FAQ’s
What owls can I possibly see on a Twin Cities Tour?
Saw Whet, Long Eared, Short Eared, Snowy, Eastern Screech, Barred, Great Horned
What owls can I possibly see on a Tour in Northern Minnesota?
Great Gray, Northern Hawk, Snowy, and on rare occasions Boreal Owls
How long are tours?
Full Days are from sun up to sun down.
How much hiking is involved?
For City Tours there will be mostly light hiking, only on occasions will there be longer hikes. For Northern Minnesota Tours almost no hiking will be necessary. A majority of the photography is done in the vehicle or on the public roadways.
Do I need my own transportation?
Yes, a rental vehicle (or your own) will be necessary for all Tours.
Are there Tours available outside of winter?
Yes, often times Spring and Summer will yield great Baby Owl Photography opportunities in Minnesota.
Where do we go in the Twin Cities for Tours?
All over. Owl locations can be within the actual city limits of St. Paul and Minneapolis, as well as every direction outside of the cities, into the suburbs and countryside.
When is the best time to come for a Tour?
The best Owling in MN is typically from December to March, as that’s when the majority of our migratory owls are here. However, if nesting season is good it can extend into June, some years even later. April is another great month for winter owls when Minnesota has longer winters.
Can I see all the Owl species in a single Tour?
No. Unfortunately only certain species of Owls winter in the Twin Cities, while others winter in Northern Minnesota. For this reason, a minimum of 2 Full Day Tours are needed to potentially see all species.
What camera gear and lenses should I bring?
All of them! Sometimes telephoto lenses are we will need for certain owl species, but there are occasions a shorter lens is necessary. And sometimes one may want to snap a landscape image, so best to just bring everything you have.
What type of clothing should I bring?
General rule for Minnesota: Plan for the Arctic, and hope for better. Pack extra socks, warm/waterproof boots, snow pants or overalls, any heated vests or gloves you may have. A thick winter jacket, hats, scarfs, gloves are all necessary here in Minnesota in winter. It’s always best to over pack than be without.