Never know what you’ll come across when out-n-about. Certainly wasn’t expecting to find a Northern Saw-whet Owl.
Only having seen one in a nest box at a distance years ago…this was a delight.
These owls are a bit smaller than an Eastern Screech Owl and only 6-7 in.…half the size of a Northern Hawk Owl.
They prefer to roost rather low (6-8 ft) in conifers where they spend their day sleeping the time away. It appeared that this little guy was holding something in its talons…which turned out to be a partially eaten mouse.
The owl soon became alert and went on to swallow done the rest of its meal…which took three attempts.
I would even go as far to say that this particular tree was a favorite perch and well used. Just how did I come to this conclusion ?
It pays to be observant…noticing frozen strings of owl droppings (poop) hanging off lower limbs along with a number of pellets on the ground.
I know it’s more information than you really wanted/needed to know.
It was a Great Way to start the week-end.