The Hidden Lives of Owls

The Science and Spirit of Nature's Most Elusive Birds

By: Leigh Calvez

Narrated by: Karen White

Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

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.

good reporting

I learned much, despite issues with the writer's style. Overlook the cliches, the anthropomorphisms, the vapid asides and the general flatness of the writing and you will enjoy this book.

Really interesting

The secret lives of owls is uncovered in this fact based book. It details Leigh's ongoing love affair with these huge and amazing creatures of the night, including her attempts to assist a family of owls survive after the death of their main provider. If you like bird life, particularly of the USA kind, then this book is for you.

Too many “I” statements.

Just my opinion:  I wanted to hear more about owls and much less about the author. 

Great book!

the narrator took some getting used to, but after that, this became an awesome book. I love how the stories are fun and you learn SOOO MUCH! such an inspiring listen.

Interesting

Fascinating creatures and interesting content except when the author’s-predictable self anointed moralism is interspersed. Tiring-like so many of its kind. At least it was free. Thanks- I did learn more about owls.

Terrible narrator, book might be great otherwise

The most stilted narrator ever! Can't be improved by increasing playback speed to 1.25x. Very disappointing since I really like owls and natural history books in general.