Short-eared Owl Research & Monitoring

It was a long, long time ago that Short-eared Owls captured the heart and fascination of ORI's founder Denver Holt. While his research of this species began in New England, we currently study breeding populations in western Montana.

We're pleased to report that it was a strong breeding season in 2020 for this ground nesting species! Scroll down for videos from the field or learn more about Shorties here:

Short-eared Owl, Asio flammeus © Kurt Lindsay

THE SNOWY OWL PROJECT

One of our longest running and most important studies, for 29 years the Snowy Owl Project has documented nesting rates, population fluctuations and trends, growth and development rates, and so much more. 

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With a changing climate, this work is more important than ever. A new focus of the project seeks to understand how warming temperatures are impacting Snowy Owl and lemming populations, which are declining in our study area.

OUR MISSION FOR OWLS

Conduct long-term research to understand species’ needs, vulnerabilities, and population trends. Long-term species monitoring is critical to  understanding an ever changing planet. As a result, we have many, species-specific projects underway. 

Supply partners, such as federal and state agencies, private conservation groups, and land owners, information to promote meaningful habitat management. Additionally, we distribute owl population data through scientific publications across the world.

Actively engage and educate a global audience through Live cams, Q & A’s, lectures, social media, TV, articles, and field tours. When people learn about, and connect with, owls, they are more likely to become conservation minded citizens. 

STAY CONNECTED WITH ORI

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or see our social media feed below. Click on any photo to read more.

JOIN US IN THE FIELD THROUGH OWL NOTES

Owl Notes are short films on the projects of Denver Holt and the Owl Research Institute. As a filmmaker, Daniel J. Cox of Natural Exposures, wanted to figure out how to bring people into the field and introduce them, firsthand, to the work of the Owl Research Institute and the wonderful subject of owls. Owl Notes is the result of this collaboration. Enjoy!

RESEARCH PROJECTS THAT NEED YOUR SUPPORT

CLIMATE CHANGE AND SNOWY OWLS

Understanding why populations are declining is the first step toward remedies.​

GREAT GRAY OWLS & SNAG DATA FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT

TAKING THE LONG-VIEW ON LONG-EARED OWLS

With significantly declining populations, our long-term research and monitoring is critical to our understanding of the bigger picture. 

PROJECTS OF SPECIAL INTEREST

LIVE CAM PARTNERSHIPS WITH EXPLORE.ORG

Watch the secret lives of owls as they nest and raise their young.

LEARN MORE >

REGIONAL SHORT-EARED OWL MONITORING 

A 3-year collaborative survey to assess population trends and threats. 

  LEARN MORE >

NEW! TRIBUTE GIFT PROGRAM

Celebrate someone special with the gift of conservation!

SUPPORT PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR OWLS

HELP PROTECT OWLS FOR GENERATIONS TO COME

© KURT LINDSAY