EconTalk The Mysterious World of Owls (with Jennifer Ackerman)
5 snips
Sep 23, 2024 
Join award-winning science writer Jennifer Ackerman, author of 'What an Owl Knows,' as she unravels the mysteries of owls. Discover how they hunt and their fascinating adaptations for survival. Learn why their eyes are positioned forward and how trained dogs can help locate rare owl species. Ackerman also discusses the significance of dead trees for biodiversity and sheds light on the 'Harry Potter effect' on public perceptions of owls. These insights reveal not just the biology of these captivating creatures, but also our complex relationship with them.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Owl Pellets
- Owls typically swallow small prey whole and regurgitate indigestible parts as pellets.
- These pellets, containing fur, bones, and teeth, offer insights into owl diets.
Finding Owls
- To find owls, look for pellets at the base of trees, indicating their roosting and eating spots.
- Owls often have favorite spots, and pellets can help locate them.
Stockpiling Prey
- Snowy owls, living in cold climates, sometimes stockpile prey like lemmings.
- Researcher Denver Holt found one nest with a stockpile of 86 lemmings.
