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Please see earthwatch. In the western U. When just one aspect of either ecosystem changes, it can throw off this timing and affect the conservation status of the entire species. We still know very little about some of these small owl species, independent of climate change impacts, given their mostly nocturnal and secretive nature.
Are some species more abundant, or do they do better in certain forest types than others? How do they interact with other owls? When do they breed, how many eggs do they lay, and how many young do they typically raise? Most owls seek out tree cavities, hollow openings such as those carved by woodpeckers, to nest in.
But climate change may also threaten their habitat. Scientists predict that within this century, aspen and other types of forest may all but disappear in many areas. Natural tree cavities will likely disappear along with them, affecting not only owls but also other species that rely on these cavities for shelter or breeding.
While this strategy has been effective in Utah, where Flammulated and Saw-whet Owls regularly use nest boxes, in other regions, nest boxes are not commonly used by Flammulated Owls, Whiskered Screech-owls, Pygmy Owls, or Elf Owls. One explanation might be that a lack of cavities leads to higher rates of nest box use, which we see in Utah.
