SEPTEMBER 2025 LCAS PROGRAM

Barred Owl Ecology, Expansion, and Controversy

Presenter: Adam Potts                                                                                                                                 

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – Program begins at 7:00 PM
Montana Wild, 2668 Broadwater Ave.                                      Free – All are welcome                                                                  

This month’s program takes a closer look at one of North America’s most widespread and captivating raptors: the barred owl. Known for their distinctive call and striking plumage, barred owls have long held a special appeal for birders. Yet their story is far more complex than their charm suggests.  Biologist Adam Potts will guide us through the fascinating ecology of barred owls, with special attention to their growing presence here in Montana. Drawing from his master’s thesis research at the University of Montana, Adam will share his findings on habitat use and nest site selection, offering insights into how these adaptable owls thrive in a variety of landscapes.

The talk will then widen in scope to examine the barred owl’s westward expansion across North America—a remarkable range shift that has raised questions about the ecological forces driving their spread. From historical hypotheses to modern data, Adam will explore the possible reasons behind this expansion and what it means for ecosystems they now inhabit.

The program concludes with a look at one of the most pressing conservation controversies in modern ornithology: population control measures aimed at protecting the endangered spotted owl. Adam will present the arguments from various perspectives, encouraging future consideration about the ethical, ecological, and management challenges at play.

About the Speaker: Adam Potts is a biologist with the Owl Research Institute. He completed his master’s thesis on barred owls at the University of Montana in 2024.