The Hidden Lives of Owls

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The Science and Spirit of Nature's Most Elusive Birds

by Leigh Calvez

A New York Times bestseller for fans of H is for Hawk

Join naturalist Leigh Calvez as she explores the secret world of owls, from owl-watching to avian science—often in the dead of night. These creatures have a certain mystery about them, which is just part of what makes them so fascinating. Calvez relays scientific facts and observations in entertaining, accessible ways while also exploring questions about the human-animal connection, owl obsession, habitat, owl calls, social behavior, and mythology.

Aug 16, 2016 | Price: $18.95

Leigh Calvez has worked with whales and dolphins as a scientist, naturalist, and nature writer. As a scientist, she was Research Director for the Ocean Mammal Institute on such projects as the effect of vessel traffic on endangered humpback whales off Maui, Hawaii. She also led the only independent research team observing the US Navy's testing of Low Frequency Active Sonar on humpback whales in their nurseries in Hawaii in 1998. As a naturalist, Leigh has worked on whale watch boats in Massachusetts watching humpback and finback whales on the feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank, in Hawaii on the breeding grounds of the humpback whale, and in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, watching pods of orca whales. She has also led extended whale watching journeys to New Zealand, British Columbia, and the Azores Islands off Portugal.

#9 on the New York Times Best Seller list (Animal Books)
PNBA bestseller
2016 Washington State Book Award Finalist

“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 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 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

"[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#9 on the New York Times Best Seller list (Animal Books)
PNBA bestseller
2016 Washington State Book Award Finalist

“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 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 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

"[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