Binocular Owl

when is the best time to watch for this owl?

there is an owl in our local woods. I am not sure which species, as I have only heard it a few times. I have heard it around 3 am. When is it best to go and listen and watch for the owl? Is it better to stay up and go out late, or to get up about 4 am and spend the early morning?
Obviously, I have my reservations about being seen hanging around on the edge of the street (which is where the woods begins) with a pairof binoculars in the wee small hours.

Hi!

Owls are nocturnal, so they will be awake in the night time hours. However, you can often get good glimpses of them around dusk, when it would not appear strange for you to be outside with binoculars. Try around 5-7, before it is completely dark.

If you are very still, you may hear them and be able to see them. It will be hard to spot unless you see it move. If you observe it and do not disturb it, you will probably be able to observe it often as they tend to stay in their territory.

I volunteer at the Center for Birds of Prey, and we have a family of Barred Owls living on our property. They are amazing to watch! I hope you see it.

Check out http://www.OwlCam.com The last time I checked, it had not been updated in a while but the archives were available. It is a very interesting site.

Molly the Barn Owl’s First Outdoor Flight