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All small forest owls rely on tree cavities for nesting. But what happens when these cavities begin to disappear?

As twilight falls over northern Utah's aspen groves and the rugged canyons of southeastern Arizona, a hidden world comes to life. Tiny forest owls—some no larger than the palm of your hand—emerge from their secret refuges, nestled within tree cavities that industrious woodpeckers have hollowed out. Under cover of darkness, they take flight, gliding silently in search of prey such as moths, beetles, centipedes, lizards, and even the occasional bat. These owls are perfectly adapted to life in the shadows.

However, this delicate balance is under threat. Scientists warn that in this century, aspen forests may vanish from many regions, taking with them the natural tree cavities crucial for nesting and shelter—not just for owls but for an entire web of wildlife. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more extreme, even the owls' food sources may dwindle, forcing these resilient birds to adapt in ways we are only beginning to understand. With temperatures rising, the intricate relationship between owls and their prey is being thrown into chaos and disrupting breeding patterns. Even the conditions of tree hollows, once perfect for nesting, may no longer provide the shelter that these birds depend on.

Join ÃÀ¼§ÉçÇø and partner HawkWatch International in one of two locations—in southeastern Arizona or northern Utah—to study owl ecology in several unique habitats, learn about nesting and breeding behaviors, and investigate the potential impacts climate change will have on owls and other wildlife.

During the day, you’ll measure owl habitat—locating tree cavities and taking GPS and other measurements. At night, you’ll listen for the low-pitched ‘boop’ of the Flammulated Owl, the high-pitched laughing of Elf Owls, or the non-stop ‘reverse signal’ tooting of the Northern Saw-whet owl while you survey for, capture, and band owls that fly above you.