A complete and passionate labor of love. It is essential reading for those who are fascinated by owls-and those who aren't yet but are now at risk of becoming so. -- Bernd Heinrich, author of Mind of the Raven Lynch is among a select group of North America's very best natural history writers and photographers. In Owls of the United States and Canada he showcases both of these talents and reveals a wealth of knowledge about owl biology. Anyone interested in these fascinating birds will treasure this book for years to come. -- Brian E. Small, Birding Magazine
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Owl Addiction
1. Anatomy of an Owl
Paleocene Origins
WMDs: Weapons of Mouse Destruction
On Wings That Whisper
Colors that Disguise
Fretting with Feathers
2. Son et Lumiere
Sound Advice
The Handicap of Darkness
The Eyes of Owls
The Nocturnal Syndrome
3. Haunts and Hideaways
From Tundra and Taiga to Mountains and Marshlands
Floaters
Hot and Cold Weather Woes
Roost Rewards
Fleeing from Winter
4. Owl Invasions
The Owlish Appetite
Foods That Fight Back
Pellet Diaries
Hunting Techniques
Hoarding for Hard Times
5. Family Life
Who Gives a Hoot?
Courtship Conduct
House Hunting
The Cloacal Kiss
Oology 101
The Tedium of Incubation
Sexual Dimorphism: The Great Debate
6. The Next Generation
Early Chick Life
Asynchronous Hatching: A Strategy
Life in the Nest
Roamers, Branchers, and Homebodies
The Young and the Restless
7. Predators, Pirates, and Pests
Kleptoparasitism
A Call to Arms
8. Owls and Humans
HIPPO
Appendix: Scientific Names of Plants and Animals
References
Index
Wayne Lynch began work as a full-time science writer and photographer in 1979. Today he is the author of numerous award-winning books and television documentaries and one of Canada's best-known and most widely published photographers. His books include Wild Birds across the Prairies; Mountain Bears; A Is for Arctic; and Penguins of the World. He lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Beautiful, readable, and affordable. So if you plan to give it as a gift, I suggest you buy a copy for yourself as well. -- Whit Gibbons Tuscaloosa News This is a gorgeous book from celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch. Library Journal This is, in short, far and away the best owl book this reviewer has seen designed especially for general audiences. The writing is clear, concise, scientifically accurate, and totally readable. Choice This is a must have book for anyone interested in owls. Birdingnet.com This beautifully illustrated book contains a wealth of fascinating information... Will be much appreciated by birders, naturalists, and anyone with an interest in owls. -- C. R. Southeastern Naturalist This work is a labor of love. The author has done an admirable job. Quarterly Review of Biology Thoughtfully organized... it is an outstanding reference for this remarkable family of birds. Wildlife Activist I have more than a dozen owl books... but probably none is so attractive and accessibly informative as this one. -- Paul A. Johnsgard Great Plains Research Overall this book is a pleasure to read whether you're a diehard owl enthusiast or a casual admirer. You'll find yourself wanting to leave this book somewhere conspicuous, so you can show the images off to friends, family, and unwary passersby. -- Jim Cirigliano Bird Watcher's Digest
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