Montana Owl Workshop: Apr 23—28, 2009

A fascinating short tour emphasizing identification, biology, and habitats of owls; good chances for many owl species including Long-eared, Pygmy, and Boreal. Spectacular scenery!

Join researchers for six days of owl hooting, observation, and research. Montana boasts the largest number of breeding owl species of any state in the United States. Fifteen species of owls occur in Montana, of which 14 species breed: Flammulated Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Boreal Owl, Eastern and Western screech-owls, Burrowing Owl, Northern Hawk Owl, Long-eared Owl, Short-eared Owl, Barn Owl, Barred Owl, Great Horned Owl, and Great Gray Owl. Snowy Owls are regular winter visitors.

We will assist researchers of the Owl Research Institute who are conducting a long-term study of Long-eared Owls. We will capture, band, weigh, measure, and record other biological data. We will collect and dissect owl pellets. We will discuss the natural history of Montana owls, and evolutionary adaptations in owls—how do owls hear, see, fly silently, camouflage, hunt, and other interesting facts. One evening (weather permitting) will be used to "owl prowl" for Western Screech-Owls. Luck often offers glimpses of the Aurora Borealis, fine stargazing, and yapping coyotes. Northern Pygmy-Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls are often heard as well.

A unique learning experience with owl expert Denver Holt as leader; good to very good accommodations and cuisine; good weather expected, but rain possible.

Read an excerpt of a National Geographic article about Snowy Owls featuring Montana Owl Workshop leader Denver Holt at nationalgeographic.com.