Destination: Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska
Expedition: Denver will set off on the annual pilgrimage to Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska for his 30th year studying these birds—among the largest of all owls. Having spent the most time of any researcher studying the Snowy Owl in one location, Denver has developed an intimate connection with these birds and the changing ecosystem they inhabit. He also has close ties with the people who call Alaska’s North Slope home--the Iñupiat. Thus, the story behind Denver’s work goes well beyond the longest-standing field study of any owl on the planet: It is also very much the story of our personal and cultural ties to nature.