Flathead

In 2024, Montana Audubon organized statewide citizen science surveys for Western and Eastern Screech-Owls. This was the pilot year of these surveys. 

Western Screech-Owl. Photo by Tyler Pockette.

Western and Eastern Screech-Owls are two closely related Screech-Owl species with converging ranges along the Missouri River in Montana. Both species are listed as Potential Species of Concern, and the Western Screech-Owl is listed on Montana’s Species of Greatest Inventory Need List. The most recent Winter Breeding Owl survey occurred in 2014, targeting fourteen owl species including the Western and Eastern Screech-Owls. 

Both Western and Eastern Screech-Owls are small, secretive, nocturnal species with heightened vocal activity in the breeding season (February-May). Both species nest in tree cavities, depending on old-growth trees in riparian areas, cottonwood groves, and conifer forests. With the increase in infrastructure in the last decade and the lack of recent population data on these two owl species, surveying efforts contribute to a further understanding of how the populations are affected by habitat loss. 

Citizen science is vital for this survey because it allows researchers and land managers to receive more data on where, when, and how many owls are in specific locations. Answering these questions allows for conservation and land management decisions based on scientific research. Montana Audubon provided multiple in-person and online training sessions for volunteers across the state. Although this survey targeted Screech-Owls, surveyors also recorded any incidental owl species they encountered during their survey. Surveys took place between March 1, 2024, and April 30, 2024. 

Eastern Screech-Owl. Photo by Tyler Pockette.

Nineteen volunteers participated in the surveys, detecting a total of 8 individual Western and Eastern Screech-Owls. In addition to Screech-Owls, volunteers also detected Great Horned Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Northern Pygmy Owl, and Boreal Owl. In total, 42 individual owls of various species were detected. The majority of detections took place in cottonwood, riparian, and conifer habitats. Survey data was added to the Montana Natural Heritage Program database, and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on these species in Montana.

Volunteer recruitment and training for the second season of surveys will begin in early 2025. Visit the Montana Audubon website for more information. 

Many thanks to all of the dedicated volunteers who participated in the pilot season- we could not have done it without you!

This article was adapted from the 2024 Montana Audubon Western and Eastern Screech-Owl Survey Report. Read the full report on the Montana Audubon website.