10 Adirondack Wildlife to Spot in the Winter

Snowy Owl

If you’re lucky, you may be able to see a rare Snowy Owl. In the past few years, the Adirondacks have seen an increase in the Snowy Owl population. Because they prefer wide open agricultural areas or airports, they aren’t traditionally easy to spot in the mountainous and wooded Adirondacks. You can spot them at Bloomingdale and the Spring Pond Bogs, farmlands near the shores of Lake Champlain, Horseshow Grounds, the land around the Saranac Lake airport, and golf courses.Photo by Larry Master

Bobcat

Commonly mistaken for the Canada Lynx, this smaller pawed feline is found throughout the Adirondacks. A study showed that there are five Bobcat’s per every 100 square miles in the Adirondacks. Although they are technically nocturnal hunters, bobcats can be found walking around at all times of day in the Adirondack Park. You can spot them in low and mid-elevation evergreen bogs and swamps.Photo by Larry Master

Red Fox

The Red Fox is a red color all year round, but its coat is especially vibrant during the winter months, making them much easier to spot against the white backdrop of snow. The animal’s standard range of travel of six miles increases during the winter to scout out food. You can spot them: woodland edges and open fields.Photo courtesy of NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Blue Jay

Blue Jays are in the Adirondacks year round, but they are another bright bird that’s easier to spot against the white snow. You can spot them around bird feeders near forests. Listen for their iconic call and look up in the trees where they are often perched.

Ermine/Short-Tailed Weasel

This traditionally brown and tan critter turns a beautiful pure white in the winter months to camouflage into the snow. Ermine tunnel under snow and move around mostly under cover if the snow is soft, but will walk on top of crusty or ice covered snow. You can spot them in abandoned animal nests, in dead trees, under stones, barns, and sheds at all elevations in the Park.Photo by Larry Master

North American River Otter

While nocturnal during the warmer months, the River Otter’s diurnal activity increases during the winter months. You may spot them sliding and playing in the snow. You can spot them along the shores or in the water along lakes, rivers and ponds. They are known to frequent the Newcomb and Paul Smith’s Visitor Interpretive Centers, and you can see them indoors at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake.Photo by Larry Master

Wild Turkey

The cold-hardy Wild Turkey can be spotted all over the Adirondacks even in the harshest winters. They move around in large flocks during the winter looking for acorns, beechnuts and farm feed to eat. You can spot them along wooded edges, in farm lands, fields, and on rolling hills. They have been reported at the North-South Lake Campground by the DEC.

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker’s small body and vibrant red head is easier to spot along leafless trees in the winter. You can spot them among other small bird species feeding around household bird feeders, especially if there is suet. They are commonly found among deciduous trees in woodlands and around brushy or weedy edges.

Snowshoe Hare

With their namesake, oversized feet, the Snowshoe Hare has an advantage over other Adirondack wildlife. They are able to navigate deep snow with ease. The snowshoe hare is brown during warmer months, but turns white for winter protection from predators. You can spot them in low and high elevation forests and wetlands.Photo by Larry Master

Common Redpoll

Known as an energetic and social migratory bird, the Common Redpoll manages to make its way from the Arctic to the Adirondacks during the winter months. The flocks are drawn south for the greater abundance of food, such as birch catkin. You can spot them near woodland edges, and brushy or weedy fields. This bird not only flourishes in the cold, but it also tunnels in the snow. The tunnels are believed to be used by the birds to stay warm at night, lying about four inches below the surface.