Halloween isn’t just about costumes, candy, and carved pumpkins. Nature has its own spooky season, and birds play a starring role. From owls hooting in the night to crows gathering in eerie flocks, the bird world is full of Halloween vibes if you know where to look.
Here are some fascinating birds that make Halloween feel extra magical — and maybe just a little spooky — for the whole family to enjoy.
Owls: Nature’s Nighttime Storytellers
Nothing says Halloween like the haunting call of an owl. Great Horned Owls, Eastern Screech-Owls, and Barred Owls are common across North America — and right here in the Hudson Valley.
- Why now? Many owls begin courtship in autumn, so their calls are more frequent.
- Where to listen: In the Hudson Valley, try wooded preserves like Mohonk Preserve, the Catskills, or even your own backyard if you live near trees.
Tip: Step outside just after dusk, cup your ears, and listen. Kids especially love hearing that ghostly “who-who-who” echo through the trees.
Crows: The Black Parade of the Bird World
Crows are intelligent, social, and a little theatrical — making them perfect Halloween companions. In the fall, American Crows begin gathering in huge groups called roosts.
- What makes it spooky: Seeing hundreds of crows flying overhead at sunset is like watching a living shadow sweep across the sky.
- Hudson Valley note: Keep an eye out near the Hudson River towns or open fields — fall crow roosts are a spectacular local sight.
Fun fact: A group of crows is famously called a “murder,” which only adds to their Halloween reputation.
Ravens: Legends with Wings
Bigger and deeper-voiced than crows, Common Ravens have long been linked with folklore, from Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven to myths around the world.
- Soundtrack of Halloween: Their deep “kraa” call feels straight out of a spooky movie.
- Hudson Valley sighting: Ravens are often seen soaring above the Shawangunk Ridge or along the cliffs near the Hudson Highlands.
Nightjars: The Birds of Twilight
Often mistaken for bats, nightjars (like the Eastern Whip-poor-will and Common Nighthawk) are nocturnal insect-eaters with haunting calls.
- Why spooky: Their silent, erratic flight at dusk and their strange, repetitive calls have fueled folklore for centuries.
- Where to watch: Look near open meadows or forest edges at twilight — areas like Minnewaska State Park can be good spots.
How to Enjoy a Family-Friendly Birdwatcher’s Halloween
You don’t need costumes or haunted houses to enjoy spooky season — nature provides the soundtrack. Here are simple, family-friendly ways to celebrate:
- Go on a “spooky bird walk” at dusk and see who’s calling in your neighborhood.
- Listen for owls after trick-or-treating — it’s the best natural Halloween soundtrack.
- Look for crow flocks gathering in the evening sky — a real-life Halloween parade.
- Bring binoculars and flashlights for kids to explore safely (and keep the mood fun, not scary).
Final Takeaway
Halloween is the perfect time to celebrate the “spookier” side of birds. From owls whispering in the dark to crows staging their black parades, birds add mystery and magic to autumn nights.
Here in the Hudson Valley in New York— or anywhere you live — you don’t need haunted houses to feel the Halloween spirit. Just step outside, tune your ears, and look to the skies.