The Hidden Lives of Owls

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The Science and Spirit of Nature's Most Elusive Birds

by Leigh Calvez

“You’ll 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

In this New York Times bestseller, Leigh Calvez explores the night forest to uncover the secret lives of owls in this 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, Leigh Calvez pursues 11 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, Calvez relays 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.

As Calvez takes 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!

Aug 16, 2016 | Price: $21.95

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“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 sisterhood of nocturnal birders who track and measure night birds for science and for love."
—Kathleen Alcalá, author of The Deepest Roots

“You’ll 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 such trivia-friendly tidbits while providing the definitive histories of 11 owl species.”
—Audubon Magazine

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

PNBA bestseller
Washington State Book Award Finalist