

Wayne Lynch
Named One of the Best Reference Books of 2007 by Library Journal
2008 Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine
There is no group of birds more mysterious and fascinating than owls. The loudmouths of the raptor world, they peep, trill, toot, bark, growl, shriek, whistle, chittle, whoop, chuckle, boom, and buzz. Indeed, very few actually "hoot." They have become the stuff of lore and legend—from the Roman myth that an owl foot could reveal secrets to the First Nations belief that an owl feather could give a newborn better night vision. But the truth about owls is much more exciting.
In this...
Named One of the Best Reference Books of 2007 by Library Journal
2008 Outstanding Academic Title, Choice Magazine
There is no group of birds more mysterious and fascinating than owls. The loudmouths of the raptor world, they peep, trill, toot, bark, growl, shriek, whistle, chittle, whoop, chuckle, boom, and buzz. Indeed, very few actually "hoot." They have become the stuff of lore and legend—from the Roman myth that an owl foot could reveal secrets to the First Nations belief that an owl feather could give a newborn better night vision. But the truth about owls is much more exciting.
In this gorgeous book, celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch reveals the secrets of these elusive species with stunning photographs, personal anecdotes, and accessible science. The photos alone are masterpieces. Unlike most published owl photos, which are portraits of birds in captivity, the vast majority of these were taken in the wild—a product of the author-photographer's incredible knowledge and patience.
Lynch complements the photos with a wealth of facts about anatomy, habitat, diet, and family life. For each of the nineteen species that inhabit Canada and the United States, he provides a range map and a brief discussion of its distribution, population size, and status. Lynch debunks myths about owls' "supernatural" powers of sight and hearing, discusses courtship rituals, and offers personal tips for finding owls in the wild.
From the great horned to the tiny elf owl, this amazing volume captures the beauty and mystery of these charismatic birds of prey.
Beautiful, readable, and affordable. So if you plan to give it as a gift, I suggest you buy a copy for yourself as well.
This is a gorgeous book from celebrated natural history writer and wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch.
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.
This is a must have book for anyone interested in owls.
This beautifully illustrated book contains a wealth of fascinating information... Will be much appreciated by birders, naturalists, and anyone with an interest in owls.
This work is a labor of love. The author has done an admirable job.
Thoughtfully organized... it is an outstanding reference for this remarkable family of birds.
I have more than a dozen owl books... but probably none is so attractive and accessibly informative as this one.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
with Hopkins Press Books