Finding owls at night might seem a rather daunting prospect, but it isn't as impossible as it sounds. You can rely on luck, and just maybe catch one napping by day, but your chances are much better if you pursue them into their dark and mysterious world. But most are strictly nocturnal, presenting more of a challenge to birders.
Many birders are undoubtedly unaware of how common some of our owl species are.
Based on daytime observations you would never suspect that Western Screech-Owl is the most abundant bird of prey in the San Francisco Bay Area. Several other species are also surprisingly plentiful within their favored habitats. It's just a matter of knowing where and how to look. Owls are territorial, and react to this stimulus as if a real owl was intruding upon their turf. Obviously success depends in part on an understanding of the habits and habitat preferences of the different species.