Observing nocturnal birds of prey requires both patience and discretion, as well as adequate preparation. In France, many species of night birds can be encountered. Their presence, unsuspected at first, is most often betrayed by the calls they make in the night. Here are all the tips you need to observe nocturnal birds of prey in France.
How to prepare for a nocturnal observation outing
Find out about the different species of nocturnal birds of prey in your region. Forests, borders, nature parks or rural areas... Identify the most suitable areas for observing these birds.
Then find out about their physical characteristics and behavior. To increase your chances of coming face to face with the bird of prey of your choice, don't hesitate to listen to different recordings of its call in order to identify it and follow its trail by ear.
Nocturnal birds of prey are mainly active at night or dawn. Your outing will therefore take place at dusk or in the very last hours of the night. Before setting off, check the weather forecast. Clear nights with little wind offer the best conditions for birdwatching.
To ensure your safety, a night-watching tour should be organized by at least two people. On the other hand, avoid setting off in large groups. The more you are, the less discreet you will be. Take the precaution ofinforming a third party of your itinerary and the time you plan to return.
Choosing the right equipment to observe nocturnal birds of prey
To observe nocturnal birds of prey in their natural habitat, you need the right equipment.
- Bring along a night vision system, such as binoculars or a thermal monocular, so you can observe the bird comfortably from a safe distance.
- Carry a headlamp with a red filter to avoid disturbing the birds of prey and increase your chances of approaching them without frightening them.
- Equip yourself with clothing suited to night-time temperatures, so you don't get cold when you're not moving.
- Buy an ornithological guide to help you identify the species you see.
The different species of nocturnal birds of prey found in France
Eagle-owl
The long-eared ow l is France's largest nocturnal bird of prey. With its massive silhouette, it can reach heights of up to 70 cm and a wingspan of 1.88 m. It can be recognized by its gray to brown plumage and its head topped by 8 cm high egrets.
This nocturnal bird of prey is a year-round resident of France. It frequents open terrain, plains and mountains (especially cliffs).
Short-eared Owl
Medium-sized, the Short-eared Ow l measures between 34 and 42 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 1 m. It can be recognized by its slender silhouette, long, narrow wings and beige plumage spotted with brown, finely striped on top.
The Short-eared Owl rarely nests in France, and only in moors and marshes. However, it winters in open areas of France, where it can sometimes be seen hunting in broad daylight.
Scops owl
With an average size of no more than 20 cm, the scops owl is one of Europe's smallest nocturnal birds of prey. Its cryptic plumage makes it very difficult to spot.
The scops owl is only present in France in summer. It can be seen in sparse forests, orchards and parks.
Long-eared owl
A medium-sized nocturnal bird of prey, the Long-eared Ow l stands around 40 cm tall. It can be recognized by its egrets, similar to those of the great horned owl, and its brown, mottled plumage.
Partly migratory, many individuals winter in France. Although often associated with forests, the Long-eared Owl can also adapt to a wide variety of habitats (farmland, uplands and mountainous areas, man-made structures...).
The Barn Owl
The Barn Owl is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring around 35 cm in length and 85 cm in wingspan. It is easily identified by its heart-shaped white face, which contrasts with its large black eyes.
Present throughout France, even in urban areas (it makes its home in church steeples and attics), this sedentary bird is present all year round.
The Tawny Owl
The tawny owl is one of the most common nocturnal birds of prey in France. It is a medium-sized owl, measuring around 40 cm in height. It can be recognized by its grayish-brown to reddish-brown plumage, its stocky appearance, and its round, feathered face with deep black eyes.
Sedentary, it can be seen all year round in France, in forests, forest edges, parks and gardens.
Tengmalm's Owl
The Tengmalm 's Owl averages 25 cm in length and 60 cm in wingspan. It can be recognized by its large, round head with a distinctive facial disk, and its dark brown plumage dotted with white.
Strictly nocturnal and present all year round in France, the Tengmalm's Owl lives mainly in coniferous forests and densely vegetated mountainous areas.
Athena's Owl
At just 22 cm long and with a wingspan of 60 cm, the Little Owl is one of France's smallest nocturnal birds of prey. It can be recognized by its stocky body, rufous-brown plumage punctuated by cream-colored spots, and the whitish V on the back of its neck.
Mostly sedentary, the European Pygmy-Owl occupies a wide variety of habitats, from hedgerows and pastures to mixed farming and livestock areas.
The European Pygmy-Owl
Europe's smallest nocturnal raptor, the European Pygmy-Owl averages 15 to 17 cm in length. It can be recognized by its compact silhouette and round head, with a short beak and discreet egrets.
Generally sedentary, this species lives mainly in coniferous and deciduous forests, forest edges, scrubland and wooded heaths.
What to do once you're there
Birdwatching requires perseverance, day and night. With a little practice and a lot of patience, you'll achieve your goal.
Absolute discretion
To give yourself the best chance of success, take every precaution tobe as discreet as possible. Avoid scented odours and put your cell phone on silent mode.
Once night has fallen, stop talking and prefer to communicate by signalling.
Choosing your blind
It's best to choose your blind before nightfall. Choosing your vantage point is essential: it should camouflage you as much as possible and be positioned downwind to avoid being easily spotted.
Make sure you're as comfortable as possible so you can stand still for long periods.
You may decide to stay in one place for two hours at a time before moving to another blind. If you're moving around, beware of the twigs and dead leaves that litter the ground, which can be particularly noisy when stepped on (especially in the silence of the night).
Respect wildlife
Be careful not to disturb nocturnal birds of prey, especially during the breeding season.
You risk compromising their chances of breeding or feeding properly.
Reacting by fleeing to the slightest disturbance, night birds can abandon their nests, their eggs or even their young...
Focus on "La Nuit de la Chouette
Did you know? The LPO (Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux - League for the Protection of Birds) offers a multitude of volunteer missions, some of which take place in the evening.
One of the highlights is Nuit de la Chouette, which takes place every two years in March. This event raises public awareness of the need to protect owl species.
