Owls in New Hampshire: Where to See Them and How to Identify Them

Most sightings cluster in the White Mountain National Forest, around Great Bay, and along the Connecticut River Valley. The dense mixed forests of the Monadnock Region also hold resident Barred Owls. Start with state parks like Umbagog Lake State Park for boreal species.

In New Hampshire, owls sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Dusk and dawn are prime windows for all species. Winter (December to February) is ideal for listening to Great Horned Owls as they begin courtship. Late winter and early spring also bring increased vocal activity from Barred Owls. Nighttime with a full moon can boost your odds, but use only red flashlights.

Great Horned Owls are large with prominent ear tufts and yellow eyes. Barred Owls are brown with dark vertical bars on the chest and a rounded head. Eastern Screech-Owls are small with ear tufts, often gray or red morph. The tiny Northern Saw-whet Owl has a striped forehead and no ear tufts. For more help, check our owl identification guide.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Mixed deciduous and coniferous forests with large trees for nesting are key. Wetlands and open fields adjacent to woods provide hunting grounds. Barred Owls frequent swamps and old-growth stands, while Great Horned Owls adapt to suburban parks. Stick to forest edges and river corridors for best results.

Keep at least 150 feet from nests and roosts. Avoid using playback calls more than a few times. Never disturb a roosting owl during daylight. Use natural cover and stay on trails. Respect private property and report any illegal harassment to Fish and Game.