The Hidden Lives of Owls: The Science and Spirit of Nature's Most Elusive Birds

(Paperback)

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Description

A naturalist probes the forest, mainly at night, to comprehend the secret lives of owls. From pygmy owls to opportunistic barred and majestic great horned owls, eleven prevalent species are observed in this book that will appeal to readers of Crow Nation and H is for Hawk. New York Times bestseller PNBA bestseller Washington State Book Award Finalist A naturalist explores the night forest to uncover the secret lives of eleven prevalent owl species-an illuminating book for birders, animal lovers, and readers of H is for Hawk Join a naturalist on her adventures into the world of owls, owl-watching, avian science, and the deep forest-often in the dead of night. Whether you're tracking snowy or great horned owls, these birds are a bit mysterious, and that's part of what makes them so fascinating. In The Hidden Lives of Owls, LeighCalvezpursues eleven different owl species-including the Barred,Flammulated, Northern Saw-Whet, Northern Pygmy, Northern Spotted, Burrowing, Snowy, and Great Gray. In an entertaining and accessible style,Calvezrelays the details of her avian studies, from the thuggish behavior of barred owls-which puts the spotted owl at risk-to the highly unusual appearance of arctic snowy owls in the Lower 48, which directly reflects the state of the vole population in the Arctic. AsCalveztakes readers into the lives of these strange and majestic creatures, she also explores questions about the human-animal connection, owl obsession, habitat, owl calls, social behavior, and mythology. Hoot!

Reviews

Calvez probes the forest at night in search of answers to the mystery [of owls], exploring topics such as owl calls, social behavior and mythology attached to the species.
The Chicago Tribune

"[Calvez's] writing integrates the luscious imagery of her surroundings along with the scientific data and analysis... it creates such an engaging reading experience."
Owl Eye

Leigh Calvez enters the world of owls with a sense of wonder as wide-eyed as her subjects. The reader shares every discovery along the way in this winning and heartfelt exploration.
Thor Hanson, author of Feathers and Bartholomew Quill

Almost like spying on the neighbors, Leigh joins the brother- and sisterhoodof nocturnal birders who track and measure night birds for science and for love."
Kathleen Alcal, author of The Deepest Roots

Youll come away from this riveting book blessed with owl wisdom that will enlarge your world forever.
Sy Montgomery,author of Birdology and The Soul of an Octopus

Informative as it is captivating, this book is a compelling window into the science and secrets of these guardians of the forest.
Brenda Peterson,author of Build Me an Ark: A Life with Animals

"Calvez writes with feeling and is obviously in awe of these mysterious creatures.
Library Journal

This enthusiastic study of the owls of the Pacific Northwest may inspire new fans and citizen scientists.
Shelf Awareness

Leigh Calvez shares what she calls her owl journey in this beautiful book, which is full of sensitive observations and high drama."
Kristin von Kreisler, author of An Unexpected Grace and Earnest

An owling delight.
The Owl Pages

An ode to the owl.
The Washington Post

[An] illuminating journey.
Sierra Magazine

Leigh Calvez shares many suchtrivia-friendly tidbitswhile providing the definitivehistoriesof 11 owlspecies.
Audubon Magazine

"Entertaining and enlightening a worthwhile and enjoyable read."
Birdwatch Magazine


PNBA bestseller
Washington State Book Award Finalist

Author Bio

LEIGH CALVEZ is a scientist and nature writer whose work has been published inAmerican Nature Writing2003 andBetween Species- Celebrating the Dolphin-Human Bondin addition toOcean Realm,The Ecologist,The Christian Science Monitor,theSeattle Times,and theSeattle Post-Intelligencer.She is the author of The Breath of a Whale andWhale Watching Adventures on the Pacific Coast.