THE WRITING LIFE

Publications

2024

D.W. Holt, M.D. Larson, M. Seidensticker and S.P. Hiro. 2024. A Worldwide Review of Snowy Owl Feeding Ecology: The Importance of Lemmings and Voles in a Changing Climate, Birds 5(3): 341-351 DOI: 10.3390/birds5030022

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus). Version 2.0

D.W. Holt, M. D. Larson, N. E. Smith, D. L. Evans, D.F. Parmelee, T. McDonald, M.J. Stoffel, M. Blom, H. Pletz, and D. J. Zazelenchuk. 2024. In Birds of the World (S.M. Billerman, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.snoowl.02 In press.

2023

Papers to be submitted for review and publication in 2023:

Holt, D.W., and M.D. Larson. Owl cycles, irruptions, migration, and nomadism: Defining terms.

Holt, D.W., M. Blom, D. Evans, T. McDonald, H. Pletz, N. Smith, M. Stoffel and D. Zazelunchuk. Snowy Owl irruptions: A review of what we know and do not know regarding this type of migration.

Holt, D.W., M.D. Larson, M. T. Seidensticker, and S. Hiro. Do male Snowy Owls feed their mates the biggest lemmings?

Holt, D.W. and M.D. Larson. Natal Philopatry, natal dispersal, sibling relations, site fidelity, and length of stay, for nestling Long-eared Owls (Asio otus) from 1987-2020, Montana, USA.

2022

Holt, D.W. 2022. Why are Snowy Owls white and why have they evolved distinct sexual color
dimorphism? A review of questions and hypotheses 2022. Journal Raptor Research 56: (4) 440-
454. http://doi10.3356/JRR-21-56.

Holt, D. 2022. Review of the book Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World’s Largest Owl, by Jonathan C. Slaght. Association of Field Ornithologists Book Review, https://www.afonet.org/2022/03/owls-of-the-eastern-ice/.

Holt, D.W., M.D Larson, S. P. Hiro, and M.T. Seidensticker. 2022. Is This Philopatry or Dispersal in Female Boreal Owls?

Northwestern Naturalist 103(2), 154-161, (1 August 2022). https://doi.org/10.1898/NWN20-35

Holt, D.W. November/December 2022. Experts in the Field. The Wildlife Professional, 16(6), 55-57).

2019

Larson, M.D., Larson, J.C., Holt, D.W., Gniadek, S., and A. Eckert. 2019. The Northern Hawk Owl in Montana: A Summary of Breeding Biology, Diet, Habitat Association, and Records (1994–2015) Journal of Raptor Research Vol. 53, Issue 1 (Feb 2019), pg(s) 66-74.

2017

Gniadek, S.J. and D.W. Holt. 2017. First nest records of Northern Hawk Owls (Surnia ulula) in Montana, with notes on behavior and food habits. Northwest Naturalist 98(2): 117-121.

Larson, M.D. 2017. The House of Owls (book review). The Condor 119(2): 350-351.

2016

Holt, D.W., K. Gray, M.T. Maples and M.A. Korte. 2016. Mass growth rates and plumage development, and related behaviors of Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) chicks. Journal Raptor Research. 50: (2).

Holt, D.W., M.L. Mull, M.T. Seidensticker, and M.D. Larson. 2016. Sex Differences in Long-eared Owl Plumage Coloration. Journal Raptor Research. 50:60-69.

Larson, M.D. and D.W. Holt. 2016. Using Roadside Surveys to Detect Short-eared Owls: A comparison of visual and audio techniques. The Wildlife Society Bulletin. 40(2).

2015

Holt, D.W., M. D. Larson, N. Smith, D.L. Evans, and D.F. Parmelee. 2015. Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus). The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.).Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology; Retrieved from the Birds of North America Online: http://birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/010doi:10.2173/bna.10

2014

Holt, D.W. 2014. Declining populations of Long-eared Owls and Snowy Owls in Montana and Alaska: Results of Long-term Research. Abstract. In Raptors of the Northwest Symposium, Pasco, WA. 5-6 Feb 2014. Northwestern Naturalist 95:142-143.

Holt, D.W. and M Larson. 2014. Natural nest-site characteristics of two small forest owls with implications for conservation and management. Abstract. In Raptors of the Northwest Symposium, Pasco, WA. 5-6 Feb 2014. Northwestern Naturalist 95:148-149.

Larson, M. and D.W. Holt. 2014. Investigations of pre-nesting survey methods for Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus) in western Montana. Abstract. In Raptors of the Northwest Symposium, Pasco, WA. 5-6 Feb 2014. Northwestern Naturalist 95:150.

Booms, T.L., G.L. Holroyd, M.A. Gahbauer, H.E. Trefry, D. Wiggins, D.W. Holt, J.A. Johnson, S.B. Lewis, M. D. Larson, K.L. Keyes, and S. Swengel. 2014. Assessing the Status and Conservation Priorities for Short-eared Owls in North America. Journal Wildlife Management 78:1-7.

Holt, D.W., J. Lucus, S. Hiro, and O. Mendez. 2014. Breeding Record of the Stygian Owl (Asio stygius) in Guatemala. Spizaetus 17:14-17.

2013

Seidensticker, M.T., D.W. Holt, and M.D. Larson. 2013. Breeding Status of Flammulated Owls in Montana. Northwestern Naturalist 94:171-179.

2012

Dial, C.R, S.L. Talbot, G.K. Sage, M.T. Seidensticker, and D.W. Holt. 2012. Cross-species Amplification of Microsatellite Markers in the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus), Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus), and Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus) for Use in Population Genetics, Individual Identification and Parentage Studies. Journal Yamashina Institute for Ornithology 44:1-12.

Seidensticker, M.T., D.W. Holt, J. Deteinne, S. Talbot, and K. Gray. 2012. Sexing Young Snowy Owls. Journal Raptor Research 45: 281-289.

2010

Holt, D.W. 2010. Owls of the World Book Review. Journal Field Ornithology 81:223-226.

2009

Holt, D.W., A. Paulson, and M.L. Romero. 2009. Corticosterone as a Measure of Stress in Nest-Bound and Nest-Departed Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) Chicks. Ardea 97:593-596.

Holt, D.W., M.T. Maples, J.L. Petersen-Parrat, M. Korti, M. Seidensticker, and K. Gray. 2009. Characteristics of Nest Mounds Used by Snowy Owls: with Conservation and Management Implications. Ardea 97:555-561.

Romero, L.M., D.W. Holt, and J.L. Petersen. 2009. Flushing Effects and Seasonal Changes on Corticosterone Levels in Adult Long-eared Owls. Ardea 97:603-608.

2008

Holt, D.W. and S.A. Zetterberg. 2008. The 2005 to 2006 Snowy Owl Irruption Migration to Western Montana. Northwestern Naturalist 89:145-151.

Holt, D.W. and E.A. Layne. 2008. Eye Injuries in Long-Eared Owls (Asio otus): Prevalence and Survival. Journal of Raptor Research 42:243-247.

Detienne, J., D.W. Holt, M. Seidensticker, and T. Pitz. 2008. Dietary Analysis of Snowy Owls Wintering in West-Central Montana: With Comparisons of Other North American Studies. Journal Raptor Research 42: 172-179.

2007

Holt, D.W. and C. Bitter. 2007. Barred Owl Winter Diet and Pellet Dimensions in Western Montana. Northwestern Naturalist 88: 7-11.

Holt, D.W., B. Mulrooney, and J.M. White. 2007. A Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) from Montana. Northwestern Naturalist 88: 14-16.

2006

Wiggins, D.A., D.W. Holt, and S.M. Leasure. 2006. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus). The Birds of North America (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithica: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/062.

Holt, D.W. 2006. Owls. In Arctic Wings: Birds of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Editor, Stephen Brown.The Mountaineers Books, Seattle, WA.

Seidensticker, M., D.T. Tyler Flockhart, D.W. Holt, and K. Gray. 2006. Growth and Plumage Development of Nestling Long-eared Owls. Condor 109: 981-985.

Romero, L.M., D.W. Holt, M. Maples, and J.C. Wingfield. 2006. Corticosterone is Not Correlated with Nest Departure in Snowy Owl Chicks. General and Comparative Endocrinology 149: 119-123.

2005

Holt, D.W., C. Hanns T. O’Hara, K. Burek, and R. Frantz. 2005. New Distribution Records of Echinococcus multilocularis in the Brown Lemming from Barrow, Alaska, USA. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 41: 260-262.

2003

Holt, D.W., M.T. Maples, and C. Savok. 2003. Black Color Morph of the Brown Lemming, Lemmus trimurcronatus = L. sibiricus. Canadian Field-Naturalist 117: 466-468.

Holt, D.W. 2003. Short-eared Owl. Pages 182-183, In Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas.W.R. Petersen and W.R. Meservey, eds. Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Holt, D.W. 2003. Northern Harrier. Pages 92-93.In Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas.W.R. Petersen and W.R Meservey, eds. Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Holt, D.W. 2003. Black-headed Gull. Page 425, Appendix 1.In Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas.W.R. Petersen and W.R. Meservey, eds. Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln, Massachusetts.

Fuller, M., D.W. Holt, and L. Schueck. 2003. Snowy Owl Movements: Variation on the Migration Theme. In Avian Migration, Pp. 359-366. Berthold, E. Gwinner, E. Sonnenschein, eds. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany.

Deppe, C., D.W. Holt, J. Tewksbury, L. Broberg, J. Petersen, and K. Wood. 2003. Effect of Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium gnoma) Eyespots on Avian Mobbing. Auk 120(3): 765-771.

2002

Holt, D.W. and L. Schill. 2002. Prey of Ring-billed Gulls in Lake County, Montana: Identification and Quantification of Prey and Management Implications. Northwestern Naturalist 83: 118-122.

Cromrich, L.A., D.W. Holt, and S.M. Leasure. 2002. Trophic Niche of North American Great Horned Owls. Journal of Raptor Research 36: 58-65.

2001

Holt, D.W. and W.N. Tiffney. 2001. A Yellow Wood Lily, (Lilium Philadelphicum), from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, with Notes on its Occurrence in New England. Canadian Field-Naturalist 115: 351-352.

Holt, D.W. and S. Drasen. 2001. Early Nesting by Great Horned Owls in Montana. Journal of Raptor Research 35: 66-67.

Holt, D.W., R. Domenech, and A. Paulson. 2001. Status and Distribution of the Barred Owl in Montana. Northwestern Naturalist 82: 102-110.

Holt, D.W., W.D. Norton, and E.C. Atkinson. 2001. Breeding Season Food Habits of Burrowing Owls in South-central Montana. Intermountain Journal of Science 7: 63-69.

Takats, L.D., D.M. Francis, G.L. Holroyd, J.R. Duncan, K.M. Mazur, R. Cannings, W. Harris, and D.W. Holt. 2001. Guidelines for Nocturnal Owl Monitoring in North America. 32 pages. Beaver Hill Bird Observatory and Bird Study. Canada, Edmonton, Alberta.

2000

Holt, D.W. and J.L. Petersen. 2000. Northern Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium gnoma). In: The Birds of North America, No. 494 (A. Poole & F. Gill, Eds). Philadelphia: Academy of Natural Sciences, Washington, D.C. American Ornithologists’ Union.

1999

Holt, D.W., R. Berkely, C. Deppe, P.L. Enriquez-Rocha, P.D. Olsen, J.L. Petersen, J.L. Rangel-Salazar, K.P. Segars, and K.L. Wood. 1999. Strigidae species accounts. In: J. Del Hoyo, A. Elliot and J. Sargatal, eds. Handbook of Birds of the World. Vol. 5. Barcelona Spain, Lynx Edicions, pages 153-242.

1997

Holt, D.W. 1997. The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) and Forest Management: a Review of the Literature. Journal of Raptor Research. 31: 175-186.

1996

Jarvis, K. and D.W. Holt. 1996. Owls: Whoo Are They? Mountain Press Publishing. Missoula, Montana.

Holt, D.W. and L.A. Leroux. 1996. Diets of Northern Pygmy-Owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls in West-central Montana. Wilson Bulletin 108: 123-128.

Holt, D.W. 1996. Book Review: The Eastern Screech Owl: Life History, Ecology, and Behavior in the Suburbs and Countryside. Wilson Bulletin 108: 201-202.

Holt, D.W. and P.A. Williams. 1996. Sex of Voles Eaten by Short-eared Owls. Northwestern Naturalist 76: 145-147.

Holt, D.W. 1996. Commentary: On Winter Records and Vertebrate Prey in Flammulated Owls. Journal of Raptor Research 30: 46-48.

1995

Maples, M.T., Holt, D.W. and W. Campbell. 1995. Ground Nesting Long-eared Owls. Wilson Bulletin 107: 563-565.

Holt, D.W. 1995. Book Review: Flammulated, Boreal, and Great Gray Owls in the United States: a Technical Conservation Assessment. Journal of Raptor Research 29: 286-288.

Holt, D.W., M.W. Robertson, and J.T. Ricks. 1995. Albino Eastern Screech Owl, Otus asio. Canadian Field-Naturalist 109: 121-122.

1994

Holt, D.W. 1994. Larder hoarding in the Cougar, Felis concolor. Canadian Field-Naturalist 108: 240.

Holt, D.W. 1994. Effects of Short-eared Owl Foraging on Common Tern Reproductive Success. Colonial Waterbirds 17: 1-6.

Marks, J.S., D.L. Evans, and D.W. Holt. 1994. Long-eared Owl (Asio otus). In: The Birds of North America, No. 133 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds). Philadelphia: Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C: American Ornithologists' Union.

1993

Blem, C.R., L.P. Blem, and D.W. Holt. 1993. Estimation of Body Mass of Voles from Crania in Short-eared Owl Pellets. American Midl. Naturalist 129: 282-287.

Holt, D.W. 1993. Breeding Season Diet of Short-eared Owls in Massachusetts. Wilson Bulletin 105: 490-496.

Holt, D.W. 1993. Trophic Niche of Nearctic Short-eared Owls. Wilson Bulletin 105: 497-503.

Holt, D.W. and S.M. Leasure. 1993. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus). In: The Birds of North America, No. 62 (A. Poole and F. Gill, Eds). Philadelphia: Academy of Natural Sciences; Washington, D.C: American Ornithologists' Union.

Enriques-Rocha, P., J.L. Rangel-Salazar, and D.W. Holt. 1993. Presence and Distribution of Mexican Owls: a Review. Journal of Raptor Research 27: 54-160.

1992

Holt, D.W. 1992. Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Nest Sites, Reproduction, and Territory Sizes in Coastal Massachusetts. Canadian Field-Naturalist 106: 352-356.

Holt, D.W., K. Hicks, and W.D. Norton. 1992. First Nest Record for the Barn Owl in Montana. Prairie Naturalist 24: 121-122.

Holt, D.W., S.M. Melvin, and B. Steele. 1992. Nestling Growth Rates of Short-eared Owls. Wilson Bulletin 104: 326-333.

1991

Holt, D.W., E. Andrews, and N. Claflin. 1991. Diet of Northern Saw-whet Owls (Aegolius acadicus) on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. Canadian Field-Naturalist 105: 382-385.

Lortie, J.P., B.A. Sorrie, and D.W. Holt. 1991. Flora of the Monomoy Islands, Chatham, Massachusetts. Rhodora 93: 361-389.

Holt, D.W. and N. Childs. 1991. Non-breeding Season Diet of Long-eared Owls in Massachusetts. Journal of Raptor Research 25: 23-24.

Leasure, S.M. and D.W. Holt. 1991. Techniques for Locating and Capturing Nesting Female Short-eared Owls (Asio flammeus). North American Bird Bander 16: 32-33.

1990

Holt, D.W., R. Kline, and L. Sullivan-Holt. 1990. A Description of "Tufts" and Concealing Posture in Northern Pygmy-Owls. Journal of Raptor Research 24: 59-63.

Holt, D.W. 1990. "Blond" Color Morph of Microtus pennsylvanicus from Massachusetts. Canadian Field-Naturalist 104: 596-597.

Holt, D.W. and D.M. Becker. 1990. Identification of Montana's Owls. Montana Outdoors 21: 11-26.

1989

Holt, D.W. and D. Ermatinger. 1989. First Confirmed Nest Site of Boreal Owls in Montana. Northwest Naturalist 70: 27-31.

Holt, D.W. and R. Kline. 1989. The "Glaring Gnome." Montana Outdoors 20: 13-15.

Melvin, S.M., D.G. Smith, D.W. Holt, and G.R. Tate. 1989. Small Owls. In Proc. Northeast Raptor Management Symposium and Workshop. National Wildlife Federation, Washington, D.C. pp 88-96.

Phillips, J.A., A. Poole, and D.W. Holt. 1989. Nest Mites of Osprey and Short-eared Owls in Massachusetts Salt Marshes, USA. In Progress in Acarology: VII International Acarology Congress, 1986. Eds. G.P. ChannaBasavanna and C.A. Viraktamath, Bangalore, India. Vol. II, pages 305-306.

1988

Holt, D.W. 1988. Boreal Owl Survey and Research Results.1988 Field Season. Lolo National Forest .U.S. Forest Service Report, Intermountain Forest and Range Experimental Station, Missoula, Montana, 22 pages.

1987

Holt, D.W. 1987. Use of Exposed Mud-flats by Shorebirds, Waterfowl, and Other Avian Species, on Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Stevensville, Montana. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, 12 pages.

Holt, D.W., J.J. Jonkel, and B.A. McIntosh. 1987. Second Specimen Record of a Boreal Owl in Montana. Murrelet 68: 68.

Holt, D.W. and J.M. Hillis. 1987. Current Status and Habitat Associations of Forest Owls in Western Montana. In Biology and Conservation of Northern Forest Owls Symposium. Feb. 3-7, 1987, Winnipeg, Manitoba. USDA Forest Service General Technical Report, RM-142, pages 281-288.

Holt, D.W., R.C. Humphrey, and J.P. Lortie. 1987. The Mammals of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts. The Cape Naturalist 15: 63-69.

Holt, D.W., L.J. Lyon, and R. Hale. 1987. Techniques for Differentiating the Pellets of Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers. Condor 89: 929-931.

Holt, D.W., J.A. Hoy, and P.L. Wright. 1987. Occurrence and First Nest Record of Flammulated Owls in Montana. Journal of Raptor Research 21: 120-121.

Holt, D.W. 1987. Short-eared Owls Predation on Leach's Storm Petrels in Massachusetts. Canadian Field-Naturalist 101: 448-450.

Holt, D.W. 1987. The Laughing Gull, pages 53-61. In Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Species of Special Concern. Prepared by J.P. Lortie, D.W. Holt, and R.C. Humphrey. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts. Master Planning Report, 95 pages.

Holt, D.W. 1987. The Common Tern, pages 62-71. In Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Species of Special Concern. Prepared by J.P. Lortie, D.W. Holt, and R.C. Humphrey. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts. Master Planning Report, 95 pages.

Holt, D.W. 1987. The Black Skimmer, pages 80-86. In Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Species of Special Concern. Prepared by J.P. Lortie, D.W. Holt, and R.C. Humphrey. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts. Master Planning Report, 95 pages.

Holt, D.W. 1987. The Northern Harrier, pages 25-30. In Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Species of Special Concern. Prepared by J.P. Lortie, D.W. Holt, and R.C. Humphrey.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts. Master Planning Report, 95 pages.

Holt, D.W. 1987. The Short-eared Owl, pages 87-95. In Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge: Species of Special Concern. Prepared by J.P. Lortie, D.W. Holt, and R.C. Humphrey. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts. Master Planning Report, 95 pages.

Holt, D.W. 1987. Small Mammal Trap-line Inventory on Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Stevensville, Montana. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Report, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, 5 pages.

1986

Holt, D.W. 1986. A Summary of Short-eared Owl Breeding Status in Massachusetts. Bird Observer of Eastern Massachusetts 14: 234-237.

Holt, D.W. and W.D. Norton. 1986. Observations of Nesting Northern Pygmy-Owls. Journal of Raptor Research 20: 39-41.

Petersen, W.R., B.J. Nikula, and D.W. Holt. 1986. First Record of a Brown-chested Martin in North America. American Birds 40: 192-193.

Holt, D.W., J.P. Lortie, B.J. Nikula, and R.C. Humphrey. 1986. First Record of Common Black-headed Gulls Breeding in the United States. American Birds 40: 204-206.

Holt, D.W. 1986. Status Report: The Short-eared Owl in the Northeast. Eyas 9: 3-5.

Holt, D.W. and S.M. Melvin. 1986. Population Dynamics, Breeding Biology and Food Habits of the Short-eared Owl in Massachusetts. Summary of 1985 Research. Massachusetts Natural Heritage Program, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Report, 58 pages.

1985

Holt, D.W. 1985. The Short-eared Owl in Massachusetts. The Cape Naturalist 14: 31-35.

Holt, D.W, J.P. Lortie, and R.C. Humphrey. 1985. An Inventory of Breeding Birds on Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in 1984. Bird Observer of Eastern Massachusetts 12: 221-224.

1984

Holt, D.W. and J.P. Lortie. 1984. An Inventory of Breeding Birds on Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, Chatham, Massachusetts, 1983. Bird Observer of Eastern Massachusetts 12: 53-57.

1983

Fitch, J.H. and D.W. Holt. 1983. Tern Conservation Activities Program. Massachusetts Audubon Society Report, 32 pages.

1982

Holt, D.W. 1982. Peregrine Falcon Occupancy Survey: Lolo National Forest. USDA Forest Service Report, Lolo National Forest, Missoula, Montana, 14 pages.

Norton, W.D. and D.W. Holt. 1982. Simultaneous Nesting of Northern Pygmy-owls and Northern Saw-whet Owls in the Same Snag. Murrelet 63: 94.

Becker, D.M. and D.W. Holt. 1982. A Survey of Raptor Breeding Activity and Habitat Utilization along the Missouri River in North-Central Montana; with Special Emphasis on Peregrine and Prairie Falcons. Montana Power Company Report, Butte, Montana, 43 pages.