An Owl “Irruption” at Yellowstone National Park means unique opportunities for birders and photographers

Yellowstone National Park is experiencing a rare owl irruption this winter, with an unusual amount of northern pygmy owls being spotted in the park. The sudden influx has sent a wave of excitement through the birding and photography communities. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these elusive predators.

An irruption of owls occurs when more individuals than usual move into new territories, primarily in search of food. This year, many owls from Canada have moved south, down to the northern United States. The most highly affected area is Minnesota, where people are flocking from around the world to see and photograph an irruption of great gray owls. 

In Yellowstone, the irruption has meant more opportunities to see the elusive northern pygmy owl. This tiny predator stands only seven inches tall on average, but they can capture prey more than twice their size.

“A fairly rare experience in the past couple of decades, it has been a real treat to catch a glimpse of these charming birds of prey,” wrote Yellowstone Forever on their Instagram page.

While most owls are nocturnal hunters, pygmy owls hunt during the day. Theoretically, this would make them easier to find, but it takes a keen eye to spot these small owls. 

Photographing owls

Photographer Justin Theurer has spent the winter in Montana photographing owls for a new project he’s working on. He will also be leading a “Birds of Yellowstone: Photography in the Wild” program this May.

He described his most memorable experience this winter being the first time he spotted a northern pygmy owl. “It was a cold morning, with hoarfrost covering every surface,” he said. “We watched as it (the owl) successfully hunted a vole in front of us and then flew to a nearby branch to devour it. We all got great shots, but the excitement of fulfilling a goal with such an exhilarating outcome is something I’ll never forget.”

Theurer mentioned the biggest challenge with owl photography is ensuring he doesn’t disturb the owl’s natural behavior.

He recommends “keeping a respectful distance, using longer lenses instead of getting closer, and avoiding playback” in order to not disturb or distress the owls. “Respect for the owl’s space and well-being is key, as you don’t want to cause any undue stress or alter its natural behavior.”