Spotted Owl

Capturing a Spotted Owl on a trail camera is a badge of honor for any wildlife enthusiast. Because they are shy and prefer deep forest interiors, camera placement is everything. Look for areas with "old-growth characteristics": large-diameter trees, fallen logs, and a dense overhead canopy. Identify potential roosting spots by looking for "whitewash" (droppings) or owl pellets at the base of large conifers. Position your camera 10 to 15 feet up a neighboring tree using a climbing bracket, angling it downward toward a suspected perch or a natural forest opening where they might dive for prey.

Since Spotted Owls are strictly nocturnal, your camera’s flash technology is critical. We recommend using "No-Glow" or Black IR LEDs. Standard "Low-Glow" infrared can sometimes emit a faint red light that may startle these sensitive birds or, more importantly, attract the attention of their more aggressive competitors, the Barred Owl. Set your camera to a high-sensitivity trigger with a fast shutter speed (0.3 seconds or less) to capture the owl in flight. Using "Burst Mode" to take 3-5 photos per trigger will increase your chances of getting a clear shot of their distinctive spotted chest patterns.

In late spring and early summer, parents are at their most active as they hunt to feed growing owlets. If you have a permanent water source like a small creek or a hidden spring on your property near a wooded area, this is a prime location for a camera. Spotted Owls will often descend to drink or bathe during the hot summer months. Because these birds are federally protected and sensitive to disturbance, always check your cameras quickly and infrequently—no more than once every two to three weeks—to ensure you aren't stressing the pair or leading predators to their nesting site.