Owling

Lance Benner looks into the night sky in the Angeles National Forest in search of owls. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

July 26, 2012 4:09 PM PT

Lance Benner and his girlfriend, Kathi Ellsworth, search for owls high in the San Gabriel Mountains. Owls are the glamour-pusses of the bird-watching world. Some swivel their heads 270 degrees, “Exorcist”-style. Their eyes lap up light; their flight is silent. Read Gale Holland’s column

With the aid of a telescopic microphone, Lance Benner listens for owl vocalizations in the Angeles National Forest. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

With a spotlight in hand, Lance Benner scans the treetops off Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest for owls. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

JPL scientist Lance Benner and girlfriend Kathi Ellsworth take treks to the Angeles National Forest to observe owls. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

A fledgling Northern Saw-whet owl perches on a branch in the Angeles National Forest. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Speakers attached to an iPod broadcast recorded owl vocalizations as part of an effort to elicit responses from owls in the area. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)