where in the world do i study owls?
If you want to know why I look for owls, you can go there now. If you want to know what my owl pursuits are all about, then you are in the right place. Since 1987, I have run roughshod in northeast Minnesota over the five routes depicted below in search of boreal and other northern forest owls. My survey protocol is this: 3 minute listening periods at 1/2 mile intervals. I rely on my hearing to hone in on any of the vocalizations that may ride on the stilled, cold air. That means I have surveyed over 4,600 km, have made over 8,800 stops, and have spent over 500 hours listening for owls. Owl surveys can either be wonderful or punishing. Some people believe I should use taped playback recordings to elicit responses from owls and reduce my time in the field. I feel just the opposite. When owls sing, they are telling me something. When owls don't sing, they are telling me something.
