The Hidden Lives of Owls

The Science and Spirit of Nature's Most Elusive Birds

By: Leigh Calvez

Narrated by: Karen White

In this New York Times best seller, a naturalist probes the forest to comprehend the secret lives of owls. Leigh Calvez takes listeners on an adventure into the world of owls: owl-watching, avian science, and the deep forest - often in the dead of night. These birds are a bit mysterious, and that's part of what makes them so fascinating. Calvez makes the science entertaining and accessible while exploring the questions about the human-animal connection, owl obsession, habitat, owl calls, social behavior, and mythology.

©2016 Leigh Calvez (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Calvez writes with feeling and is obviously in awe of these mysterious creatures." ( Library Journal)

Catbirbs cute

I'm fond of owls which is why I picked up this title and it had some really interesting information. I also appreciated the environmental message.

I found myself disagreeing with some of the philosophical perspectives in the book though. I must admit that I am someone who finds the endless Darwinian struggle of nature, the endless cycle of suffering and death for millions upon millions of years, extremely depressing. The book tries to portray it as beautiful and meaningful which I found thoroughly disagreeable.

This is a wonderful book, narrator a bit grating

I've listened to this 4x, I'm used to the narrator by now. Leigh Calvez has written a very moving yet scientifically accurate account of the lives of 10+ American owls. Her vignettes are poignant, emotional and at times tragic, show the cycles of nature and effects of climate change. So in love with owls 🦉 the snowy and great grey stories moved me to tears. Unfortunately, as she detailed, I also came across perfectly intact dead barred owl that had been tragically killed by truck or car this week, out hunting to feed hungry owlets? And like Leigh did find myself thinking are their babies hungry in a nest somewhere, where they fledged yet? Literally wake up at 4:40am wondering if they will survive. Many life lessons to be learned from these beautiful, magnificent creatures. Please write another book Leigh?

Too self absorbed

I found this book disappointing. The author included far more of it detailing herself and her own doings than providing information and insights into the lives of owls.

Will not complete

The narrator is to slow and ponderous. This creates a feeling of boredom with the subject matter.

Good data, very evocative

The data about the subject was current, thorough, and extremely well researched. I like everything about the book very much. The author delved into anthropomorphism towards the end, although I admit I would have done the same in her circumstance. Good read.