Strigiformology (OWLS) with Dr. R.J. Gutiérrez
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).
Part 1: 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.
Part 2: We’re back with Dr. R.J. “Rocky” Gutiérrez to answer listeners’ questions on owls. How much wisdom lies behind those big, immovable eyes? Are owls good or bad omens? What’s their proclivity for snatching hats? Is The Staircase owl theory plausible? Is it ok to hoot back at them? What do you mean one of their toes is reversible? This episode’s got the answers, plus info on owl migration, conservation, burrowing, disco dancing, and more.
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.
Follow Dr. Gutiérrez on Google Scholar
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
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
How owls’ necks turn so far round - Sketchplanations
A breeze blows the feathers from the opening of a Barred Owl's ears
Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl by Jonathan C. Slaght
Evolution and Ecology of Silent Flight in Owls and Other Flying Vertebrates
Witches' broom deformed tree growth - Woodland Trust
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) adult and chicks nesting on a large witch’s broom
Simple DIY Owl Box Plans - Grit
Barn Owl nestboxes: Free owl nest box plans
Nest Boxes | Carolina Raptor Center
Owl Pellets - Meigs Point Nature Center
Barn Owl Pellet Analysis and Dissection
International Festival of Owls: March 2026
Ever wonder what owl feet look like?
Evidence, consequences, and angle of strike of bird–window collisions
Did the Owl Do It? Behind The Staircase's Wildest Theory
DEATH BY TALONS: Did An Owl 'Murder' Kathleen Peterson? By Tiddy Smith
c. 1486 Boke Of Saint Albans by Dame Juliana Berners
Rez Dogs - Owl 🦉 Scene - Uncle Brownie [S1E3]
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya
Bless Me, Ultima Official Trailer (2013) - Benito Martinez Movie HD
Millennials, the latest relic of your 2010 wardrobe is back
When a Conservation Conflict Comes Full Circle—The Spotted Owl Conflict is a Wicked Problem
Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s The Distinctive Calls of Owls: A Sampler
American Birding Association Code of Conduct
Other episodes you may enjoy:
FIELD TRIP: Birds of Prey and Raptor Facts
Condorology (CONDORS & VULTURES)
Corvid Thanatology (CROW FUNERALS)
Chickenology (HENS & ROOSTERS)
Ologies info:
400+ Ologies episodes sorted by topic
Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes
Transcripts and bleeped episodes
Become a patron of Ologies for as little as a buck a month
OlogiesMerch.com has hats, shirts, hoodies, totes!
Follow Ologies on Instagram and Bluesky
Follow Alie Ward on Instagram and TikTok
Editing by Mercedes Maitland of Maitland Audio Productions and Jake Chaffee
Managing Director: Susan Hale
Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth
Transcripts by Aveline Malek
Website by Kelly R. Dwyer
Theme song by Nick Thorburn