The Pygmy-Owls of Forest Park - by John Deshler (Paperback)

About the Book

Experience an up-close view into the world of three neighboring pairs of wild Northern Pygmy-Owls as they struggle to raise owlets and survive confrontations with predators, humanity, the forces of nature, and one another.

Book Synopsis

Ever wondered what a day in the life of a small owl might be like? Or even a year? How do adult owls find one another and start to nest? How many eggs do they lay and what do they eat? Is it the same every year, or do their nesting habits and food vary? Do they fight with one another or with other types of owls? How long do they live? Do they migrate? And what about the young owls? How likely are they to survive? How old are they when they leave the nest and leave their parents? Or do their parents leave them? Where do the y0ung owls go? And how does a person research the nesting ecology of an owl? The Pygmy-Owls of Forest Park answers all of these questions and a thousand more.

Immerse yourself in the real-life experiences of three neighboring pairs of Northern Pygmy-Owls in Forest Park (Portland, Oregon) where research into their nesting ecology has opened a window onto their mysterious world. Every owl's fidelity, devotion to offspring, and tenacity are tested as they confront predators, the forces of nature, and one another. Seldom-seen patterns of pygmy-owl behavior and ecology are shown through the owls' natural actions, calls, and songs. The story also explores the wild owls' interactions with humanity, including the author, whose own life story is intertwined with theirs. The fate of each of the owls, their ecology, their voices, and their timeless rivalries are ultimately revealed.

Review Quotes

"I have loved every minute of this narrative. All I can sense whilst reading it is the meticulous care used to portray these characters-the owls-honestly. The manuscript is accessible, well-paced, and emotionally gripping." - Michelle Martire, Finicky Muse Editorial

"It's compelling in the same way Planet Earth is compelling." - John Knight, Knight Editorial