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California Natural History Guides #93
Field Guide to Owls of California and the West
Most owls are almost perfectly adapted to life in the dark. Their vaguely humanoid faces reflect the spectacular evolution of their hearing and vision, which has made flight, romance, and predation possible in the near absence of light. This accessible guide, full of intriguing anecdotes, covers all 19 species of owls occurring in North America. More than an identification guide, Field Guide to Owls of California and the West describes the biology and behavior of owls to make finding and identifying them easier and watching them more enjoyable. The guide also explores the conservation challenges that owls face and tells how owls provide insights to scientists working in fields from technology to health.
* Color plates illustrate each species
* Range maps show the western distribution of North America's owls, 14 of which occur in California
* Offers tips for finding and watching owls
* Gives information on how to design, place, and maintain nest boxes
* Describes human attitudes toward owls through history, including in Native American cultures of the West
* Color plates illustrate each species
* Range maps show the western distribution of North America's owls, 14 of which occur in California
* Offers tips for finding and watching owls
* Gives information on how to design, place, and maintain nest boxes
* Describes human attitudes toward owls through history, including in Native American cultures of the West
346 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2007
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 8, 2017
I love owls. One of the most distinctive birds around. For those of us who believed that our states were the only ones the magnificent creatures live.
August 8, 2011
Did you know:
o Fossils have been found in Cuba dating to 10,000 years ago of owls (related to Barn Owls) the size of 3 feet with appetites feeding on rodents the size of pigs?
o Ear tuffs on owls are actually camouflage enhancers helping to blend in with tree branches?
o Barn Owls are the only owls with a “pectin comb” on one of their talons to help preen their feathers?
o Male owls attract female to potential nesting spots with gifts of rodents while he has specific advertising songs which depict his mating quality?
o Most owls mate for life but co-population only lasts a few seconds?
o Many owls have sex “for fun” and not just to reproduce?
o Owls DO have more rods than cones (rods are used to black and white depiction) which is why they see in the dark but they DO see perfectly well in daylight?
These are just some of the facts and tidbits of information which both owl lovers and bird watchers alike will learn when reading and utilizing the Field Guide to Owls of California and the West. This book isn’t just a field guide, it is biological and at times even a psychological look into the 12 species of owls which dominant the Western states.
This field guide begins with a background and overview on owls which include owl birding laws that one should be aware of (such as it being illegal to play owl calls on tape in the woods to attract owls) and tips on coming across an owl which you would never think of (meaning small clues to look out for which even as an avid owler I have not yet been aware of). Also useful is the section of endangered and threatened owls and how to take preventative measure to not disturb these owls; even presenting a full diagram on “how to” build a proper nest box to help owls find homes since the logging industry is bulldozing their homes.
The “Species Accounts” familiar to all guide books are detailed, yet interesting and easy to understand highlighting aspects such as: identification, voice, flight, daily activity and feeding, reproduction, distribution and habitat (with map), similar species, status, and remarks. The best part of this section is the size charts and illustrations of both adult and fledging owls.
Problems with the field guide? Unlike other field guides, this one sadly had few “real” photos of the owls; just drawings in the species accounts. Plus, I found an error in the caption on the Snowy Owl Plate! The female was marked as a male. This is a HUGE error when it comes to a scientific field guide.
*Note* : I have been contacted by the author of this guidebook, whom has argued about the validity of his Snowy Owl plate classification versus my calling it an error. I would have to look again at the guidebook before I assert the truth of his error or mine. Therefore, take my above comment into consideration but look into it yourself.
o Fossils have been found in Cuba dating to 10,000 years ago of owls (related to Barn Owls) the size of 3 feet with appetites feeding on rodents the size of pigs?
o Ear tuffs on owls are actually camouflage enhancers helping to blend in with tree branches?
o Barn Owls are the only owls with a “pectin comb” on one of their talons to help preen their feathers?
o Male owls attract female to potential nesting spots with gifts of rodents while he has specific advertising songs which depict his mating quality?
o Most owls mate for life but co-population only lasts a few seconds?
o Many owls have sex “for fun” and not just to reproduce?
o Owls DO have more rods than cones (rods are used to black and white depiction) which is why they see in the dark but they DO see perfectly well in daylight?
These are just some of the facts and tidbits of information which both owl lovers and bird watchers alike will learn when reading and utilizing the Field Guide to Owls of California and the West. This book isn’t just a field guide, it is biological and at times even a psychological look into the 12 species of owls which dominant the Western states.
This field guide begins with a background and overview on owls which include owl birding laws that one should be aware of (such as it being illegal to play owl calls on tape in the woods to attract owls) and tips on coming across an owl which you would never think of (meaning small clues to look out for which even as an avid owler I have not yet been aware of). Also useful is the section of endangered and threatened owls and how to take preventative measure to not disturb these owls; even presenting a full diagram on “how to” build a proper nest box to help owls find homes since the logging industry is bulldozing their homes.
The “Species Accounts” familiar to all guide books are detailed, yet interesting and easy to understand highlighting aspects such as: identification, voice, flight, daily activity and feeding, reproduction, distribution and habitat (with map), similar species, status, and remarks. The best part of this section is the size charts and illustrations of both adult and fledging owls.
Problems with the field guide? Unlike other field guides, this one sadly had few “real” photos of the owls; just drawings in the species accounts. Plus, I found an error in the caption on the Snowy Owl Plate! The female was marked as a male. This is a HUGE error when it comes to a scientific field guide.
*Note* : I have been contacted by the author of this guidebook, whom has argued about the validity of his Snowy Owl plate classification versus my calling it an error. I would have to look again at the guidebook before I assert the truth of his error or mine. Therefore, take my above comment into consideration but look into it yourself.
March 24, 2014
beautiful drawings, tightly knitted descriptions. i'm taking it with me when i hit the road this summer.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews