*Photo: Dr. R.J. "Rocky" Gutiérrez wearing one of K.T. Wescott-Gutiérrez's hand-knit owl sweaters. This 2020 sweater features a Blakiston's fish owl (via Dr. Jonathan Slaght's Facebook post).*

OWLS. FINALLY. In no particular order: what’s up with their eyes, legs, hoots, feathers, silent flight, nests, folklore, necks, barfs, conservation status, and omens? Go take a walk or sit on a porch in the dusk and make friends with Rocky. Dr. R.J. “Rocky” Gutiérrez is a celebrated researcher, Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, a legend in the owl world, and simply one of the loveliest ologists. He’ll take us on a trip next to a river, scrambling up some trees, over rocky terrain and through the forest to learn why owls are so magnetic. Yeah, I called owls the best bird. Not backing down.

Listen via Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. Ad-free episodes available by subscribing to SiriusXM Podcasts+. Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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Donations went to the International Owl Center and Northcoast Environmental Center

Links to things we discussed:

Plan to kill thousands of barred owls raises question about removing one species to save another

Spotted Owl Abundance in Young versus Old-Growth Forests, Oregon

Genetic structure, introgression, and a narrow hybrid zone between northern and California spotted owls (Strix occidentalis)

They Shoot Owls in California, Don’t They? - The New York Times

Plan to kill 450,000 owls pushes past major obstacle with Republicans both for and against

Mark Cunningham’s Zen Rio Grande Relaxation Sounds

Gallery of Owl Skulls

Anatomical study of the scleral ring and eyeball of the long‐eared owl (Asio otus) with anatomical methods and diagnostic imaging techniques

Amazing Facts About Owl Eyes | American Bird Conservancy