Owls of Michigan
Michigan, with more than half of the state forested, is home to eleven species of owls. Spotting owls can be tricky since most species are inactive during the day. And owls, by nature, are shy and elusive creatures.
Here are some tips for successful owling:
- Learn – Find out about the species of owls in the area you are looking for.
- Listen – Familiarize yourself with the calls of different owls you can come across and listen actively. You are more likely to hear them before seeing them.
- Look carefully – Owls have excellent camouflage, and their plumages are adapted to blend into the night.
- Signs – Also look out for their pellets which are oblong or spherical and brown or grey in color. A large number of pellets indicates a nearby nesting or roosting owl.
- Be respectful – Be still and silent, and refrain from using bright lights, so as not to disturb or frighten them away.
This cache is one of twelve that were published for the 2022 Autumn in Oakwoods event. Each cache will focus on one of the owls that you will find in the state, many of which can be found right here in Oakwoods. A link to all 12 of the caches may be found HERE.
Boreal Owl
- Scientific name – Aegolius funereus
- Lifespan – 8 years (maximum recorded)
- Size – 8.7 – 10.6 in
- Weight – 3.3 – 7.6 oz
- Wingspan – 20 – 24 in
The boreal owl is a small, shy owl with a stunned expression. Its plumage is brown above with white flecks and white below with brown streaks. It has a large head, a grayish-white facial disk, and large, yellow eyes.
Boreal owls inhabit the dense coniferous forests of the taiga, and most populations are resident, although some do migrate south during harsh winters, although not usually too far outside their breeding range. These owls are rarely encountered, but they do occur in the forested areas further north.
Boreal owls are mainly nocturnal but do hunt diurnally in parts of their range, depending on the season. They mainly prey on rodents, small birds, and invertebrates. It is very difficult to estimate the population size of this species due to its elusive nature. They are classified as least concern. Source: https://avibirds.com/owls-of-michigan/
The Cache: The cache is a medium-sized lock & lock hidden along the Iron Belle hike/bike trail.
| This cache is located within Oakwoods Metropark, a part of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority park system. A Metropark Vehicle Entry Permit is required: Annual Permit $40. Senior(62+) Permit $29. Daily Permit $10.
For general information please call 810-227-2752 or 800-47-PARKS. Or visit our website at www.metroparks.com.
All park rules and regulations apply. Park in parking lots only. Check the Metroparks website for park hours.
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The permit for this cache has been submitted and approved by the Southern District Interpretive Services Supervisor of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks