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Scientists in the Field
The Snowy Owl Scientist (Scientists in the Field
Are the snowy owls in trouble? Venture into the Alaskan arctic and the summer realm of these predator birds to find out. Discover the diverse species necessary to owl survival, how climate change is affecting the landscape of their nesting site of past millennia, and what it takes to do field research in this action-packed addition to the award-winning Scientists in the Field series. It's July on Alaska's North Slope, and scientist Denver Holt is in Utqiagvik surveying nests. Denver has been coming here since 1992, and the snowy owls he studies have been coming here much thousands of years. With its mix of coastal, low-elevation tundra and a rich presence of lemmings, the North Slope is the only area in Alaska where snowy owls regularly nest. How do snowy owls decide where they will nest? How do they manage to arrive at locations where food will be abundant? What drives the success of these delicate tundra ecosystems? These are the mysteries Denver is trying to solve to help ensure a bright future for these elegant hunters. Supplemental PDF accompanies the audiobook.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published April 19, 2022
2000 people want to read
About the author
Mark Wilson
332 books20 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 12, 2022
The Snowy Owl Scientist by Mark Wilson is currently scheduled for release on April 19 2022. Are the snowy owls in trouble? Venture into the Alaskan arctic and the summer realm of these predator birds to find out. Discover the diverse species necessary to owl survival, how climate change is affecting the landscape of their nesting site of past millennia, and what it takes to do field research in this action-packed addition to the award-winning Scientists in the Field series.
It's July on Alaska's North Slope, and scientist Denver Holt is in Utqiagvik surveying nests. Denver has been coming here since 1992, and the snowy owls he studies have been coming here much longer: thousands of years. With its mix of coastal, low-elevation tundra and a rich presence of lemmings, the North Slope is the only area in Alaska where snowy owls regularly nest. How do snowy owls decide where they will nest? How do they manage to arrive at locations where food will be abundant? What drives the success of these delicate tundra ecosystems? These are the mysteries Denver is trying to solve to help ensure a bright future for these elegant hunters.
The Snowy Owl Scientist is a visually stunning book that is clearly a passion project from the author and the research team. The information, charts and graphs, and images are very well done and organized. The information is very detailed, and might be beyond younger readers, although the pictures might well keep them turning pages if their interest in the text wanes. I think this book would be better suited to middle grade and older readers, or high interest readers, rather than the slightly younger readers the initial formatting suggested to me. The book is well written, well organized, and I liked that resources, an index, and a glossary were included in the endpages. I thought the information was valuable, and it would make for a great book for use in a research project or for readers that want a first hand account of what researching animals can really be like.
It's July on Alaska's North Slope, and scientist Denver Holt is in Utqiagvik surveying nests. Denver has been coming here since 1992, and the snowy owls he studies have been coming here much longer: thousands of years. With its mix of coastal, low-elevation tundra and a rich presence of lemmings, the North Slope is the only area in Alaska where snowy owls regularly nest. How do snowy owls decide where they will nest? How do they manage to arrive at locations where food will be abundant? What drives the success of these delicate tundra ecosystems? These are the mysteries Denver is trying to solve to help ensure a bright future for these elegant hunters.
The Snowy Owl Scientist is a visually stunning book that is clearly a passion project from the author and the research team. The information, charts and graphs, and images are very well done and organized. The information is very detailed, and might be beyond younger readers, although the pictures might well keep them turning pages if their interest in the text wanes. I think this book would be better suited to middle grade and older readers, or high interest readers, rather than the slightly younger readers the initial formatting suggested to me. The book is well written, well organized, and I liked that resources, an index, and a glossary were included in the endpages. I thought the information was valuable, and it would make for a great book for use in a research project or for readers that want a first hand account of what researching animals can really be like.
June 23, 2022
The Scientists in the Field series is among the very best STEM books for young readers, and this entry in the series is particularly excellent.
Author-photographer Wilson takes readers to the far north of Alaska where he introduces us to the senior researcher studying the snowy owl and its nesting grounds. As with all the Scientists in the Field books, readers learn both the joys and rigors of doing field research, how to collect data, and how to use that data to form hypotheses and draw conclusions.
The text is geared to younger readers but in no way waters down the information. Colorful charts and sidebars draw readers' attention.
This book a series stand-out thanks to the spectacular photographs of owls in flight, on their nests, and on the hunt. Wilson even includes a section on nature photography, detailing the importance of paying attention to the safety to the birds as well as to the challenges of working in the tundra.
As with all the books in this series, the text ends with a list of resources for further study and a glossary.
Thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
Author-photographer Wilson takes readers to the far north of Alaska where he introduces us to the senior researcher studying the snowy owl and its nesting grounds. As with all the Scientists in the Field books, readers learn both the joys and rigors of doing field research, how to collect data, and how to use that data to form hypotheses and draw conclusions.
The text is geared to younger readers but in no way waters down the information. Colorful charts and sidebars draw readers' attention.
This book a series stand-out thanks to the spectacular photographs of owls in flight, on their nests, and on the hunt. Wilson even includes a section on nature photography, detailing the importance of paying attention to the safety to the birds as well as to the challenges of working in the tundra.
As with all the books in this series, the text ends with a list of resources for further study and a glossary.
Thanks to the publishers for a review copy.
November 14, 2022
Another outstanding book in the Scientist in the Field series. I learned so much from reading this book, reporting on Snowy Owl biologist , Denver Holt. Fantastic photographs and excellent text by Mark Wilson. I especially loved the chapter on banding the fledgling owl chicks who are often seized with wanderlust at about 21 days and meander off in different directions from the nest. Shots of the adult males dive bombing the researchers and the close up shots of the fuzzy chicks were exceptional.
These beautiful birds often show up here in Michigan in the winter and I've always wondered why we saw them sitting on the ground so often. This and many questions answered!
These beautiful birds often show up here in Michigan in the winter and I've always wondered why we saw them sitting on the ground so often. This and many questions answered!
November 27, 2022
This book presents a deep dive into the work of a scientist studying snowy owls. It's comprehensive! There is a lot of text, but it's supported with several engaging photographs and a few illustrations.
Even though some features target middle grade readers, I would put this in the hands of readers aged 12 to 17. It requires a lot of focused attention, unless younger readers take a chapter a week. Even though there is a glossary in the back matter, there are a lot of technical terms.
Yes, readers 8 to 11 might have interest in how field scientists work or have an obsession about owls in particular, but I see this book as a bit demanding for middle grade readers, which can be as young as fourth grade.
But to the merits of the book.
It was a joy to "shadow" snow owl researcher Denver Holt as he roams through an area of Alaska inhabited by these owls (and other fauna). The book details the life cycle, habitat, food sources, and other aspects of the snowy owl. But we also learn about Denver's tools of the trade, his mentor, his training, and his techniques for collecting data.
If you know a child (or even an adult) who enjoys owls or wants to know more about wildlife field research, this book is packed with great information! It's encyclopedic!
Back matter includes a glossary of about ten words, a list of references (including some links), and an index of about 100 entries.
Even though some features target middle grade readers, I would put this in the hands of readers aged 12 to 17. It requires a lot of focused attention, unless younger readers take a chapter a week. Even though there is a glossary in the back matter, there are a lot of technical terms.
Yes, readers 8 to 11 might have interest in how field scientists work or have an obsession about owls in particular, but I see this book as a bit demanding for middle grade readers, which can be as young as fourth grade.
But to the merits of the book.
It was a joy to "shadow" snow owl researcher Denver Holt as he roams through an area of Alaska inhabited by these owls (and other fauna). The book details the life cycle, habitat, food sources, and other aspects of the snowy owl. But we also learn about Denver's tools of the trade, his mentor, his training, and his techniques for collecting data.
If you know a child (or even an adult) who enjoys owls or wants to know more about wildlife field research, this book is packed with great information! It's encyclopedic!
Back matter includes a glossary of about ten words, a list of references (including some links), and an index of about 100 entries.
December 9, 2021
Step into the shoes of a researcher hoping to improve our understanding of snowy owls and their connection to the Ukquiavik ecosystem. The reason for the seasons, details on local wildlife with a focus on the snowy owl flow together seamlessly in this engaging non-fiction title. Follow a snowy owl family through a year as they grow and interact with other parts of their habitat. Insights into what life is like in the field, how to help an injured owl, and how the warming Arctic is impacting their survival make this text easy for kids to connect with on multiple levels. New bolded terms are also organized in a short glossary at the close of the text as well as further references and an index. A great book for aspiring young scientists and conservationists.
August 9, 2022
The Scientists in the Field kids series continues with this lovely addition. Lots of excellent facts about snowy owls, their habitat, and other birds of northern Alaska, fun gear pictures, and my personal favorite touch, how to view and photograph birds at a safe distance to respect them and their habitat.
November 6, 2023
Travel to the Arctic circle of Alaska with snowy owl researcher Denver Holt and photojournalist Mark Wilson as he uncovers what a snowy owl scientist does in the field.
It was interesting to learn that after several decades, there are still big mysteries about snowy owls that Denver Holt hasn't been able to firmly uncover. It really highlights how money constraints and personnel constraints mean that scientists can't just up and study whatever they'd like to. The link between lemming populations and snowy owl nesting locations was quite interesting, making this a good choice for readers studying ecosystems and symbiotic relationships of species. I also liked the background info on Denver Holt being a kid who would much rather be outside than inside and how he found an occupation that matched his personality. This will resonate with other readers who can't stand to be cooped up inside. Mark Wilson shares quite a bit about what it is like to be a photojournalist and the challenges he had to overcome to get the pictures for this book and what kind of equipment he uses. And in telling both about the scientific research and the photography, readers get to learn what it is like in this remote part of Alaska in the summer and the people group who has made their home there for centuries. (I really appreciate how Wilson portrays Denver Holt as respectful of the local Inupiak people and relates to readers some of the Inupiaq terms that Denver taught him.) There's also things that Denver Holt is keeping an eye on with concerns for how they will impact the snowy owls. Some of these scientists in the field books feel more YA while others feel more middle grade, this one feels a touch more middle grade though still of interest to teen readers.
No content issues.
It was interesting to learn that after several decades, there are still big mysteries about snowy owls that Denver Holt hasn't been able to firmly uncover. It really highlights how money constraints and personnel constraints mean that scientists can't just up and study whatever they'd like to. The link between lemming populations and snowy owl nesting locations was quite interesting, making this a good choice for readers studying ecosystems and symbiotic relationships of species. I also liked the background info on Denver Holt being a kid who would much rather be outside than inside and how he found an occupation that matched his personality. This will resonate with other readers who can't stand to be cooped up inside. Mark Wilson shares quite a bit about what it is like to be a photojournalist and the challenges he had to overcome to get the pictures for this book and what kind of equipment he uses. And in telling both about the scientific research and the photography, readers get to learn what it is like in this remote part of Alaska in the summer and the people group who has made their home there for centuries. (I really appreciate how Wilson portrays Denver Holt as respectful of the local Inupiak people and relates to readers some of the Inupiaq terms that Denver taught him.) There's also things that Denver Holt is keeping an eye on with concerns for how they will impact the snowy owls. Some of these scientists in the field books feel more YA while others feel more middle grade, this one feels a touch more middle grade though still of interest to teen readers.
No content issues.
October 24, 2022
Very much styled as a field guide, relating the work of a wildlife researcher. The Snowy Owl Scientist looks at Mark Wilson's foray into the Arctic tundra to share in what a dedicated scientist is learning, while also documenting the tools and journey he takes as an author-photographer creating the book. Feel a little like a "how I made this non-fiction book" book.
Aspects of the book relating to the life, habits, and habitats of the snowy owls were quite interesting, but I felt a little bogged down in the portions dedicated to learning about what it is like to be someone who studies or photographs them. I would be less-likely to recommend this to those really interested in learning about snowy owls, but more for those interested in careers of hobbies of actually studying them and understanding the experiences and equipment that goes into their on-site observation.
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
Aspects of the book relating to the life, habits, and habitats of the snowy owls were quite interesting, but I felt a little bogged down in the portions dedicated to learning about what it is like to be someone who studies or photographs them. I would be less-likely to recommend this to those really interested in learning about snowy owls, but more for those interested in careers of hobbies of actually studying them and understanding the experiences and equipment that goes into their on-site observation.
Read as a nomination in the non-fiction book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).
April 17, 2023
2022 Cybils Nonfiction nominee
Great pictures and good clear narration, with just the right amount of personal touches that the perspective of the author is acknowledged. It was fun seeing how a scientist works in the field where there are many hazards -- the tundra is cold! Your subjects don't want you messing with them!
I also liked that there's no guarantee that the results will make a difference. He's testing hypothesis, but depending on the results he may have ended up with doing the work of eliminating possibilities rather than confirming them. Important work, but not as reported on. I liked the emphasis on the questions.
Great pictures and good clear narration, with just the right amount of personal touches that the perspective of the author is acknowledged. It was fun seeing how a scientist works in the field where there are many hazards -- the tundra is cold! Your subjects don't want you messing with them!
I also liked that there's no guarantee that the results will make a difference. He's testing hypothesis, but depending on the results he may have ended up with doing the work of eliminating possibilities rather than confirming them. Important work, but not as reported on. I liked the emphasis on the questions.
February 28, 2022
While the Snowy Owl Scientist was obviously a labor of love, it's not very kid friendly. I was drawn to the book by the amazing cover illustration. The photographs throughout the book are equally amazing, and I enjoyed leafing through them and reading the captions. However, the story of research scientist Denver Holt was way too in depth for my interest, and most likely for kids as well. The interest level is recommended for grades 5-9, but I would put it as 9-12, and even then, only for a kid who's really fascinated with the subject.
November 29, 2021
I can tell this was a passion project. It's dense with great scientific information, charts, and photos. Seems like a good book for an elementary library for a child to pick up to work on a research project. It reads like a textbook though so I don't know if most would pick up to read "just because". Still, if you like owls and animal biology it could be for you! It's definitely well done.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
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April 19, 2022Reviewing professionally
May 6, 2022
Won it in a giveaway. The photographs are awesome, interesting career choice as well, cool to experience it in the third person.
July 7, 2022
What a fascinating book ! Loved it!
July 15, 2022
Another fabulous book in the Scientists in the Field series. Love the photo's
December 29, 2023
This is a great book to read with an eleven-year-old interested in birds!
May 4, 2024
Great nonfiction about snowy owls and what it means to study them. Follows one particular scientist. Great glossy pictures and connection to indigenous lands.
February 9, 2025
There isn't much to this book, but it's informative, accessible, and lavishly illustrated. It's aimed at young adult readers, but it kept even an old guy like me entertained.
May 15, 2023
Wildlife photographer Mark Wilson accompanies researcher Denver Holt on the Alaskan tundra. Holt, who has dedicated his career to snowy owls, surveys nesting sites every year, shedding light on the delicate ecosystem the owls inhabit. With phenomenal photography and an in-depth look at the life of a snowy owl scientist, this book won an award of high distinction from a prominent review journal last year.
And now more about the series: Scientists in the Field books take kids into the natural world where they can see scientists in action. With 63 award-winning books and counting, they have plenty of topics to choose from, even if the young scientists in your life aren't into owls.
And now more about the series: Scientists in the Field books take kids into the natural world where they can see scientists in action. With 63 award-winning books and counting, they have plenty of topics to choose from, even if the young scientists in your life aren't into owls.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews