. When prey is heard, the Great Gray Owl leaves its perch in one fast swoop, diving through the heaviest of snow for a meal. As more of Washington's forests are fragmented by logging, more area becomes available for Great Horned Owls, sometimes at the expense of endangered Spotted Owls, which not only require old-growth forest but also are preyed upon by Great Horned Owls. Has a circumpolar distribution from Norway across the boreal forest to eastern Canada.